Belgians pay high portion of health care costs, report shows

While Belgium's health care system is generally lauded for its accessibility, Belgians still pay a large part of their health care costs themselves, according to a triennial report on the Belgian health system, published by the Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (KCE), the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI) and the Scientific Institute of Public Health (IPH).

The report, which lists the strengths and weaknesses of the Belgian health care system based on data from the period 2008-2013, shows that Belgians pay 18% of the total health care costs themselves, which is high compared with other European countries, writes De Morgen.

The promotion of public health also appears to be a sore point in Belgium, the report reveals, with a high number of adults who are obese, smoke or drink too much alcohol.

The mental health figures are also alarming, with a high number of suicides relative to other European countries, as well as a rising number of admissions into psychiatric institutions and increasing antidepressant use.

The overall efficiency of Belgium's health system got a more positive report, with more and more generic drugs being used and less overnight hospital stays in favour of outpatient care.

Health care accounts for 10.2% of Belgium's gross domestic product, which is slightly higher than the European average.