Belgium Establishes Reimbursement for Intracoronary Imaging and Radial EBUS Devices from November 2026

On 20 October 2026, the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) updated the List of implants and invasive medical devices, with changes taking effect on 1 November 2026.

The List defines reimbursable implants and invasive medical devices, assigning material codes and tariffs that allow hospitals to receive fee-for-service reimbursement, subject to applicable conditions.

The update introduces four new material codes across three technology categories.

Intracoronary imaging catheters

For the first time, separate reimbursement has been established for intracoronary imaging catheters used during percutaneous coronary interventions.

Two new material codes were introduced, with reimbursement conditions (F-§31) establishing specific requirements, including the following:

• Reimbursement is restricted to complex coronary lesions;
• Annual limits apply to the number of procedures for which materials can be reimbursed at the full tariff (one of the new codes); if the annual limit is exceeded, billing is made using another new code with a significantly lower tariff;
• Hospitals must submit a specific form to INAMI/RIZIV to qualify for reimbursement.

The codes are generic, with no brand-specific registration required on the Nominative list. They also do not distinguish between imaging modalities, such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Radial endobronchial ultrasound probes

Separate reimbursement for radial endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) probes has also been established for the first time. A new material code is intended to be covered when used during bronchoscopy with peripheral lung biopsy. The code also covers cytology brushes or biopsy forceps. No brand-specific registration on the Nominative list is required.

Custom-made implants for external aortic support

A new material code was introduced for custom-made implants providing external support of the aorta in patients with dilation of the aortic root or ascending aorta. Unlike the other new codes, this reimbursement arrangement involves brand-specific registration, with one brand included in the newly added Nominative list.

What does it mean for the industry?

The update represents an important development for intracoronary imaging and radial EBUS devices in Belgium, establishing separate reimbursement for the first time. This creates a favorable environment for relevant technologies in Belgium and can facilitate adoption.

This news is just one of about 300 market access news and updates collected by our team in the premium subscription service MTRC Access Intelligence every week from more than 80 organizations. Access our paid service to stay on top of all developments, specifically for your products in Europe (reimbursement news) and globally (HTA news). Access is organized as an online Database and email alert formats. Contact us to get a free, six-week, no-obligation trial.