social security - FOD Sociale Zekerheid

There are a few small differences linked to the specific nature of occupational diseases:- an occupational disease can be permanent from the very start;- a disease which is not on the list can be reimbursed as an occupational diseaseinsofar as the causal connection between the occupation and the disease can be proved,since there is also an open system next to the list system;- there is no review term for occupational diseases, because illnesses might evolve,even after a long period;- victims are entitled to full reimbursement of costs, but the FBZ - FMP only refundsthe patient fee and the non-reimbursable dispensations pursuant to health insurance ifthey have been included in the specific nomenclature of the FBZ – FMP by royal decree.The amount of the limited wage for the sector occupational diseases is 37,808.74 EUR on 1 July2011.C. Civil servantsThe specific schemes for occupational diseases in the private sector – such as the list system andthe open system – also apply in the public sector, with some characteristics specific to the publicsector.With regard to the occupational diseases, a distinction has to be made between the local andprovincial administrations and the other public services, for which the FBZ – FMP can only act asmedical expert at their request.For the local and provincial administrations, the FBZ – FMP is competent as reinsurer with regardto the indemnification and the prevention of occupational diseases. It advises the competentadministrations and reimburses the allowances paid.The same benefits can be granted to the personnel of the provincial and local administrations andto the victims of the public sector.D. Self-employed personsSelf-employed persons are not insured for occupational diseases (see the chapter 'Accidents atwork').E. Asbestos FundFrom April 2007, it is possible to receive money to make up for a disease due to exposure toasbestos. The Asbestos Fund has been set up within the Fund for occupational diseases, andthe victims of mesotheliomas or asbestosis (diffuse bilateral pleural thickenings) can receivecompensations from the newly created Fund. In case of the victim’s death, the persons entitledreceive compensation from the Fund.Everyone can file a claim for compensation : civil servant, salaried person or unemployed person.59