Welcome to Surgery Worldwide

Belgium

Set between France and Holland on the Western border of Europe, Belgium has a blend of history. Known for its architecture, luxurious chocolates and great food its also famous for its beers. Belgium produces and exports more beer than any other country and although this information may not be useful to the health traveller, if you're bringing a companion they may be pleased!

The official languages are Dutch, French and German but you can be reassured that most individuals speak English with all surgeons and hospitals staff fluent.

Hospitals & Facilities

Belgium has an excellent reputation for healthcare throughout the world. The high level of surgical expertise is developed from many years of training - Surgeons are trained for a minimum of seven years and specialists for 12 years. These highly skilled surgeons are members of the UK General Medical Council, listed on the UK Specialist Register, and have gained qualifications in the UK and the USA.

The clinics and hospitals offer excellent facilities, with state of the art equipment and techniques. With the healthcare system in Belgium closely monitored by the authorities the clinics and hospitals have to abide by very rigorous laws, that results in the standards of hygiene and post operative care being of an extremely high quality. So those concerned about infections can be reassured that the international statistics show cases of MRSA are non-existent.

When researching information about Belgium, there may be some confusion over the terms clinic and hospital. Let us clarify that by law, in Belgium, private clinics can only perform day-cases (liposuction, mini face lifts, eyelids etc.). Patients can only stay overnight in the hospitals that have been assessed by the government according to strict regulations. All hospitals in Belgium are public hospitals, but private patients are able to use their facilities and for those surgeries that require an overnight stay you will be treated at a hospital.

For those staying overnight, the private (single) rooms are all equipped with toilet, bathroom, television and phone.

Those considering surgery in Belgium can arrange to have a consultation with a surgeon at a London office. Please contact one of the Surgery Worldwide team for further information.

Travel

Eurostar takes less than two hours from London to Brussels and with deals from as little as £55, Belgium offers great convenience for the health traveller. In addition as the journey only involves a car and train, your stay is likely to only be a couple of days, allowing you home to rest and recuperate. For those wanting to fly costs are from around £80 from most UK airports, though your post op stay may need to be longer.

Once in Brussels there is another short train or car journey to Beveren-Waas or Bornem, where the clinic and hospitals are located only 5 minutes from the station. It's a small country so there are no internal flights.

The public transport system is excellent and taxi's are plentiful, though note they do charge a tip as part of the final fare so no need to add one when paying.

Belgium's time zone is only 1 hour (or 2 during daylight saving) ahead of the UK, so no jetlag and phoning home doesn't take any planning.

As part of the EU no visas are required for the UK traveller.

Our team can provide further travel and tourist information and sight seeing tips.

Accommodation

Belgium has a wide range of hotels from 5-star luxury to small family inns.

There are several 4* and 5* star hotels located close to the clinics and hospitals that all offer various special offers throughout the year from about £70 per night for two people**.

As for food, it really is hard to get a bad meal in Belgium. Many highly ranked restaurants can be found in the Michelin Guide and with so many restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines there is something to suit every taste.

The electricity is 220 volts AC, 50Hz and plugs are of the round two-pin type, so adapters are needed.

Climate

Belgium experiences a generally mild, maritime climate with warm summers and mild winters, though it does have a high average annual rainfall, and visitors can expect a downpour any time of year.

Summer - Temperatures see a high of 27°C (80°F) but it can be rainy and humid.

Winter - Temperatures can drop to around 7°C (45°F) during the middle of winter and snow is possible, but not frequent.

Please remember that exposure to sun is not recommended following surgery, even with the use of sun block, especially for those who are having facial cosmetic procedures.

Currency

Belgium's currency is the Euro.

Belgium is still largely a cash based society. Locals generally use cash for small purchases so make sure you have some Euro's in your pocket. Major credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants, and in many shops.

Banks are only open Monday through to Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm and are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. Some banks do also close for an hour during lunch. But ATM's are widely available.

Service charges of 16% and VAT are always included in prices. If exceptional service is given then it's up to you to tip at your discretion.

With the Euro currently so strong against the GBP you may feel that you won't get good value for money, as with other destinations outside of Europe, however surgery in Belgium costs at least thirty percent less than the UK and with ‘bargain' promotional travel available it is a cost effective destination to consider.

**Based on exchange rate of €1.24 per £1