The purchase of new glasses represents an investment in your visual comfort. In Belgium, the healthcare system allows you to reduce this bill through two levers: the mandatory insurance (INAMI) and the supplementary insurance from your mutual.
Here is the complete overview to understand your rights in 2026 at your optician.
1. The reimbursement of mandatory insurance (INAMI)
The INAMI intervenes for specific cases, based on age and the degree of correction (dioptres).
Important: To benefit from this, a prescription from your ophthalmologist (less than 6 months old) is essential.
For children and adolescents (-18 years)
This is the best-protected category. The INAMI intervenes from the first dioptre for lenses.
Renewal: Every 2 years (or sooner in case of a change of 0.5 dioptre).
Frame: A single package of around 29 € is also provided for the first frame.
For adults (18 to 65 years)
Reimbursement is only activated from a strong correction. Since the last reforms, the threshold has been lowered to include more beneficiaries :
Threshold : Generally from +/- 7.00 dioptres (variable depending on the type of lens).
Renewal : Every 5 years (unless a change in dioptre of 0.5 minimum).
For seniors (+65 years)
The conditions are more flexible for progressive or bifocal lenses :
Threshold : Intervention from +/- 4.25 dioptres.
Renewal : Every 5 years.
2. The benefits of your mutual insurance (Supplementary Insurance)
Even if you do not meet the criteria of the INAMI, your mutual insurance almost always offers an "Optical" benefit specific to its members. In 2026, here are the trends of the main mutualities :
| Mutuality | Estimated reimbursement | Frequency |
| Partenamut | Up to 75 € | Every 2 years |
| Christian Mutuality (MC) | Up to 120 € | Every 3 years |
| Solidaris | Up to 100 € (depending on the region) | Every 3 years |
| Liberal Mutuality | Up to €50 to €100 | Annual or biennial |
| Neutral Mutuality | Up to 120 € | Every 3 years |
These amounts are indicative and depend on your contribution order.
3. How to obtain your reimbursement?
At Michils Opticians, we simplify your life. Here’s how to proceed:
Visit to the ophthalmologist: Obtain your medical prescription.
Choosing your glasses: We select together the suitable lenses and frame.
Certificate (Annex 15): We provide you with this official document at the time of purchase.
Submission to the mutual: Send the certificate and prescription to your mutual. The reimbursement will arrive in your account a few days later.
Why choose a contracted optician?
By choosing an accredited optician like Michils Opticians, you are guaranteed that the documents provided will be accepted by all Belgian mutuals and the INAMI. We systematically check for you if you meet the reimbursement conditions at the time of your quote.
Need an accurate quote for your future glasses?
Come and see us in store with your prescription, we will calculate the exact amount of your reimbursement!
Frequently Asked Questions: Your optical reimbursements in Belgium
What is the validity period of an ophthalmological prescription?
To obtain a reimbursement from the INAMI, your prescription must have less than 6 months. After this period, it remains valid for making your glasses, but you will lose the intervention of the mandatory insurance.
Are contact lenses reimbursed?
Yes, but the INAMI conditions are stricter than for glasses (often related to a difference in diopters between the two eyes or specific pathologies). However, most complementary mutuals (Partenamut, MC, Solidaris, etc.) offer an annual package (often between €40 and €100) for the purchase of lenses, without a minimum diopter condition.
Can I be reimbursed if I buy my glasses online?
Reimbursement depends on the provision of an annex 15 (supply certificate) filled out by a licensed optician. At Michils Opticians, as qualified and contracted opticians, we guarantee you 100% compliant documents for all Belgian mutuals.
Does my mutual reimburse the frame or just the lenses?
The INAMI only reimburses the frame for children (approximately €29 package). On the other hand, the advantage of your complementary mutual is generally a global "portfolio": you can use it for both lenses and the frame, according to your needs.
What happens if my vision changes before the 2 or 5 year period?
If your vision changes by 0.5 diopter minimum, the INAMI allows for early reimbursement, even if the legal period has not yet expired. This is an important safety measure for your visual health.
This information is subject to change, please refer to your mutual insurance for any updates.