Insurance

Shit happens. And when it does, it's better to be safe than sorry! So make sure you're properly insured when you come to Belgium. Here's what you need to know.

ACCIDENT AND THIRD-PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE

Incoming exchange students should be insured by their home university for accidents and third-party liability insurance as they are still registered as a student in their home university.
This insurance should be valid during educational and recreational activities in university buildings, while commuting to and from the university and during excursions approved by the university. If this is not the case, students are responsible for their own insurance for all possible risks

HEALTH INSURANCE

Before leaving for Antwerp, students should report to their insurance company and carefully examine whether your health insurance in your home country covers all medical costs for the entire period of stay in Belgium.
If that is not the case, they can choose to take up insurance with a local health insurance federation in Antwerp upon their arrival.

FIRE INSURANCE

If you rent a property, you are responsible for damage caused by fire, water or explosion. (Unless they are caused by circumstances beyond your control.)
You should take out insurance to cover these risks. Whether you should take out an individual policy or whether these risks are insured by your landlord 's policy depends on what has been agreed upon in your rental agreement.

Landlord vs individual

Landlords have to insure their building for fire and related risks, electrical and water damage. A landlord's policy can include insurance on behalf of the tenant, by means of which the tenant’s liability towards the landlord and towards third parties is covered. The landlord can also ask a contribution for the tenant’s liability in the fire insurance.
If the contract does not stipulate that the tenant’s liability is insured through the landlord’s policy, you need to take out individual insurance to cover the risks of damage to the landlord’s property and to third parties.

Personal belongings

Your personal belongings will never be covered by the landlord’s insurance policy.
They may be covered by your parents' fire insurance, but only if you are still registered as living at home. (Because your belongings are only temporarily moved to your student accommodation). Check your parent's insurance policy to make sure.
If your belongings are not covered by your parents’ policy, you will have to take out an individual insurance policy.