Health insurance abroad is essential for any expat. In addition to expat healthcare insurance rates, insurance providers or online insurance comparison sites can provide life assurance quotes and auto insurance rates to provide you with overseas coverage. However, remember that cheap insurance may not represent the best value for money if you need to make a claim - as an expat you may require specialist expatriate insurance cover abroad.

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Belgian residents are required to have some form of healthcare insurance, and can opt to join either the state social security scheme or a private scheme. Employees usually have their contributions to the state scheme automatically deducted from their salary. The rates of reimbursement are fixed by the Government. The state scheme provides reimbursement for most but not all of the cost of medical treatment, and is therefore sometimes supplemented by private health insurance. The self-employed often opt to be covered by private health insurance schemes.

Whether you buy or rent a home in Belgium, you are required under the Belgian Civil Code to take out personal liability insurance against damage to the property. Most rental agreements will specify that this policy must be in place within 30 days of signing a lease on the property. If renting furnished property, insurance is also normally required against damage to the furniture. Property owners have to take out buildings insurance against damage caused by fire, earthquake, storm etc., and when buying a home this is required immediately after the purchase agreement is signed, even though they may not receive the keys for several months.

Contents insurance is not compulsory in Belgium, but is recommended for all expatriates.