Press Release: Commission scrutinises Belgian law on supplementary health insurance provided by private sickness funds

The European Commission has decided to send a formal request to Belgium to submit its observations on Belgian private sickness funds that provide supplementary health insurance (i.e. on top of the basic social security cover) in competition with commercial insurance providers. In Belgium, private sickness funds operate under specific national rules and are not subject to EU rules relating to the solvency, supervision and funding of insurance providers. The Commission is concerned that this could result in differing levels of policyholder protection and market distortions. The Commission is not questioning in any way the structure of the Belgian social security system or the right of private sickness funds to provide supplementary health insurance. The Commission's request takes the form of a 'letter of formal notice', the first stage of infringement procedures under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. Belgium is asked to send its reply within two months. Depending on the analysis of this reply, the Commission will decide whether or not to issue a 'reasoned opinion' formally calling on the Belgian Government to amend the relevant legislation.