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At Magnus Physiotherapy, we often receive questions about physiotherapy, administration, access, and costs. Below you will find clear answers with references to official bodies such as the RIZIV and health insurance funds. Table of contents
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1. How much does a visit to the physical therapist cost?
A session with a physical therapist costs between €40 and €48 (2026 rates) in the regions where they operate, depending on the type of treatment. A supplement of €4-€6 (2026 rates) is usually charged for a home visit.
2. Is a physiotherapist reimbursed?
Yes, provided you have a valid prescription from a doctor. (RIZIV). Reimbursement is handled by your health insurance fund and depends on your status and the physiotherapist's agreement status. Somewhere in 2026, it will be possible to visit a physiotherapist without a prescription and receive reimbursement for certain treatments. To date, it is not clear wheb,
Reimbursement also varies depending on the pathology and who reimburses you. Read the types of pathologies further down this page.
Reimbursement by the compulsory health insurance fund
Your health insurance fund will always reimburse a basic portion of the treatment for each pathology. The amount you will receive for the treatment portion at the physical therapist's practice will be ±€22 in 2026 (source: LM). If you are entitled to an increased allowance, this amounts to ±€28. In addition, the health insurance fund also pays the administrative costs for mandatory reports when 1. starting your file with a physiotherapist (once a year) 2. submitting mandatory applications for recognition of a specific pathology (Fa, Fb, and E). All details can be found in the agreement text of the RIZIV.
Reimbursement by your hospitalization insurance (not mandatory)
Your hospitalization insurance reimburses the portion not covered by your health insurance fund in the run-up to and after your hospitalization. This is the case, for example, with planned surgery such as a knee replacement, cruciate ligament reconstruction, hallux valgus surgery, or other procedures. These are often Fa conditions (see below). In that case, your hospitalization insurance pays the difference between the price charged by the physical therapist and what the health insurance fund reimburses. It is important to note that this reimbursement is capped, regardless of the convention rate and the rate charged by your physiotherapist. Suppose your non-convention physiotherapist is 10 euros more expensive per session than a convention physiotherapist. In that case, your hospitalization insurance will pay the 10 euros.
Please note! The reimbursement of your hospitalization insurance is often limited in time. This can be 2, 3, or 6 months. It is therefore best to check this when you visit the physical therapist.
Reimbursement by your outpatient health insurance (not mandatory)
Some companies offer outpatient health insurance as a benefit in kind, or you can simply take out such insurance yourself. These insurances reimburse you for a wide range of healthcare costs up to a fixed amount (e.g., 1,000, 1,500, or 2,500 euros per calendar year). You can use this for your dentist, but also for your physical therapist.
3. What types of pathology are there in phsyiotherapy?
Common pathology
These are acute episode of neck pain, knee complaints, tennis elbow, and other conditions that generally do not involve chronic or severe disorders). For these, a maximum 18 session per calendar year can be prescribed.
Fa pathology
If you have undergone a procedure of a certain severity, you will fall into this category after one-time approval by your health insurance fund. You can therefore expect the physiotherapy to be more intensive and more frequent. Examples include knee or hip replacements. Once your Fa pathology has been recognized, you are entitled to 60 physiotherapy sessions with reimbursement, regardless of your doctor's prescription.
Fb pathology
An Fb pathology refers to conditions that require several years of treatment. The condition is not temporary. Examples include fall prevention, Parkinson's disease, rehabilitation after a stroke, or other long-term conditions. These also require annual approval from your health insurance fund. Once your Fb pathology is recognized, you are entitled to 60 physiotherapy sessions with reimbursement, regardless of your doctor's prescription.
E pathology
If you require physical therapy for several consecutive years because the condition is severe and not temporary, you are entitled to an E pathology. You must also obtain approval for this. The advantage is that your reimbursement is higher and that you can also visit your physical therapist for other conditions (Fa, Fb, or courante) at the highest reimbursement rate, without a prescription.
4. Do you need a prescription for a physiotherapist?
In most cases, yes. Only in exceptional situations (such as certain preventive treatments or sports coaching) can you visit without a prescription, but then there will be no reimbursement. If you have outpatient health insurance, it is sometimes possible to receive reimbursement even without a prescription. Discuss this with your insurance company.
5. Am I required to use all the treatments on my prescription?
- You can stop at any time if you wish. Some patients are already symptom-free after just a few sessions.
- Depending on the severity and progression, the number of prescribed treatments may be too many or too few. This will always be discussed with you.
- You will receive your prescription back at this first session, giving you complete freedom to discontinue therapy or switch to another physical therapist.
6. How long is my prescription valid?
- U dient binnen de 2 maanden na het ontvangen van het voorschrift de 1ste consultatie opstarten
- Vervolgens is uw voorschrift onbeperkt geldig
7. Is there a refund for international students?
International students may be entitled to reimbursement. Contact your insurer for details.
If you are a member of the European Union, you usually only need to request approval for treatment in Belgium. In principle, your insurance will then pay the same amount as if you were to visit a physiotherapist in your country of residence.
8. Can you change physiotherapists?
Yes, you can always change physiotherapists. Your prescription remains valid as long as the number of sessions and the specified period are not exceeded. At Magnus, we give the patient the prescription back at the start of treatment so that you have free choice. Be aware if your physical therapist keeps your prescription or delays issuing certificates. This is sometimes done with the aim of keeping you administratively bound.
How do I make an appointment at Magnus Physiotherapy?
Do you have any questions or would you like to schedule an appointment with an experienced physical therapist in Leuven or Kessel-Lo?
👉 Contact us via WhatsApp or book an appointment via our online calendar.