Advance

When can you be asked to pay an advance?

Patients who can provide proof of insurance do not have to pay an advance on their hospital bill for ordinary treatments and admissions. In the following exceptional cases, the hospital does require an advance:

• For purely aesthetic procedures or treatments.
• Patients who are not affiliated with a Belgian health insurance fund and are not insured.

Who may collect an advance?

Everyone, including a doctor or health care provider (e.g., for aesthetic surgery), may ask you for an advance, but not everyone may receive an advance. Paying an advance can be done as follows:

• Immediately at the registration counters or at the emergency room counter. They may receive money by bancontact and if there is no other way, paying in cash is also possible.
• For certain procedures, you are asked to pay your advance by bank transfer at least one week before admission.

Never pay cash to a doctor or health care provider.