Need an English-speaking doctor in Belgium?

The Belgian health system is famous in the world as a center of excellence for health care. This has resulted in exceptionally high standards throughout Belgium. But where can you find an English-speaking doctor? A few pointers from Euromut ...

Many Belgian doctors speak English or at least understand it reasonably well, as medical training in the region often involves the use of English-language text books or periods of study in the UK or USA.

Doctors are listed in the Yellow Pages or the white telephone directory for your area

• In Dutch: www.goudengids.be > look for ‘dokters/artsen’
• In French: www.pagesdor.be > look for ‘docteurs/médecins’

However, you are more likely to find someone who suits you and your family if you ask friends, neighbours and work colleagues for recommendations.
 

Office hours, appointments and ‘walk-in’ consultations

Once you have chosen a GP, you should ask about office hours and whether he/she makes appointments (Dutch: ‘afspraak’ / French: ‘rendez-vous’) or holds ‘walk-in’ consultations or a combination of the two (which is most often the case).

Being able to go to the doctor whenever you aren’t feeling well can be convenient, although there may be a long queue. If you prefer to make an appointment with your GP, it’s normally possible to be seen the same day.

On the other hand, it can take several days or weeks to see a specialist, most of whom work by appointment only.
 

General practitioners, medical facilities and dentists

• A list of English-speaking doctors in and around Brussels: click here.
• A map of Brussels based General Practitioners by commune (GPs only): www.mgbru.be.
• A list of medical facilities and English-speaking medical doctors in Belgium: click here or visit www.hospitals.be.
• Need a dentist? Consult www.tandarts.be (Dutch) or www.dentiste.be (French).

Sources: British embassy Brussels, US embassy Brussels, Just Landed.com

Useful links:

• British embassy > Help for British nationals > When things go wrong > If you need a doctor
• Embassy of the United States > medical facilities
• Just Landed > Belgium > Belgium Guide > Health > Doctors