Palliative Care at home

(Royal Decree of December 12th , 1999)

Palliative care at home represents a significant financial burden. A lump sum of € 621,15 (on January 1st 2012) by continuous period of 30 days, renewable once, is granted to patients having chosen to end their life at home.

This refund covers the cost of medicines, medical supplies, medical care and non refundable items. In addition to this fixed allowance, patients no longer need to pay for home visits or visits to their GP in the hospital.

"Palliative patient" means a person who suffers from one or more irreversible disease whose evolution is unfavourable, and whose death is expected within a fairly short delay (life expectancy of more than 24h and less than three months), with special physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs requiring substantial and sustained engagement with the intent to die at home.

To get this allowance, a form is to be sent to the medical board of the medical care insurance after being completion by the patient's family physician, who will indicate what the patient needs (assistance or supervision of relatives, specific equipment as well as descriptions of daily care). The medical board shall verify whether the conditions are met. If so, the plan for palliative care is provided.

More information

Please contact your medical care insurance.

Check the National Institute of Sickness and Disability (INAMI – Institut National d’Assurance Maladie-Invalidité) website has links to the several Belgian medical insurers:

http://www.mutsoc.be/Mutsoc/MaSituation/Argent/soins-remboursements/Soins-palliatifs/palliatifs-domicile.htm