Insurance cover in Belgium: Get the lowdown on mandatary and recommended insurance policies

Insurance coverage is an unavoidable part of life that protects you from life’s unforeseen and potentially expensive mishaps.

There is a range of protection and policies available to protect you and your family in Belgium, some mandatory, some advisable.

Here’s a lowdown of the various insurance policies you need or are recommended to have when living in Belgium, including home, personal liability, car, motorbike and bicycle and travel cover.

Home insurance

Whether you’re an owner or a tenant, understanding your home insurance can save you headaches and money.

If you are the owner of a home or apartment, you need to protect your property with appropriate fire insurance. ING Home Insurance for owners covers damage from water damage, theft, third-party damage and loss of keys, as well as fire.

Tenants are also responsible for their home insurance. Even if your insurance broker or real estate agent includes it as part of the rental agreement, you need to have all the information about their policy. Check out ING Home insurance for tenants for more details about getting cover for your rental property.

Theft is not usually a standard component of basic home insurance, so you also need to verify whether you need an upgrade to get it. The premium you pay will reflect the value of the personal belongings that you want to insure.

Personal liability and family insurance

This is a mandatory policy that provides peace of mind for everyone. It covers minor accidents involving third parties in your home and damage to other peoples property outside your home.

ING Family Insurance protects you from the financial consequences of accidental damage to third parties. There are various cover options available for your home, your vehicles or your civil liability, tailored to your specific needs. 

Car, bicycle and motorbike insurance

Another mandatory insurance in Belgium, car owners legally require minimum coverage for their vehicle. From basic insurance to cover for other drivers using your car and 24/7 assistance, find more information about ING’s car insurance here.

Whether you're a regular two-wheel rider or only take to the road occasionally, get more details about ING’s tailor-made rates and pay-as-you-go insurance for motorbikes and mopeds here.

The number of people cycling in Belgium continues to rise. If you ride a mountain, gravel, racing, cargo, electric (maximum speed 25km/h), e-steps or other electric mobility devices (segway, hoverboard, etc), find out about ING’s insurance cover here.

Tailor-made policies cover breakdown assistance, theft, damage to the bike, rider protection, etc. Passengers aged 12 or under can also be covered under the ‘Passengers’ option.

Travel insurance

This is highly recommended for all types of travel for periods up to 90 days as a protection against accidents, illnesses, loss of personal belongings etc. You can also get coverage for family members, including children studying abroad.

For people who are regularly travelling, annual international insurance is customary. It is worthwhile checking out the small print to ensure you get the best coverage for your needs.

ING Travel Insurance offers comprehensive cover, including payment of medical expenses, 24/7 medical assistance, repatriation to Belgium and lost luggage.

Fixed capital death insurance

If you want to protect your family in the case of your death, it is possible to help bridge the future loss of your income through a fixed capital insurance policy.

This requires paying an affordable monthly premium that remains the same throughout the full duration of your policy. You choose the amount you want to insure, the duration of the policy, the beneficiaries. More information about ING’s coverage here.

Find more information here about insurance policies offered by ING Belgium.