Here you will find some information on au pair related topics, such as au pair contract, insurance and safety.
You and your au pair are to sign the official Belgian au pair contract. You should talk about your mutual expectations in advance and note down all important aspects of the au pair stay in the contract. Thus, you can avoid future disappointments. As a host family, you will then have to hand in a signed copy of the au pair contract to the competent regional immigration services so as to apply for a work permit and an employment authorisation. Consult our page on how to host an au pair in Belgium to find out more.
The au pair contract remains valid for the whole period of the au pair stay. However, you are allowed to end the contract before it expires if you and your au pair do not get along for example. We recommend a period of notice of 14 days. This allows both au pair and host family to find a replacement and organise the return trip. The au pair contract can also be terminated immediately without any period of notice on serious grounds.
Is your au pair an EU citizen? Ask the au pair to turn to their own national health service and insurance company first. The au pair will most probably be covered during their stay in Belgium, provided they ask for a European health insurance card that will be requested by the attending physician in Belgium. Besides, it is compulsory for host families in Belgium to take out additional insurance for their au pair for the entire stay. The insurance should cover illness, hospitalisation and accidents. It is also compulsory to have insurance coverage for any potential repatriation costs.
Is your au pair a non-EU citizen? Ask your au pair to check whether their current health insurance remains valid in Belgium. If not, the au pair will have to subscribe to a health insurance with a private insurance company. Besides, it is compulsory for host families in Belgium to take out additional insurance for their au pair for the entire stay. The insurance should cover illness, hospitalisation and accidents. It is also compulsory to have insurance coverage for any potential repatriation costs.
You probably want your au pair to drive. Make sure that they have sufficient driving experience. You should also clarify beforehand all issues of liability and insurance. Should any damages result from an accident, it should be clear beforehand who will have to bear the costs.
Your au pair is allowed to drive in Belgium with an international or European driving licence, or with a recognised foreign driving licence.