Starten als kinesist

Starting as a physiotherapist

Have you successfully completed your training in physiotherapy? Then you probably want to start as an independent physiotherapist as soon as possible. In order to practice your independent profession , you must first meet a number of mandatory requirements. And there is some paperwork involved. But don't worry: Acerta is happy to take that administrative burden off your shoulders.

Your certification and visa

1. Your certification and visa

Your certification as a physiotherapist and your visa are completely automatic. Isn't that great! Once you have obtained your diploma, the Healthcare Agency will send your certification to your official address. Then the FPS Public Health will also send you your visa .

Your NIHDI number

2. Your NIHDI number

As a physiotherapist, you need a NIHDI number. Without it, the health insurance fund cannot (partially) reimburse the cost of treatment to your patients. After you have received your certification and visa, you can submit your application for registration as a physiotherapist to the NIHDI .

Download the form from the website and mail the completed form to the NIHDI. They will check your approval and visa data and issue your personal NIHDI number.

Your obligations as a self-employed person

3. Your obligations as a self-employed person

  1. First of all: your company number 
    Anyone who practises an independent profession is self-employed. So you need a company number too. To do this, you need to register in the CBC register of the Crossroads Bank for Companies
  2. VAT number: yes or no?
    As a physiotherapist, you do not need to apply for a VAT number, because you are not liable for VAT. Do you practice any other activities besides your speciality? Then there is a chance that you are mixed VAT liable . Are you unsure how this works in your case? The experts at Acerta will be happy to advise you. In addition, we will activate your VAT number for you free of charge.
  3. Joining a social insurance fund
    You are legally obliged to join a recognised social insurance fund such as Acerta. Based on your status and income , they calculate how much social security contributions you have to pay to the government every quarter. In exchange for your contribution, your social security such as health insurance, pension accrual and child benefit rights are guaranteed.

Did you know that Acerta 's business office is ready to fully  arrange your start as an independent physiotherapist? Moreover, at Acerta you pay the lowest administrative cost in the market, and you can easily update data via MyAcerta. For example, your business bank account, which you may not have at the time of registration.

Make sure nothing changes when something changes

4. Make sure nothing changes when something changes

Are you unable to work for a long time due to illness or an accident ? Don't wait until the time comes, but create that extra safety net now. For example, take out guaranteed income insurance. This is a monthly extra payment that you receive in addition to your health insurance benefit.

Your pension may seem a long way off, but know this: the statutory pension for the self-employed is often too low to maintain your standard of living. So it's not a day too soon to save extra via a (Social) VSPSS (Voluntary Supplementary Pension Scheme for the Self-Employed) and Acerta's Life's Pension Plan - NIHDI. You use your NIHDI allowance to finance your supplementary pension. You also enjoy financial protection in the event of incapacity for work, invalidity and when you have just become a mother.

Be sure to take out professional liability insurance with civil liability as well.
Hopefully you will never need it. But if a professional error happens, you better be well insured against third-party damage.