Healthcare

Healthcare in the Netherlands

The Dutch healthcare system consistently ranks among the best in Europe. It combines mandatory private insurance with government regulation to ensure universal coverage and high standards.

How It Works

Basic Insurance (Basisverzekering) is mandatory for all residents. All insurers must accept any applicant and offer the same basic coverage package. You choose your insurer, and can switch during the annual open enrollment (November-December).

What Basic Insurance Covers:

• GP visits (huisarts)
• Hospital care
• Specialist care
• Mental healthcare
• Maternity care
• Prescription medications
• Medical aids and devices

What It Doesn't Cover:

• Dental care (adults)
• Physiotherapy (first sessions)
• Glasses/contact lenses
• Alternative medicine

2026 Costs

Important: Your €385 deductible applies to most care except GP visits and maternity. You pay the first €385 of costs per year before insurance kicks in.

For New Expats

Timeline:

1. Register for BSN (burgerservicenummer) at municipality
2. You have 4 months from BSN registration to get insurance
3. If waiting for residence permit, get temporary expat insurance
4. Late registration incurs €528 fine

Recommended Steps:

1. Compare insurers at zorgwijzer.nl (English available)
2. Choose between natura (preferred providers) or restitutie (any provider) policies
3. Consider aanvullende verzekering (supplementary insurance) for dental, physio, etc.

Finding Care

Huisarts (GP): Your first point of contact for all non-emergency care. You must register with a local GP practice - this can be difficult in cities with shortages. Start looking immediately upon arrival.

Specialists: Referral from GP required in most cases.

Hospitals: High quality throughout the country. Amsterdam UMC, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, and UMC Utrecht are major academic hospitals.

Emergency: Call 112 for life-threatening emergencies. For urgent but non-emergency care, call your GP's out-of-hours service (huisartsenpost).

Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)

Low-income residents may qualify for monthly healthcare subsidy:

• Singles: up to €131/month (income under €41,163)
• Couples: up to €250/month (combined income under €51,630)

Apply through Belastingdienst (tax authority).

Mental Health

Mental healthcare (GGZ) is covered under basic insurance, though waiting lists can be long (6-12 months for some treatments). Employer-provided programs and private therapists offer faster access.