Insurance, health, eco-vouchers: What changes in Belgium from 1 June?

Several new measures come into effect on 1 June in Belgium that affect healthcare, insurance, eco-voucher purchases and the world of work.

They include the extension of the right to be forgotten for former cancer patients, expanded reimbursement for the HPV vaccine and new products available via eco-vouchers, reports RTBF/Belga.

Right to be forgotten

The right to be forgotten principle gives individuals the right to ask organisations to delete their personal data. This is now extended for former cancer patients. From 1 June, they will no longer have to disclose their past illness when taking out certain insurance policies.

This privacy has existed since 2019 for life insurance policies linked to a mortgage, such as mortgage protection insurance. But until now, those concerned still had to disclose having suffered from cancer in the past.

The aim of the new measure is to prevent former patients from being penalised by refused insurance claims or significantly higher premiums.

It also extends to travel cancellation insurance. Certain managed chronic illnesses are also covered by this system, depending on varying waiting periods after recovery or stabilisation of the condition.

HPV vaccine now reimbursed up to age 30

Another important change in the healthcare sector is the reimbursement for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which is now extended to young adults aged 19 to 30.

HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus, implicated in approximately 5% of cancers. It can cause cancers of the cervix, throat and anus, among others.

Up to now, reimbursement primarily concerned adolescents. From 1 June, young adults who have not yet been vaccinated will also be eligible for health insurance coverage.

Specifically, the Gardasil9 vaccine costs €120.59 per dose, with a complete three-injection regimen. Reimbursed patients will only pay €12.80 per dose.

High-risk groups will continue to benefit from reimbursement up to the age of 45.

Eco-vouchers can be used to purchase more products

From 1 June, eco-vouchers can be used for food and textile products bearing the Fairtrade label, as well as for certain ASC-certified aquaculture products.

Several household appliances are also being added to the list of eligible products, including some refrigerators, dishwashers and energy-efficient washer-dryers.

Tobacco product packaging

The rules on plain tobacco packaging are also being tightened. Cigars, cigarillos, pipe tobacco, rolling papers, filters and tubes must also be sold in standardised packaging, without logos or attractive colours.

These rules have already been in place since 2020 for cigarettes and rolling tobacco. The government aims to limit the marketing appeal of tobacco products, particularly for young people. Health warnings will also be more prominent on the packs.

A transition period is planned, however. Some older packaging may remain on shelves for a few months.

New pilot programme for home care nurses

A pilot project begins In the healthcare sector in June for more than 1,000 home care nurses. Currently, these professionals are paid per service. With this trial scheme led by the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI), some home healthcare workers will now be paid hourly, including travel time.

The goal is to better compensate some tasks that are currently poorly or not at all covered, such as accompanying or educating patients.

The trial will last for two years before a possible broader reform of home nursing care funding.

End of statutory appointments of new railway workers

A significant change for the Belgian rail sector from 1 June means that all new employees hired by SNCB, Infrabel, or through HR Rail, will be recruited under standard contracts. Statutory appointments are eliminated for new recruits.

This reform is part of mobility minister Jean-Luc Crucke's commitment to updating human resources management in the rail sector.

HR Rail will remain the legal employer of railway staff, but SNCB and Infrabel will now be able to directly recruit and train their future employees.

Photo: Myecocheques