Osteopathy in Brussels:
A Guide for Expats & EU Staff

Moving to Brussels is exciting — but navigating a new healthcare system in a city where three languages compete for your attention is a different matter. One of the questions I hear most from new patients is some version of: "I didn't even know I could just book an osteopath here. How does it work?"

This guide covers everything you need to know as an expat or EU institution employee: what to expect, how the system works, and — crucially — how to get your treatment partially reimbursed.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. In Belgium, you can book directly with a registered osteopath without a referral or prescription from your GP. This is one of the things that surprises most patients arriving from the UK or the US, where musculoskeletal care often requires a GP gateway first.

You simply book online, show up, and receive treatment. The only exception is if you're claiming reimbursement through EU institution insurance (JSIS) — in that case, you'll need a GP prescription before your appointment for the claim to be processed. More on that below.

Is osteopathy regulated in Belgium?

Yes — though the regulatory landscape is worth understanding. Osteopathy is a recognised healthcare profession in Belgium, regulated by the UPOB-BVBO (Union Professionnelle des Ostéopathes de Belgique) and the GNRPO (Groupement National des Représentants des Praticiens en Ostéopathie).

When choosing an osteopath, look for registration with one or both of these bodies. This confirms that the practitioner has completed recognised training (minimum 5–6 years) and adheres to professional standards. Neil Ingram is registered with both.

How does reimbursement work?

This is the question I spend the most time answering — so let me break it down clearly by insurance type.

Belgian mutuelle (health insurance fund)

If you're registered with a Belgian mutuelle — Mutualité Chrétienne/CM, Mutualité Socialiste/Solidaris, Mutualité Libérale, ANMC, or the Caisse Auxiliaire — you are likely entitled to partial reimbursement for osteopathy sessions with a registered practitioner.

EU institution insurance (JSIS)

If you work for the European Commission, European Parliament, Council of the EU, or another EU institution, you are almost certainly covered by the Joint Sickness Insurance Scheme (JSIS). JSIS does cover osteopathy, but the process is slightly different.

Private international health insurance

Many expats arriving in Brussels maintain private health insurance from their home country or through their employer. Coverage for osteopathy varies widely between providers and plans. The key questions to ask your insurer are: does my plan cover complementary/manual therapies, and what documentation do they need?

Neil provides itemised receipts and attestations after every session that satisfy most international insurer requirements. He does not bill insurers directly — you pay at the time of treatment and claim reimbursement from your insurer afterwards.

What to expect at your first appointment

Your first session typically runs 60 minutes. It begins with a detailed conversation about your health history, current symptoms, and what you'd like to achieve. This is followed by a physical assessment and then hands-on treatment in the same session.

Everything is explained throughout. As a fully English-speaking practice, there's no language barrier — you won't be navigating French or Dutch medical terminology or struggling to describe your symptoms.

How many sessions will I need?

This is genuinely variable and anyone who gives you a confident answer before assessing you is guessing. That said, here's a realistic picture from 25 years of practice:

• Acute conditions (recent injury, sudden onset pain): often 2–4 sessions
• Chronic or recurrent conditions (long-standing back pain, recurring headaches): typically 4–8 sessions initially, then maintenance visits every 6–12 weeks
• Preventative / maintenance care: many patients, especially those in desk-based EU roles, come every 6–8 weeks as a preventative measure

After your first appointment, you'll have a clear picture of what's involved and a realistic treatment plan — not an open-ended commitment.