As of 2020, Belgian government reimburses all contraceptives for women under 25 (previously, it was for those under 21). Within the same reform, the morning after pill has become free of charge for women of all ages. These policy changes, alongside excellent websites on sexual and reproductive health, give Belgium an impressive score of 96.4% and result in Belgium taking 1st place out of the 46 countries ranked across Europe. Belgium is a federal state with a population of 11.6 million and a well-rated public health system. Information and counselling for contraception fall under primary health care. The main insurances covering the majority of the population offer an annual reimbursement for contraception, and some long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) can reach 100%. There is a good network of Family Planning Centres. The country has an estimated contraceptive prevalence rate of 59%. There are 6 adolescent births per 1000 adolescents and a 6% unmet need for family planning rate among women aged 15-49.
Recommendations:
- While reimbursement covers all contraceptives for women under 25, Belgium should aim at ensuring that reimbursement includes all women of reproductive age to reduce social inequalities in access to contraception.
- Belgium should put efforts into ensuring the availability of highly trained specialists as well as the availability of contraception supplies in rural areas.
- Belgium’s contraceptive prevalence rate (59%) is lower than countries such as France (65), Bulgaria (65) or Finland (79). Efforts should be made to ensure access to information for vulnerable groups.
Breakdown by Criteria
Policies related to supplies and counselling
- Reimbursement
✔️Reimbursement within the national health system
✔️Special reimbursement for adolescents (until 19)
✔️Special Reimbursement for vulnerable groups (unemployed/low income)
- Counselling
✔️Available, accessible, and affordable consultation
✔️No need for third-party consent
✔️Legal status (marital, citizenship) is not a barrier
- Prescription requirements
✔️Availability of emergency contraception without prescription
✔️Availability of self-administered hormonal contraception without prescription
Availability of online information
- Type of online information
Website provided by government supported standalone website
✔️Number of contraceptives - good
✔️Info on costs of contraceptives
✔️Info on where to get contraceptives
- User friendliness
✔️Regional or minority language included
✔️Web design
✔️Discoverability of the website
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