Belgium

In January 2026, the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI-RIZIV) updated “Low variability care” (APR-DRG) system for 2026. Overall, no significant changes were made to the system: no new DRGs were introduced, and tariffs remained nearly unchanged.

On December 5, 2025, the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) updated the List of implants and invasive medical devices effective January 1, 2026. A new section “Cardiac defibrillator” was added with 15 new material codes for single-chamber cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), dual-chamber ICDs, cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-D), subcutaneous cardiac defibrillators, and electrodes. A new Nominative list was created with eligible branded devices in connection with new material codes for cardiac defibrillators.

In October 2025, the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) updated the List of implants and invasive medical devices. A new sub-chapter with multiple material codes for the reconstruction of large bone defects and a new sub-chapter with a material code for a pre-formed periarticular osteosynthesis plate were introduced. Two new Nominative lists for brand-specific devices for the reconstruction of large bone defects were also published.

On September 8, 2025, the FPS Public Health opened the “Reducing Single-Use in Hospitals (ReSUH)” call, inviting accredited general, psychiatric, and university hospitals to implement concrete measures to reduce single-use medical products within a broader sustainability strategy.

In September 2025, the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) updated the list of reimbursable companion diagnostics. A new clinical indication, urothelial carcinoma, was introduced, with two new predictive biomarker tests included in the List.

In August 2025, Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) updated the List of implants and invasive medical devices. A new sub-chapter for bone conduction hearing systems with nine material codes was introduced. One new material code was added for bipolar radiofrequency endometrial ablation. Two new Nominative lists for brand-specific bone conduction hearing systems were also published. Changes will come into force on September 1, 2025.

In July 2025, the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) updated the list of reimbursable companion diagnostics to be used from August 1, 2025. One new predictive biomarker – analysis of BRAF V600 mutation status in glioma – was added to the list.

In June 2025, Belgian INAMI/RIZIV updated the List of implants and invasive medical devices. Four new reimbursement codes were added to the List in relation to heart valve replacement. Several Nominative lists of brands were updated as well in the fields of neuromodulation, neurovascular, orthopedic, and cardiovascular.

On July 1, 2025, the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) updated Nomenclature to recognize the new professional title "orthopedic technologist", replacing the former specialties of "bandaging specialist" and "orthotist". Two Articles were repealed, and three new Articles have been introduced, detailing reimbursement for services in bandagery, orthotics, prosthetics, and orthopedic footwear services.

On May 5, 2025, the Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (KCE) opened its annual call for topic proposals for the 2026 research program, which includes Clinical Guidelines, Health Technology Assessments, and Health Services Research. Interested stakeholders can submit the proposals by June 30, 2025.

In February 2025, the Belgian National Unit for Health and Environment published a report on the Operation Zero study, which examines carbon emissions from Belgium's healthcare sector. The report comprises results of a study of country's greenhouse gas emissions, a roadmap outlining projected emission trends and proposing policy measures to reduce them, and implementation framework with concrete recommendations across several areas, such as renewable energy adoption, climate-neutral infrastructure, sustainable waste management, and greener healthcare supply chains.

In February 2025, seven health apps reached Level 3+ of the mHealthBelgium validation pyramid, meaning regular reimbursement. These apps can only be reimbursed within the specific care pathway “Remote monitoring and therapeutic guidance in chronic heart failure”.