Patient guide
Orthopaedic shoes: INAMI/RIZIV reimbursement in Belgium
Custom-made orthopaedic shoes and stock orthopaedic shoes are partially reimbursed by INAMI/RIZIV (Belgian public health insurance). This guide summarises the criteria, the mandatory medical prescription and the steps to be fitted at the Royal Medical Centre in Brussels or Antwerp.
INAMI/RIZIV reimbursement criteria
INAMI/RIZIV (the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance) contributes to the cost of orthopaedic footwear when the foot pathology justifies a custom-made or stock orthopaedic shoe.
Reimbursement depends on the type of shoe (bespoke or stock), the pathology and the time since the previous fitting. A minimum interval usually applies between two reimbursed pairs.
The patient co-payment remains out of pocket. Supplementary insurance may top up the base reimbursement.
Medical prescription: mandatory
A prescription from a specialist (orthopaedic surgeon, rheumatologist, endocrinologist for diabetic foot, or physical-medicine doctor) is required before any fitting.
The prescription must state the diagnosis, the type of shoe requested and, where relevant, the need for custom manufacture.
Without a valid prescription no INAMI/RIZIV intervention can be claimed.
Steps to get fitted
1. Consult your GP or specialist to obtain the right prescription for your pathology.
2. Book an appointment at the Royal Medical Centre (Brussels or Antwerp) for a foot assessment, measurements and shoe selection.
3. The shoe is manufactured or ordered, followed by fitting and any adjustments.
4. Submit the file to your health insurance fund (mutuelle / mutualiteit) to claim the INAMI/RIZIV reimbursement.
Where to be fitted
Brussels — Rue Royale 101, 1000 Bruxelles. Phone: 0465 99 94 97.
Antwerp — Kerkstraat 21, 2060 Antwerpen. Phone: 0470 37 87 86.
Consultations in English, French and Dutch. Online booking available.
Updated 2025 — general information, not a substitute for medical advice.