In short

From 1 January 2027 you can see a physiotherapist without a doctor’s prescription for a number of muscle and joint complaints. The scheme has been approved by the government but is not yet final. Until then you still need a prescription.

Which complaints can you see a physiotherapist for without a prescription?

Direct access applies to complaints of the muscles, joints and tendons, for example:

  • low back pain
  • neck pain
  • shoulder complaints
  • a sprained ankle
  • tennis elbow
  • a pulled muscle

When do you still need a prescription?

  • Until the new scheme takes effect (planned for 1 January 2027).
  • For rehabilitation after an operation.
  • For neurological and respiratory conditions.
  • After seven sessions for the same complaint: you then first need a consultation with your GP.

What does your first appointment without a prescription look like?

  1. Screening. Your physiotherapist first checks whether your complaint falls under the scheme and whether there are signs that a doctor should take a look.
  2. Examination. This is followed by an examination of your complaint.
  3. Treatment plan. If your complaint fits the scheme, we start treatment straight away.

Your physiotherapist informs your treating doctor.

How many sessions, and what about reimbursement?

After seven sessions for the same complaint, a consultation with your GP is needed before you can continue. The exact reimbursement rules will be set out in the final decree.

What if your physiotherapist refers you?

If your physiotherapist sees something during the screening that a doctor should look at, they will refer you. This is part of the scheme and in your interest: it means you get the right care straight away.

Quality at Magnus

All physiotherapists at Magnus meet the additional requirements for direct access. All our therapists meet the Belgian government’s quality criteria every year, thanks to Magnus’s internal training programme.

Magnus has also actively contributed to this process: we took part in the Direct Physio study, which examined whether going straight to a physiotherapist works as well as seeing a GP first.

Complaints now?

Until 1 January 2027 you still need a prescription. Ask your doctor for one and book your appointment.

Appointment in Leuven

Appointment in Kessel-Lo

Appointment in Antwerp

Frequently asked questions

Do I still need a prescription in 2026?

Yes. Until the new scheme takes effect, you still need a prescription from your doctor for reimbursed physiotherapy.

Which complaints does direct access apply to?

Complaints of the muscles, joints and tendons, such as back and neck pain, a sprained ankle, tennis elbow or a pulled muscle. For rehabilitation after an operation and for neurological or respiratory conditions, a prescription is still needed.

How many sessions can I have without a prescription?

After seven sessions for the same complaint, a consultation with your GP is needed before you can continue.

Is physiotherapy without a prescription reimbursed?

The exact reimbursement rules will be set out in the final decree. As soon as they are known, we will add them here.

Can I see any physiotherapist at Magnus without a prescription?

Yes. All physiotherapists at Magnus meet the additional requirements for direct access.

Will my GP be informed?

Yes. Your physiotherapist informs your treating doctor.

Last updated on 14 October 2026.