Press Release: Internal Market: Commission requests Belgium to amend law on supplementary health insurance provided by private sickness funds

The European Commission formally requested Belgium to amend its national rules so that the private sickness funds (mutualités/ziekenfondsen) comply with the EU insurance directives when they offer complementary health insurance cover outside the scope of obligatory social security. 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 was concerned that this could result in differing levels of policyholder protection and market distortions. This request took the form of a 'reasoned opinion', the second stage of the infringement procedure under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.