What to do in case of illness?

If you have a health-related problem, you can be helpded by a whole number of healthcare workers. However, it is best to see a general practitioner (GP or 'huisarts' in Dutch) first of all rather than going immediately to a hospital.

Medicines and drugs

Several healthcare workers can prescribe drugs. Other drugs are available over the counter at pharmacies. Do not forget to take along your SIS card and/or healthcare fund stickers.

Health insurance

Everyone has to have health insurance, either through private insurance (taken out before arrival in Belgium or through your scholarship agency) or through a healthcare fund ('mutualiteit' in Dutch).

Healthcare costs

Mandatory healthcare cover entitles the policyholder to a basic refund, i.e. to a refund for certain types of medication, and an allowance for numerous healthcare services.

Emergencies

Knowing what to do in case of emergency can make all the difference. Read up on personal safety in Ghent, the civil emergency services (ambulance, police, fire department) and the university's own Emergency Centre.

General wellbeing

Health is of course more than physical wellbeing:

• dealing with culture shock and mental health
• sexual health
• pregnancy
• engaging with the (inter)national community
• bringing your children along

Children and health

The organisation Kind en Gezin (K&G or 'Child and Family') offers free services to expectant parents and families with children under the age of three. These include information sessions and home visits by a nurse. They oversee pre-school vaccinations and undertake hearing and sight tests.

Health and safety at work

The Health & Safety support services provide a central resource for health and safety to complement and support the work of safety officers in the University’s academic departments. Together they ensure that the university is a safe and healthy place to work, study or visit.

Healthcare system

Belgium's healthcare system is known for its easy accessibility and high-quality treatments - made possible by the people's contributions to social security.