June 1: Insurance, Health, Eco-Cheque Changes for Belgians
A wide-ranging set of regulatory changes took effect across Belgium on June 1, touching everything from insurance policies and healthcare access to eco-friendly shopping and railway employment. The measures, part of the Arizona coalition government’s reform agenda, have significant implications for household finances, consumer rights, and public health.
Right to be Forgotten Extended
Cancer survivors will no longer be required to disclose their past illness when taking out certain insurance policies. The “right to be forgotten,” which has applied to mortgage-linked life insurance since 2019, has now been extended to travel cancellation insurance. Certain controlled chronic diseases are also covered under the expanded rules, according to RTBF. The insurance federation Assuralia confirmed the changes, noting that former patients previously faced higher premiums or outright refusal.
HPV Vaccine Reimbursement Expanded
The Gardasil9 vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV) is now reimbursed for young adults aged 19 to 30. Previously available only to adolescents, the expansion addresses a gap for those who missed vaccination during their school years. The public price is €120.59 per dose for a three-dose regimen; with reimbursement, patients pay just €12.80 per dose. VRT NWS reports that a budget of approximately €6 million has been allocated, expected to enable around 60,000 additional vaccinations per year. High-risk groups remain covered up to age 45.
Eco-Cheque Rules Broadened
The list of products eligible for purchase with eco-cheques has been expanded. New eligible items include Fairtrade-labeled food and textile products, ASC-certified aquaculture products, and energy-efficient household appliances. According to Liantis, the updated list reflects a tightening of energy class requirements: only refrigerators in classes A-C, dishwashers in class A, and washer-dryers in classes A-C now qualify.
Neutral Packaging Extended to All Tobacco Products
From June 1, cigars, cigarillos, pipe tobacco, rolling papers, filters, tubes, and accessories must be sold in standardized neutral packaging without logos or bright colors. This rule already applied to cigarettes and rolling tobacco since 2020. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke said the measure aims to “counter the marketing strategies of the tobacco industry, which target adolescents and young adults,” as reported by La Libre. A transition period allows old packaging to remain on shelves for a few months.
Newborn Screening for SCID
Newborns will now be screened for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), a serious immune disorder that can lead to early childhood death from infections. The heel-prick test is not mandatory, but over 99% of newborns already undergo it.
Service Voucher Changes
Two important changes affect service vouchers (titres-services). Expired vouchers will now be automatically reimbursed from June 1, eliminating the need for users to track expiration dates manually. Additionally, the Flemish Region has moved to digital-only service vouchers, though paper vouchers already purchased can still be used up to one year after purchase. Paper vouchers remain available in Wallonia and Brussels.
Railway Hiring Reform
All new hires at SNCB, Infrabel, and HR Rail will now be under standard employment contracts, ending the practice of statutory (civil servant status) appointments. Currently, 88% of the 27,000 railway workers hold statutory positions. Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke said the reform aims to modernize HR management, with SNCB and Infrabel now handling recruitment and training directly.
End of Medical Pension Regime for Civil Servants
The medical incapacity pension regime for statutory civil servants is closed to new admissions. Future entrants will fall under the standard sickness-disability insurance (INAMI), aligning public sector disability benefits with private sector norms. This affects an estimated 2,000 to 4,000 people per year.
Home Care Nursing Pilot Project
A two-year pilot project has begun for over 1,000 home care nurses, who will now be paid by the hour rather than per procedure, with travel time compensated. Fifty-eight nursing practices are participating, with 32 testing the new system and 26 serving as a control group. Nurses receive €60 per weekday and €80 per weekend day under the pilot.
Analysis and Outlook
The June 1 changes reflect the Arizona coalition’s broader agenda of modernization, healthcare reform, and sustainability. The expansion of the right to be forgotten and HPV vaccination reimbursement represent significant public health advances, while the railway and civil service reforms signal a shift toward private-sector-style employment models. The eco-cheque changes balance sustainability incentives with tightening efficiency standards, though questions remain about the system’s long-term future following the 2025 government agreement’s mention of a potential phase-out. Observers will be watching for uptake rates on the expanded HPV vaccination and the results of the home care nursing pilot, which could shape future healthcare financing in Belgium.