X-Ray Cost in Belgium
What you actually pay under the INAMI / RIZIV tariffs, with conventionné and non-conventionné radiologists, as a BIM beneficiary and as a visitor. Last reviewed October 2026.
Short answer: how much does an X-ray cost in Belgium?
The official INAMI/RIZIV price of a plain X-ray in 2026 is roughly €31–71 in total (about $36–83): the radiologist's fee (from €15.54 for a one-view chest X-ray to €55.94 for a lumbar spine series) plus a €15.50 flat imaging fee per prescription. If you are insured with a Belgian mutuality and the radiologist is conventionné, your mutuality pays almost all of it and you pay only about €1.86–2.48 per exam (about $2–3) — and nothing at all with BIM status. Non-conventionné radiologists may add supplements, and uninsured visitors pay the full bill.
Quick Overview
Belgium has compulsory health insurance run by INAMI (Institut national d'assurance maladie-invalidité; RIZIV in Dutch) and paid out through the mutualities (mutualités / ziekenfondsen). Every reimbursable exam has a nomenclature code and an official fee. For medical imaging the tariffs were indexed by 2.72% on 1 January 2026 while the imaging key-letter value was cut by 0.77%, and a further circular from 1 July 2026 lowered some CT fees. For outpatient plain X-rays the remaining patient share (ticket modérateur / remgeld) is very small: around €2 per exam. What makes a Belgian X-ray expensive is not the tariff but fee supplements charged by non-conventionné doctors, or having no Belgian or EU cover at all.
🏥 Conventionné radiologist
- Patient share per outpatient plain X-ray (2026)
- €15.50 flat fee per prescription fully reimbursed
- BIM beneficiaries: €0
- Most hospital radiology departments apply official tariffs — check
⚠️ Non-conventionné radiologist
- Mutuality still reimburses its share of the official fee
- The supplement on top is paid by you
- Supplement amounts vary by practice — ask first
- Status searchable on the INAMI provider lookup
✈️ Uninsured / self-pay
- At least the full INAMI fee plus the flat fee
- Some hospitals bill non-insured patients above tariff
- EHIC/GHIC holders can claim back the reimbursable part
- Get an itemised invoice for travel insurance
X-Ray Prices in Belgium by Exam (INAMI Tariffs 2026)
The table uses the INAMI imaging tariffs in force from 1 July 2026 (circular OA 2026/144). "Full tariff" is the radiologist's nomenclature fee plus the €15.50 flat fee per prescription and per day (code 460972) that applies to outpatient plain X-rays; it is what an uninsured patient would pay at minimum at a provider applying official rates. "Insured co-pay" is what a patient without preferential status pays with a conventionné radiologist.
| Exam (INAMI code) | Full tariff (EUR) | Insured co-pay | BIM co-pay | USD (≈ full tariff) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest X-ray, 1 view (452690) | €31.04 | €1.86 | €0 | $36 |
| Chest X-ray, 2+ views (452712) | €34.15 | €2.23 | €0 | $40 |
| Hand or wrist X-ray (455033 / 455055) | €32.90 | €2.08 | €0 | $38 |
| Ankle or foot X-ray (455195 / 455173) | €32.90 | €2.08 | €0 | $38 |
| Knee X-ray (455232) | €40.36 | €2.48 | €0 | $47 |
| Cervical spine X-ray, min. 3 views (455394) | €65.23 | €2.48 | €0 | $76 |
| Lumbar spine X-ray, min. 3 views (455475) | €71.44 | €2.48 | €0 | $83 |
| Pelvis X-ray (455276) | €37.26 | €2.48 | €0 | $43 |
| Hip X-ray (455254) | €40.36 | €2.48 | €0 | $47 |
| Abdomen X-ray, plain (450015 / 451010) | €37.26–43.47 | €2.48 | €0 | $43–50 |
| Dental panoramic (OPG) — dental tariff | approx. €50.85–67.80 | approx. €11–22 | approx. €4 | $59–79 |
| Ultrasound (per exam) | approx. €32–77 + €31.23 consultancy fee | approx. €10 | approx. €3 | $73–125 |
| CT scan (per exam) | approx. €63–289 + consultancy and flat fees | approx. €10 | approx. €3 | $145–435 |
| MRI scan (per exam) | €64–224 + consultancy and flat fees | approx. €10 | approx. €3 | $145–360 |
Plain X-ray figures computed from the INAMI imaging tariff circular applicable from 1 July 2026 (unchanged for these codes since 1 January 2026). CT, MRI and ultrasound carry an extra radiologist consultancy fee (460670: €31.23, patient share €7.44, or €2.97 for BIM) and a per-prescription flat fee (460994 or 461016: €29.45 or €55.02, fully reimbursed); CT fees for several codes were cut by 22.21% from July 2026. Dental OPG range is approximate: it is taken from the 2026 INAMI dental tariff radiography codes, and the patient share depends on whether you are in the oral care pathway. Children under 5 have a 25% higher fee for some codes. Supplements charged by non-conventionné providers are not included. USD at approximately €1 = $1.16.
How INAMI / RIZIV Pays for an X-Ray
1. Prescription and nomenclature
- A doctor (GP or specialist) must prescribe the imaging for it to be reimbursed
- Each exam has an INAMI nomenclature code (e.g. 452712 chest, min. 2 views)
- Fees are set as key-letter values (N) and indexed each year
- 2026: +2.72% index, imaging key letter −0.77%; some CT fees cut from July 2026
2. Ticket modérateur / remgeld
- Plain X-ray: about €1.86–2.48 per exam without preferential status
- €15.50 flat imaging fee per prescription: fully reimbursed
- CT, MRI, ultrasound: add €7.44 on the consultancy fee
- BIM: €0 on plain X-rays, about €2.97 on CT/MRI/ultrasound
3. Paying and getting reimbursed
- Hospitals usually send an invoice afterwards with the reimbursed part already deducted (third-party payment)
- Some private practices ask you to pay and give you a certificate to submit to your mutuality
- Your eID links the exam to your mutuality record
- All co-payments count towards the Maximum à Facturer (MàF)
Where to Get an X-Ray in Belgium
🏥 University & Major Hospitals
- UZ Leuven — Leuven
- UZ Gent — Ghent
- UZ Antwerpen — Edegem
- UZ Brussel — Jette
- Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc — Brussels
- H.U.B (Hôpital Erasme) — Brussels
- CHU de Liège
🏥 Networks & Private Practices
- AZ Sint-Jan — Bruges
- ZNA and GZA hospitals — Antwerp
- CHIREC (Delta, Braine-l'Alleud) — Brussels / Walloon Brabant
- CHU UCL Namur — Namur province
- Independent radiology practices (cabinets de radiologie / radiologiepraktijken) in most towns — check conventionnement status
💡 Practical tips
- Ask "Êtes-vous conventionné ?" / "Bent u geconventioneerd?" before booking
- Hospital outpatient radiology often takes walk-ins for plain X-rays with a prescription
- CT and MRI usually need an appointment; waits vary by hospital
- Images and reports are typically shared via hospital portals or the regional health networks
Mutualities, BIM and the Maximum à Facturer
📋 Mutualities (ziekenfondsen)
- Christian: Mutualité chrétienne / CM
- Socialist: Solidaris
- Independent: Partenamut, Helan
- Liberal and neutral mutualities
- Public: CAAMI / HZIV (Caisse auxiliaire)
- All reimburse the same statutory INAMI amounts
🩺 BIM (verhoogde tegemoetkoming)
- Increased reimbursement for low-income households and certain benefit recipients
- Plain X-rays: co-pay €0 with a conventionné radiologist
- CT / MRI / ultrasound: about €2.97 per prescription
- Apply through your mutuality
💳 MàF and complementary cover
- Maximum à Facturer caps a household's yearly co-payments; the ceiling depends on income
- Fee supplements do not count towards the MàF
- Mutuality complementary insurance and private hospitalisation plans (e.g. Hospitalia, DKV, AG) may cover imaging linked to a hospital stay — check your policy
Guide by Patient Type
🇧🇪 Belgian residents
- Get a prescription from your GP or specialist
- Choose a conventionné radiologist: about €2 per plain X-ray
- Bring your eID; the exam is billed to your mutuality
- Low income? Ask your mutuality about BIM status
🇪🇺 EU / EEA / Swiss / UK visitors
- EHIC (or UK GHIC) covers medically necessary care during your stay
- You may pay upfront, then claim the reimbursable part from a Belgian mutuality or CAAMI/HZIV
- Keep the invoice and the attestation de soins
- Planned treatment needs an S2 form — EHIC does not cover it
✈️ Non-EU visitors & new expats
- Without cover you pay the full invoice (at least €31–71 for a plain X-ray)
- CT/MRI plus fees can exceed €200 — travel insurance recommended
- Expats: register with a mutuality once you have a Belgian address and social security status
- Keep the itemised invoice for your insurer
Practical Details
📋 What to bring
- Belgian eID (or passport and EHIC/GHIC for visitors)
- The imaging request form from your doctor
- Previous images on CD/USB or portal access, if relevant
- A bank card in case the practice asks for payment on the spot
⏰ Typical wait times
- Emergency department: X-ray during the visit
- Plain X-ray with prescription: often same day, walk-in
- CT / MRI: days to several weeks, depending on hospital
- Report: usually same day to a few days, sent to your doctor
💡 How to save money
- Use a conventionné radiologist — the single biggest factor
- Check BIM eligibility with your mutuality
- Bundle exams on one prescription: the flat fee is charged once per day
- Dental: see your dentist yearly to stay in the oral care pathway
FAQ
How much does an X-ray cost in Belgium?
Under the INAMI/RIZIV tariffs in force since July 2026, a plain X-ray costs roughly €31–71 in total, made up of the radiologist's fee (€15.54 for a one-view chest X-ray up to €55.94 for a lumbar spine series) plus a €15.50 flat imaging fee per prescription. If you are insured with a Belgian mutuality and the radiologist is conventionné, you pay only about €1.86–2.48 per exam (about $2–3); BIM beneficiaries pay nothing. Non-conventionné radiologists may add supplements that are not reimbursed.
How much is a chest X-ray (radiographie du thorax / RX thorax) in Belgium?
The 2026 INAMI fee for a chest X-ray is €15.54 for one view (code 452690) or €18.65 for two or more views (452712), plus the €15.50 flat fee per prescription, so about €31–34 in total. An insured patient pays €1.86–2.23 out of pocket with a conventionné radiologist; BIM patients pay €0.
What is the ticket modérateur (remgeld) for an X-ray?
The ticket modérateur (remgeld in Dutch) is the part of the official fee your mutuality does not reimburse. For outpatient plain X-rays in 2026 it is small and fixed per exam: about €1.86–2.48 for patients without preferential status, and €0 for BIM (intervention majorée / verhoogde tegemoetkoming) beneficiaries. The €15.50 flat imaging fee is fully reimbursed for everyone.
What is the difference between a conventionné and non-conventionné radiologist?
A conventionné (geconventioneerd) radiologist has accepted the INAMI agreement and charges the official tariff, so you pay only the ticket modérateur. A non-conventionné radiologist may charge fee supplements on top; your mutuality still reimburses its share of the official tariff, but the supplement is yours to pay. Ask before booking or check the doctor's status on the INAMI 'search a care provider' tool.
How much does an MRI or CT scan cost in Belgium?
INAMI fees in 2026 are about €63–289 for a CT exam (several head and other CT fees were cut by 22% in July 2026) and €64–224 for an MRI exam, depending on the body region, plus a radiologist consultancy fee of €31.23 and a flat per-prescription fee. For an insured patient without BIM status the out-of-pocket share is roughly €10 per CT or MRI (≈ €2.48 on the exam plus €7.44 on the consultancy fee); BIM patients pay about €3. Supplements from non-conventionné radiologists come on top.
Do I need a prescription for an X-ray in Belgium?
Yes. Medical imaging is only reimbursed when it is prescribed by a doctor (GP or specialist) or, for dental X-rays, carried out by a dentist. Radiology departments ask for the request form (demande d'examen d'imagerie médicale / aanvraagformulier medische beeldvorming), your eID and, for visitors, an EHIC or insurance details.
How much does a dental panoramic X-ray (OPG) cost in Belgium?
Dental X-rays have their own INAMI dental tariff. Panoramic-type dental radiographs are listed at approximately €50.85–67.80 in the 2026 dental tariffs, and adults receive a higher reimbursement when they are in the 'trajet de soins buccaux' (zorgtraject mondzorg), meaning they saw a dentist in the previous calendar year. Expect an out-of-pocket share of roughly €11–22 with a conventionné dentist; X-rays for under-19s are fully reimbursed.
Is an X-ray free with BIM status in Belgium?
For outpatient plain X-rays, effectively yes: BIM beneficiaries (intervention majorée / verhoogde tegemoetkoming) are reimbursed the full official fee and the flat imaging fee, so they pay €0 with a conventionné radiologist. For CT, MRI and ultrasound they still pay about €2.97 on the radiologist consultancy fee. The Maximum à Facturer (MàF) also caps each household's annual co-payments.
Can tourists and expats get an X-ray in Belgium, and what do they pay?
Yes. EU/EEA/Swiss visitors with an EHIC (and UK visitors with a GHIC) are treated like Belgian insured patients for necessary care: you usually pay the provider and claim the reimbursable part from a Belgian mutuality or the Caisse auxiliaire (CAAMI/HZIV). Uninsured non-EU visitors pay the full bill, usually at least the INAMI tariff (about €31–71 for a plain X-ray), and some hospitals invoice non-insured patients more. Expats become entitled to cover once they register with a mutuality.
Does a Global Medical File (DMG/GMD) lower the cost of an X-ray?
Not for plain X-rays. A DMG/GMD with your GP reduces the ticket modérateur on GP consultations, but the co-payment on imaging exams is the same with or without it. The one exception in the 2026 imaging tariffs is the radiologist consultancy fee for CT, MRI and ultrasound, which is fully reimbursed for BIM beneficiaries up to age 24 who have a DMG.
Compare X-Ray Costs Across Countries
Sources
- INAMI / RIZIV — Circular OA 2025/338 "Tarifs ; médecins – imagerie médicale ; 01-01-2026" (2.72% index, −0.77% imaging key letter)
- INAMI / RIZIV — Circular OA 2026/144 "Tarifs ; médecins – imagerie médicale ; 01-07-2026" (CT fee changes, deleted codes)
- INAMI / RIZIV — Nomenclature article 17 (medical imaging), text in force from 1 July 2026: exam descriptions, consultancy fee 460670 and flat fees 460972 / 460994 / 461016
- INAMI / RIZIV — Circular OA 2025/351 "Tarifs ; soins dentaires ; 01-01-2026" (dental radiography codes)
- INAMI / RIZIV — pages on the ticket modérateur, increased reimbursement (BIM), Maximum à Facturer and conventionnement of care providers
- European Commission — using the European Health Insurance Card in Belgium
Last reviewed: October 2026. Tariffs are revised by INAMI several times a year and supplements vary by provider — check the current nomenclature on NomenSoft or ask your mutuality before booking.