Most practices require a significant initial investment. For a practice space (whether combined with a home or not), require a range of medical equipment and software licences, for example. Ask your bank which types of credit best suit your situation and needs. For large purchases, such as a building, you will need an investment loan. Are you selling a home or business premises and need temporary capital? Then a bridging loan might be an attractive option. Do you want to purchase specific medical equipment or a vehicle? Leasing is another alternative financing option. And for unexpected costs, a line of credit is definitely worth looking into. Ask your ING Medicalis banker about interest rates, term lengths and repayment conditions.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","title":"Tip","richBody":{"value":"ING Medicalis also offers an ‘evolving’ (flexible) mortgage loan especially for general practitioners and other healthcare professionals. What's the big advantage? It grows with your career. Read all about it here!
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"2. What are the terms of the loan?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Don't just ask about the interest rate. Ask about the terms and conditions, and any application or consulting fees. Find out from your banker if there is scope for early repayments of your loan. Check which guarantees or collateral are required, too. Be critical and be sure you understand all the terms and conditions before signing.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"3. Does the bank have experience with healthcare professionals?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"A bank with medical-sector experience, such as ING, will naturally have a much better understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals. This could include financing medical equipment or knowledge of income patterns in healthcare (for example, average initial income level). Try to gauge whether your banker understands exactly what you need to run your practice successfully. It is always easier to talk to someone who speaks the same language as you. At ING, we have Medicalis bankers who work almost exclusively with healthcare professionals and so have a great deal of sector expertise.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"4. In addition to financing, what support does the bank offer?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Banks are more than just financial institutions. So, be sure to ask if they offer additional services, such as insurance policies. Which policies are mandatory? And which policies are nice-to-haves? An ING Medicalis banker can also provide advice about cash-flow planning or budgeting and has an extensive network to connect you with experts, such as accountants or property consultants. This kind of support can save you a lot of time and money.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"5. How can I maximise my income?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"As a healthcare provider, your income comes from a variety of sources: patients, health insurance funds and insurers. Ask your bank what help they can provide. Are there smart tools available to expedite payments? Does the bank offer solutions for online or contactless payments or advice on where to get these tools? Feel free to ask your ING Medicalis banker this or any other questions you may have.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"6. Which tax benefits or subsidies can I take advantage of?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Some investments, such as environmentally friendly equipment or renovations, may be eligible for tax benefits or subsidies. This is the kind of thing that your ING Medicalis banker will know a lot about. Ask them about relevant subsidies available in your region.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","title":"Tip","richBody":{"value":"As a starting GP in Flanders, you can apply for a one-off interest-free loan of 35,000 euros to start or expand your practice. That amount can be increased by an additional 10,000 euros. More information is available via the Department Zorg (Healthcare Department, article in Dutch).
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"7. How will the bank support my growth?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"If your practice quickly becomes successful, it is important that your bank understands your growth ambitions. So, ask whether your credit can be adjusted when, for example, you want to hire your first colleague or expand your practice. Perhaps they can also offer advice about building up reserves or assistance with saving for your pension? A proactive bank that thinks with you – like ING Medicalis – makes for a valuable partner over the long term.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"8. What does it cost to become an ING customer?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"In addition to lending, banks also offer other services, such as a business account or payment cards. Be sure to ask about what a business account or credit card will cost you. Included in the free-of-charge ING Medicalis Package is a current account with debit card, a credit card and a mobile payment device. You also get a lot of other benefits.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Conclusion"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Preparation is essential for a productive meeting with your bank. Draw up a business plan with your expected expenses and income. Think about your personal goals and how your bank can help you achieve them. Do you want to set up your own practice or do you prefer a group practice? Compile a list of the differences, prepare thoroughly and ask yourself critical questions. This preparation will give you a good basis for an enriching conversation!
Don't be afraid to ask questions and look for a bank that really wants to invest in your practice. Having these questions in mind will you put you on a stronger footing for the conversation and lay a solid foundation for your practice. Have more questions? ING Medicalis can help you get started.
Go through this checklist to find out what you need to arrange if you want to launch your own practice.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","title":"At ING Medicalis we are happy to brainstorm with you and share our medical sector knowledge and expertise.","richBody":{"value":"
Together, we will ensure that you are well prepared to start this new chapter in your life.
"}}]},"complementaryZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"small","title":"How much start-up capital will I need to start my own doctor's or dental practice?","body":"Are you thinking about turning your professional dreams into your own business? If so, you will need a clear picture of the financial side of your project.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/0c430d95-220c-4911-a469-ec8a75736991/Sector-magazine-public-health-winter-2023","type":"image","width":2508,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/3447a80ea059e7e4/original/Sector-magazine-public-health-winter-2023.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2025-06-27","link":{"url":"/en/business/my-sector/start-up-capital-own-medical-practice"}},{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"small","title":"Starting your own general practice: checklist","body":"This practical checklist will serve as a handy guide If you're thinking about starting your own general practice.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/154c34db-cae8-4755-97c0-d875eda6ebcd/Large_Web-and-Screen-Doctor-showing-test-results-to-a-young-boy-and-his-mother","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/761b6b8035268e57/original/Large_Web-and-Screen-Doctor-showing-test-results-to-a-young-boy-and-his-mother.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2025-06-12","link":{"url":"/en/business/my-sector/checklist-if-youre-thinking-about-starting-your-own-general-practice-heres-what-you-need-to-arrange"}}]}]},"legalZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Disclaimer","richBody":{"value":"This article is for informational purposes only and the information contained in it may change over time. For that reason, we recommend that you always check the specific rules and requirements with the relevant authorities for the latest information. We also advise you to seek professional advice for each individual case before making any decision. ING Belgium NV cannot be held liable for decisions taken on the basis of the information provided.
*All details and terms and conditions at https://www.ing.be/en/business/payments/open-a-professional-account
"}}]}}}