Cross-border telework: new European framework agreement as of July 1, 2023

Figures from the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (RIZIV) show that the number of Belgians who have been at home for more than a year due to burnout or depression has increased by 40 percent over the last four years. This is a worrying figure. It is becoming increasingly important for employers to arrange guaranteed income insurance for employees in the event that they become incapacitated for work. A recent court ruling on the restriction of cover from such insurance for psychological disorders has caused a stir within the insurance sector. We explain how this insurance works and the impact of the case in question.

The legal retirement age in Belgium is currently 65 years, but rises to 66 in 2025 and 67 in 2030. If you’re self-employed it therefore makes sense to also extend your guaranteed income insurance until the age of 67. This insurance has numerous benefits, including the guarantee that you will remain covered until the statutory retirement age against loss of income caused by an inability to work due to illness or accident. In the attached document we explain how you can easily extend your current insurance.

What are the rules on the reimbursement of costs for dental care, new glasses or a scan? You can’t claim for these ‘ambulatory costs’ on your hospitalisation insurance, and your health insurance fund will only provide limited reimbursement. Because ambulatory costs can be high, 43% of Belgian employers now offer an ambulatory plan that covers these costs. In the latest episode of our video podcast, insurance expert Bert Van den Broeck talks about the importance and benefits of this insurance for employers and employees.

Being an employer, you strive to ensure that your employees are healthy and happy. Unfortunately, they sometimes encounter mental problems. At such times easily accessible care is of crucial importance to them. Fortunately, today’s insurers are no longer merely covering the cost of medical care or providing medical assistance. They are increasingly focusing on the mental wellbeing of your employees and offer a range of additional services to this end.