Best Hospitals in Belgium for International Patients (2025 Guide)

How we evaluated

We assessed each hospital on four criteria specifically for international patients: international patient department maturity, language coverage (especially French and Arabic), cultural facilities (halal catering, prayer rooms, family accommodation), and BelMedCare's own operational experience working alongside their teams.

UZ Leuven

Located 25 minutes east of Brussels, UZ Leuven is Belgium's largest university hospital and consistently ranks among the top 10 in Europe (Newsweek 2024).

Particularly strong: cardiology and cardiac surgery, oncology (with PARTICLE proton therapy center), liver and lung transplantation, neurosurgery, fertility (UZ Leuven LIFE).

International patient experience: Dedicated international office. English, French and Arabic available. Halal catering in main cafeteria. Prayer room. On-campus serviced apartments for long-stay families.

Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc Brussels

In the heart of Brussels, Saint-Luc is the academic hospital of UCLouvain.

Particularly strong: neurosurgery (awake craniotomies), pediatric surgery, oncology, IVF (CRG-IVF), cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

International patient experience: Strong francophone environment. Arabic-speaking patient liaison. Direct concierge desk. Halal options. Discreet entrance for VIP patients.

UZA Antwerp

Antwerp's university hospital, 45 minutes north of Brussels.

Particularly strong: fertility (CRG Antwerp pioneered ICSI), bariatric surgery, hematology, robotic surgery.

International patient experience: English and French dominant; Arabic via interpreter. New international wing. Strong post-discharge follow-up program.

Erasme ULB Brussels

Brussels' second academic hospital, francophone.

Particularly strong: cardiac surgery, kidney transplantation, neurology, hepatology.

International patient experience: International office, francophone-first, English fluent. Direct ambulance transfers from Brussels Airport.

UZ Gent

Ghent's university hospital, one hour from Brussels.

Particularly strong: orthopedics (especially complex spine), oncology, pediatric cardiac surgery, burn unit (national reference).

International patient experience: English and French; Dutch local language. Compact campus, high efficiency, lower cost than Brussels hospitals for similar interventions.

Institut Jules Bordet Brussels

Belgium's national cancer institute, recently relocated to a brand-new building on the Erasme campus.

Particularly strong: oncology only — surgical oncology, radiotherapy, hematology, clinical trials access.

International patient experience: Cancer-specific concierge, comprehensive multidisciplinary review for every case. Arabic and French available.

OLV Aalst

Private-style university-affiliated hospital, 35 minutes west of Brussels.

Particularly strong: cardiology and cardiac surgery (one of Europe's largest TAVI volumes), endoscopic surgery.

International patient experience: Boutique environment, very fast access, excellent for second-opinion cardiology cases.

AZ Sint-Jan Bruges

In Bruges, 90 minutes from Brussels.

Particularly strong: bariatric surgery (national reference), orthopedics, oncology.

International patient experience: Tourist-friendly city for accompanying family, calmer recovery environment. English and French.

How BelMedCare matches you

We do not push you to a specific hospital. We match each case to the team with the best volume and outcomes for your particular condition, factoring in your language, budget and personal preferences. The best hospital is the one that does your specific procedure 100 times a year — not the one with the biggest brand.