Insurance bill for 2016 Brussels terrorist attacks exceeds 77m euros
Insurers have paid out 77.2 million euros to victims of the 22 March 2016 terrorist attacks at Brussels Airport and Maelbeek metro station, according to figures from industry federation Assuralia that go up to the end of 2023.
At the same point in 2022, 65.7 million euros had been paid out. Insurers have set aside a further 59.9 million euros to cover future payments, Assuralia reported on Monday.
Together, insurers have compensated 1,403 victims, with claims covering not only deaths and physical injury, but also material damage. There has been criticism from victims dissatisfied with how insurers and the Belgian government have treated them, which was repeated at the trial of the perpetrators of the attacks last year.
Insurers “have taken initiatives in recent years with a view to providing better care for victims of any future attack", says Assuralia. They have undertaken to pay compensation for non-material damage no later than one year after the event, including in the case of complex injuries. A single insurer will now take charge of medical issues.
Assuralia and professional associations of medical experts have also drawn up guidelines to ensure that all examinations are conducted transparently and with empathy.
A woman puts flowers at a makeshift memorial at Place de la Bourse in Brussels following the bombings at Maelbeek metro and Brussels Airport, 24 March 2016 © PHOTO AFP / PHILIPPE HUGUEN
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