Quick Start: Finding a GP in Leuven
If you've recently moved to Belgium, follow these steps:
- Join a Belgian health insurance fund (health mutuality/HIF).
- Search for a GP in Leuven using online platforms such as:
- Khobra
- Doctena
- Book an introductory appointment, even if you're not currently ill.
- Ask about opening a Global Medical File (GMD) with your chosen GP.
- Save your GP's contact details so you can easily reach them when needed.
Tip: Don't wait until you're sick to start looking for a doctor. Many GP practices have limited availability, so it's best to find one shortly after arriving in Leuven.
Why You Need a Family Doctor in Belgium
The Belgian healthcare system is built around the GP. In most situations, your family doctor is the first healthcare professional you should contact when you have a medical concern.
Your GP can:
- Diagnose and treat common illnesses and infections
- Provide prescriptions for medication
- Treat minor injuries and wounds
- Monitor chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Offer preventive healthcare and health screenings
- Provide pregnancy and contraception advice
- Monitor children's health and development
- Help with mental health and psychosomatic concerns
- Issue sick notes required by employers
- Refer you to specialists when necessary
In many cases, a referral from your GP is needed to receive maximum reimbursement from your health insurance when visiting certain healthcare providers.
How to Find a GP in Leuven
One of the benefits of the Belgian healthcare system is that you are generally free to choose your own doctor.
You can search for GPs through:
Khobra: A healthcare directory that allows you to search for doctors in your area.
Doctena: An online appointment platform where many Belgian doctors offer online booking.
Keep in mind that not every GP in Leuven will be listed on these websites, so recommendations from colleagues, neighbours, friends, or local community groups can also be helpful.
Choosing the Right GP
When selecting a doctor, consider:
- Distance from your home or workplace
- Languages spoken
- Appointment availability
- Whether new patients are accepted
- Whether the doctor is conventioned (see below)
For many internationals, finding a GP who speaks English can make navigating the healthcare system much easier.
What Is a Global Medical File (GMD)?
During your first appointment, you may choose to open a Global Medical File (Globaal Medisch Dossier or GMD) and designate the GP as your regular doctor (vaste huisarts).
Your GMD allows your doctor to:
- Keep your medical history in one place
- Better coordinate your healthcare
- Track treatments and medications
- Provide more consistent long-term care
Opening a GMD does not lock you into that doctor permanently. You can change GPs at any time if your situation changes.
Conventioned vs. Non-Conventioned Doctors
When searching for a GP in Belgium, you may come across the terms conventioned and non-conventioned.
Conventioned Doctors (Geconventioneerde Artsen)
These doctors follow the official fee agreements negotiated between healthcare providers and health insurance funds. As a result, your out-of-pocket costs are generally lower.
Non-Conventioned Doctors (Niet-Geconventioneerde Artsen)
These doctors can charge fees above the standard rates, which may increase the amount you need to pay yourself.
Many doctors indicate their convention status on their website or in their waiting room.
Tip: If keeping healthcare costs predictable is important to you, check whether a doctor is conventioned before booking an appointment.
What to Do Outside Normal Office Hours
GP practices are generally open during standard business hours. But what if you need medical assistance during the evening, at night, on weekends, or on public holidays?
For Urgent but Non-Life-Threatening Medical Problems
Call 1733 to reach the after-hours medical service.
If you are using an international phone provider and cannot reach 1733, call:
+32 2 524 98 89
In a Life-Threatening Emergency
Call 112 immediately.
Examples include:
- Severe chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Serious accidents
- Loss of consciousness
- Stroke symptoms
Helpful Dutch Words for Healthcare
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| Huisarts / Huisdokter | Family doctor / GP |
| Vaste huisarts | Regular GP |
| Globaal Medisch Dossier (GMD) | Global Medical File |
| Afspraak | Appointment |
| Voorschrift | Prescription |
| Doktersbriefje | Doctor's note |
| Ziekteattest | Sick note |
| Geconventioneerde arts | Conventioned doctor |
| Niet-geconventioneerde arts | Non-conventioned doctor |
| Verwijzing | Referral |
| Spoeddienst | Emergency department |
| Wachtdienst | After-hours medical service |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose any GP in Leuven?
Yes. You are generally free to choose your own GP, although some practices may not be accepting new patients.
Do I need a GP if I rarely get sick?
Yes. Having a GP already selected can save time and stress when you unexpectedly need medical advice or treatment.
Can I change my GP later?
Yes. Opening a GMD does not prevent you from changing doctors in the future.
Do doctors in Leuven speak English?
Many doctors in Leuven speak English, especially those who regularly work with international patients. However, language availability varies by practice.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
Belgium allows direct access to some specialists, but seeing your GP first is often recommended. In some situations, a referral may also help ensure reimbursement through your health insurance.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring:
- Your ID card or residence card
- Health insurance information
- A list of any medications you take
- Relevant medical records, if available
Who do I call when my GP is closed?
For urgent medical issues that cannot wait until the next working day, call 1733 to reach the after-hours medical service.