Care Home Costs 2026: What You Pay in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg
Updated April 2026 — current daily rates and subsidies
Care home costs vary significantly by country and region. In 2026, monthly amounts range from €900 in the Netherlands (after subsidy) to over €5,500 in Luxembourg. This overview gives you the current figures, available subsidies and personal contributions — so you can make an informed decision.
🇧🇪 Belgium
The officially measured average daily rate in a Flemish care home was €74.52 on 1 May 2025 (weighted average, Departement Zorg Vlaanderen). This covers accommodation, meals and nursing care — but not supplements (e.g. internet/phone). Provincial variation is wide: from €69.26/day in Limburg to €82.87/day in West Flanders. In Brussels, the public/private split is significant: private facilities average €87.12/day, public €59.46/day. Wallonia remains the cheapest on average (~€1,850/month, 2023 reference).
| Province / Region | Avg. daily rate (2025) | Est. monthly cost 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| West-Vlaanderen | €82,87 | €2.500 – €4.500 |
| Vlaams-Brabant | €81,10 | €2.430 – €4.300 |
| Antwerpen | €78,32 | €2.350 – €4.200 |
| Oost-Vlaanderen | €70,75 | €2.120 – €3.700 |
| Limburg | €69,26 | €2.080 – €3.600 |
| Brussel — privé | €87,12 | €2.600 – €4.800 |
| Brussel — publiek | €59,46 | €1.780 – €3.200 |
| Brussel (gemiddeld) | €69,22 | €2.075 – €3.800 |
| Wallonië (gem.) | ~€62 | ~€1.850 |
🇳🇱 Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the Wlz (Long-Term Care Act) covers most costs. Residents pay an income-dependent personal contribution calculated by the CAK, based on income and assets from 2024 (two-year lookback rule). Official 2026 figures: low contribution (first 4 months) €212.60–€1,115.80/month; high contribution (long-term stay) up to €3,061.80/month. Assets above €36,952 (single) or €73,904 (partners) are included. Residents also continue paying their health insurance premium and personal spending money (hairdresser, laundry, etc.).
| Contribution type | Min 2026 | Max 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Lage eigen bijdrage (eerste 4 maanden) | €212,60 / mnd | €1.115,80 / mnd |
| Hoge eigen bijdrage (langdurig verblijf) | €212,60 / mnd | €3.061,80 / mnd |
Assets above €36,952 (single) or €73,904 (partners) are included in the high contribution calculation (4% rule, CAK 2026).
🇱🇺 Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, residents pay the "prix de pension" (accommodation, meals, basic services). The Assurance Dépendance covers care acts directly with the facility — the care package is separate from the pension price. Published SERVIOR 2026 tariffs range from €3,383/month (Esch-sur-Alzette, standard room) to over €9,300/month (apartment in Luxembourg City). For residents who cannot cover the pension price themselves, COMPA (Complément pour Personnes Âgées) is available via the National Solidarity Fund.
| Facility type | Monthly cost 2026 | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| SERVIOR – Howald (kamer) | €3.598 / mnd | Wonen, maaltijden, zorg (Assurance Dépendance afd. zorgdeel) |
| SERVIOR – Esch-sur-Alzette | €3.383 – €3.752 / mnd | Afhankelijk van kamer/balkon/kitchenette |
| SERVIOR – Luxemburg-stad | €3.198 – €9.328 / mnd | Ruime bandbreedte: kamer vs appartement/studio |
| Résidence Senior Elisabeth (kamer) | €3.497 / mnd | 1-persoonskamer, per 01/01/2026 |
📊 Benelux Comparison 2026
| Parameter | 🇧🇪 Belgium | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 🇱🇺 Luxembourg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly resident cost | €1.800 – €4.500 | €900 – €2.800 | €3.500 – €5.500 |
| Primary subsidy | Care Budget €140/mo | Wlz/Wmo coverage | Dep. Insurance €204/day |
| Subsidy basis | Dependency level | ZZP profile + income | Dependency degree (0-15) |
| Public funding model | Annual premium (€100) | Income tax (9.65%) | Contribution (1.4% income) |
💶 Available subsidies and support
| Country | Programme | Amount 2026 | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| België (Vlaanderen) | Zorgbudget voor ouderen met een zorgnood (cat. 1–5) | €110 – €739 / mnd | Zorgcategorie BelRAI + Vlaamse Sociale Bescherming (66+) |
| België (Vlaanderen) | Zorgbudget voor zwaar zorgbehoevenden | €140 / mnd | Hoge zorgbehoefte + VSB-lidmaatschap |
| België (Wallonië/Brussel) | AViQ / IRISCARE tussenkomst | Variabel per dossier | Zorgprofiel + inkomen |
| België | IGO/GRAPA (Inkomensgarantie voor Ouderen) | Inkomensaanvulling | Onvoldoende pensioeninkomen, pensioensgerechtigde leeftijd |
| Nederland | Wlz-financiering + WMO | Dekt het merendeel v/d zorgkosten | ZZP-profiel + inkomen (CAK 2026, 4%-regel) |
| Luxemburg | COMPA (Complément pour personnes âgées) | Aanvulling pensionsprijs | Verblijf in CIPA/maison de soins + onvoldoende inkomen |
| Luxemburg | Assurance Dépendance | Zorgpakket (prestaties in natura) | Erkende afhankelijkheidscategorie (0–15) |
❓ Frequently asked questions about costs
Can I choose a care home in another country?
Yes, EU citizens have the right to receive care in another member state. However, funding follows your country of insurance (Belgium, Netherlands or Luxembourg), not your country of residence. Always consult your health insurer for exact conditions.
What if my pension doesn't cover the costs?
In Belgium the CPAS/OCMW can step in. In the Netherlands the personal contribution is capped by the CAK based on income and assets. In Luxembourg the National Solidarity Fund (FNS) covers the shortfall up to €3,200/month.
How long are waiting lists?
In the Netherlands, waiting times for nursing home places average 3–12 months depending on region and care profile. In Belgium and Luxembourg, waiting times vary strongly by facility — register your relative at multiple centres simultaneously.