Belgium: health and care

What is the life expectancy in Belgium?

Life expectancy at birth in Belgium was 82.4 years in 2024, according to Eurostat: 84.4 years for women and 80.3 years for men. In 2023 it was 82.3 years.

Period life expectancy shows how long a newborn would live if the death rates of that year applied throughout life. Eurostat's figures are calculated from deaths and population data supplied by Statbel, which publishes its own life tables. Small differences between the two can arise from rounding and method.

Official sources: Eurostat: life expectancy by age and sex

How much does Belgium spend on health care?

Current health spending in Belgium was 11.07% of GDP in 2024, according to Eurostat health care expenditure data.

The figure follows the System of Health Accounts and covers all financing schemes: compulsory health insurance, government, voluntary insurance and out-of-pocket payments by households. Capital investment such as hospital buildings is excluded. Compulsory health insurance is run by the RIZIV-INAMI, which publishes its own budget and spending data.

Official sources: Eurostat: health care expenditure by financing scheme

How many people die in Belgium each year?

112,984 people died in Belgium in 2025 and 109,095 babies were born alive, according to Eurostat demographic balance data. Belgium's population was 11,955,308 on 1 January 2026.

The figures come from the national register, as compiled by Statbel. Deaths exceeded births in 2025, so population change depended on migration. Eurostat's fertility data put the total fertility rate at 1.44 children per woman in 2024. Sciensano publishes weekly mortality monitoring.

Official sources: Eurostat: demographic balance and crude rates · Eurostat: fertility rates

What is life expectancy in Belgium?

In 2024, life expectancy at birth in Belgium was 82.3 years, according to the UN Population Division. Since 2005 it has ranged from 79.0 years (2005) to 82.4 years (2023). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 79.5 years, and Belgium placed 16th highest of 52. World rank, highest first: 25th of 193.

What is Belgium's infant mortality rate?

According to the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation, the infant mortality rate in Belgium was 3.1 per 1,000 in 2024. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 3.4 per 1,000; Belgium is 29th highest of 51. Of 192 countries with 2024 data, 165th highest.

How many women die in childbirth in Belgium?

The WHO puts the maternal mortality ratio in Belgium at 4.0 per 100,000 in 2023. No year since 2005 has been lower. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 6.0 per 100,000, and Belgium placed 36th highest of 51. Worldwide: 171st of 192.

What share of GDP does Belgium spend on health care?

According to the WHO, current health spending in Belgium was 10.8% of GDP in 2023. The peak was 11.5% of GDP in 2020 and the low 9.1% of GDP in 2006. Europe & Central Asia median: 7.5% of GDP; Belgium is 7th highest of 51. Worldwide: 19th of 191.

How much do people in Belgium pay for health care themselves?

In 2023, out-of-pocket health spending in Belgium was 21.5%, according to the WHO. Its high point since 2005 was 2009, at 21.7%; its low point was 2016, at 18.9%. Europe & Central Asia median: 22.0%; Belgium is 27th highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 121st of 191.

How many doctors per person does Belgium have?

3.6 per 1,000: that is the number of doctors per 1,000 people in Belgium for 2022, according to the WHO. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 3.7 per 1,000, and Belgium placed 24th highest of 42. Of 125 countries with 2022 data, 34th highest.

How many hospital beds per person does Belgium have?

The WHO puts hospital beds per 1,000 people in Belgium at 5.4 per 1,000 in 2023. No year since 2005 has been lower. It is 8th highest of 23 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 4.2 per 1,000. Of 73 countries with 2023 data, 11th highest.

What is the measles vaccination rate in Belgium?

96.0%: that is measles vaccination among children aged 12 to 23 months in Belgium for 2024, according to WHO and UNICEF. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 94.0%, and Belgium placed 14th highest of 51. Of 191 countries with 2024 data, 46th highest.