CT scan of the back or neck: when is it still reimbursed?
28 September 2026
Since 1 July 2026, the health insurance fund only reimburses a CT scan of the spine when a specialist from a fixed list prescribes it. What does this mean for you?
Since 1 July 2026, the health insurance fund only reimburses a CT scan of the spine when a specialist from a fixed list prescribes it. With a prescription from your GP (family doctor), this examination is no longer reimbursed. What does this mean for you?
Example of a CT scan of the lower back, seen from the side: the lumbar vertebrae, the intervertebral discs and the sacrum. Image: Hellerhoff, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped.
What has changed?
A Royal Decree of 18 May 2026 (Belgian Official Gazette of 29 May 2026) changes the rules for medical imaging. Since then, a CT scan of the spine is only reimbursed when prescribed by certain specialists. This applies to every CT of the spine: the neck, the thoracic spine, the lower back or a combination.
What does this mean for you?
- Prescription from your GP: it no longer entitles you to reimbursement for a CT scan of the spine. This is about reimbursement, not a ban. Ask our department beforehand what this means for you.
- No exceptions: even in an emergency, during a hospital stay or for children, only the prescribing doctor counts.
- Prescription from a specialist on the list: reimbursement stays as before.
- Prescription dated before 1 July 2026: it is still reimbursed, even if the scan takes place later.
- MRI or X-ray of the spine: nothing changes. Your GP can still prescribe these with reimbursement.
If you have back or neck complaints, discuss with your GP which examination is most useful. Often that is a different examination, or a referral to a specialist first.
Why this measure?
The government wants to reduce the number of CT scans of the back. The measure is part of the 2026 healthcare savings.
Not sure?
Do you have a prescription for a CT scan of the spine and are you unsure whether it will be reimbursed? Please contact our department on +32 3 320 57 70 before making an appointment.
Where can you go?
AZ Monica Campus Antwerpen, Harmoniestraat 68, 2018 Antwerp
AZ Monica Campus Deurne, Florent Pauwelslei 1, 2100 Antwerp
Appointments and questions: +32 3 320 57 70
More about the examination on our CT scan page. Fees are listed under Tariffs and regulations.
Source: Royal Decree of 18 May 2026 amending article 17, § 1, 11°, of the nomenclature (Belgian Official Gazette 29 May 2026; official text in Dutch and French).
Dr Cedric Bohyn, radiologist at Radiologie Antwerpen
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