Belgian ambulances will soon be able to take patients to Dutch hospitals

Belgian ambulances will soon be allowed to transport patients to nearby Dutch hospitals, a change expected to take effect by the end of the year. Currently, Belgian ambulances cannot take patients to Dutch hospitals, even if they are closer or offer better care, except for UMC+ in Maastricht. The new arrangement will enable ambulances to go to the nearest hospital across the border in emergencies. Discussions are ongoing regarding reimbursement for these services, as Belgium and the Netherlands have different healthcare systems. Belgium has similar agreements with France, Luxembourg, and Germany, although the latter is more complex due to regional regulations.