Starting in 2026, the federal government will introduce a minimum co-payment of €2 for all medicines you buy at the pharmacy. The General Council of the RIZIV describes the purpose of this measure as follows: ‘This is a solidarity contribution that will be used to reinvest in better social security protection for patients.’ But what does this mean in practice for the medical plans you provide, as an employer for your employees?
At Vanbreda, we keep a close eye on these developments and recently conducted a data analysis based on data from 2024 and reimbursements up to and including August 2025. where we looked at the impact of the new minimum co-payment on reimbursements within our hospitalisation and outpatient care plans.
The co-payment is the amount of a medical expense that is paid by the patient himself. The announced measure means that your minimum co-payment for registered medicines will now be €2. For individuals entitled to a higher reimbursement, the minimum co-payment will be €1.
The simulations are based on Vanbreda’s extensive portfolio, which includes around 1 million insured persons, and show that:
These percentages express how much the total cost of claims – the amount Vanbreda pays out as plan administrator – will rise under the new measure. For example, if there are €20,000 of claims under an outpatient plan, it is estimated that the total cost of claims will increase by €100. In other words, the introduction of the minimum co-payment will have only a very slight impact on reimbursements within our insurance plans.
The announced price increases for specific medicines such as antacids and cholesterol-lowering drugs have not yet been included in this calculation, as the exact rates for them will be set at a later date.
The medical plans you offer your employees will retain their value and offer them good protection against medical costs. At Vanbreda, you can count on stable and reliable cover, even when policies change.
We will continue to keep a close eye on changes in healthcare and ensure that our insurance solutions remain suited to the needs of employers and their employees. At Vanbreda Risk & Benefits, we’re committed to providing transparent communication and proactive support, so that you always know exactly where you stand.
Do you have any questions about your plan or this measure? Your regular contact person is ready to answer you.
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