Belgian insurers approve fewer workplace accident claims

Insurance companies in Belgium are increasingly likely to refuse to recognise workplace accident claims, writes La Libre Belgique based on a report submitted to the Fund for Occupational Accidents (FAO).

In 2014, 161,829 work-related accidents were reported in Belgium, 12.3% of which were denied by the insurance companies. In 1985, more work-related accidents were reported, but with a 2% refusal rate.

The FAO management is concerned about the increase in the number of refusals. The Christian trade union estimates that each year about 1,400 victims of work-related injuries are unjustifiably refused insurance coverage.

According to La Libre Belgique, the insurance companies vary greatly. At Axa Bank, for example, 30% of the requests are refused, whereas Belfius has a refusal rate of just 4%.