Healthcare in the Netherlands

Written by Lais Cattassini Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Lais Cattassini

Lais is a Brazilian journalist and copywriter with over 17 years of experience, writing about things she knows really well (travelling, cinema, social media trends) and things she loves learning about.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: August 29, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Interesting facts:

• The average life expectancy in the Netherlands is 81.5 years (one year higher than the European average).
• The Netherlands spends more on health care per capita than the European average.
• Healthcare in the Netherlands is universal and is provided by health insurers.

Overview of the Dutch healthcare system

Three schemes provide universal health coverage for Dutch citizens and residents in the Netherlands. Private health insurers administer a system for curative care, covering specialist care, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, mental health care and community nursing. A single-payer social insurance system is responsible for long-term care, and a tax-funded social care system is the responsibility of the 400 municipalities in the country.

According to Statista, the Netherlands spends around 11% of its GDP on healthcare, similar to other European countries. Anyone living or working in the Netherlands must acquire health insurance from a Dutch provider, covering the costs of consulting a general practitioner, hospital treatment, and prescription medication. Other coverage is not mandatory, but private options are available.

For people under 18 years old, the cost of health insurance is covered by their parent's insurance, and for people of low income, there are allowances available. Zorgtoeslag, for example, is a financial contribution offered to help ease the costs of health insurance depending on your income and needs. The Dutch government also offers assistance to people who need long-term care due to chronic illness.

On average, the Dutch government spends €131 per person for disease prevention, a higher amount compared to the European average of €102. By spending money on prevention, the Dutch government aims to keep patients out of hospitals. Still, long-term care, which includes elderly care, care for disabled people, and long-term care, is where the largest portion of the county's healthcare budget is spent.

How to access the healthcare system in the Netherlands as an expat

1. Register at your local municipality

Once you find an apartment in the Netherlands, you can register at your local municipality (gemeente) to get a citizen service number (BSN - Burger Service Nummer).

The BSN is necessary for many different situations, including opening a bank account. To obtain one, you’ll need your passport, proof of address, a rental contract, an employment contract, or proof of enrollment in a university if you are a student.

Find the municipality that is closer to your residence here and make an appointment via their website or calling their office. On the day of your appointment, bring all required documents. The number will be issued immediately during your appointment.

It is important to register with the municipality within 5 days of arrival in the Netherlands if you plan to stay for more than 4 months.

2. Acquire a health insurance

When you register for your BSN to legally become a Dutch resident, you are then required to get local health insurance (zorgverzekering) within four months of the date you registered at your municipality. You are still required to get insurance even if you have an existing foreign policy. Most countries in the EU require having a foreign policy when applying for a visa, so keep that in mind when purchasing health/travel insurance.

Employers don’t usually offer health insurance as part of their benefits package. They might, however, cover a percentage of the cost of the insurance (usually 6% to 10%).

3. Register with a General Practitioner (GP)

Now that you are registered and have health insurance, you can visit a GP and access the Netherlands healthcare system. Like most countries, your GP is the point of contact for all medical issues (outside of emergencies). They can refer you on to specialists and organise medication. Finding a GP that you trust can communicate with can sometime be a challenge, so we’ve listed a few ways you can find English-speaking doctors below.

On your first visit to the GP make sure you bring your BSN, your ID (for address details), and your health insurance card.

Types of health insurance in the Netherlands

Acquiring health insurance is mandatory for all residents in the Netherlands, even for people with private international health insurance or existing foreign policies (like travel insurance). There are two main types of health insurance: basic health insurance (basisverzekering) and supplementary health insurance (aanvullende verzekering).

Basic Health Insurance (Basisverzekering)

The government defines the scope of basic coverage, which must include general practitioner visits, specialist care, hospital care, prescription medications, maternity and prenatal care, mental health services, ambulance services, and rehabilitation care.

The cost of this type of health insurance can vary from €100 to €150 per month. However, a mandatory annual deductible applies to most healthcare services, except GP visits and maternity care. For 2024, the standard deductible is €385. This means you pay the first €385 of your healthcare costs each year before the insurance starts to cover additional costs.

Every person living in the Netherlands must have at least basic health insurance. The choice of which provider to hire is individual and will be based on your health needs, budget and personal preferences. Here are a few of the top insurance providers in the Netherlands:

• FBTO
• VinkVink
• De Friesland
• United Consumers
• Zilveren Kruis

Supplementary Health Insurance (Aanvullende Verzekering)

Supplementary health insurance is optional and covers additional healthcare services that are not included in the basic package. It can include dental care, physiotherapy, alternative treatments, vision care, travel insurance, and orthodontics.

For people with preexisting health conditions, chronic illnesses or even mental health needs, paying for supplementary insurance might be your best option. It is important to consider every healthcare cost you might have while living in the Netherlands and then making a decision of which provider to hire based on that.

The cost of supplementary insurance varies widely based on the coverage options selected and the insurance provider. It can range from €10 to over €100 per month, depending on the extent of coverage.

How much does health insurance in the Netherlands cost?

The cost of health insurance can vary, depending on your provider and coverage. For the mandatory basic health insurance, the price range is from €100 to €150 per month.

Supplementary health insurance will really depend on what you need to be included. The more complex health issues can increase the costs to €100 extra a month, while less complex needs will bring an additional cost of €10. For example, you might want a basic dental package covering check-ups and cleanings, while a more comprehensive plan might cover major dental work such as crowns and orthodontics.

Expat health insurance in the Netherlands

Health insurance is mandatory for people staying in the Netherlands for three months or more. You are also required to have existing insurance when applying for any type of short-term work visa in the Netherlands. Some insurers may not cover pre-existing conditions under supplementary insurance, or they may have a waiting period. It's important to check the policy details and discuss any specific needs with the insurer.

Health insurance contracts in the Netherlands are typically annual, from January 1st to December 31st. You can change your insurer or policy once a year during the open enrolment period (usually November 12th to December 31st). Your company might recommend an insurance provider, but you are free to compare with other options and pick the policy that best suits you.

Low-income residents, including expats, may be eligible for a healthcare allowance to help cover the cost of health insurance. Check your eligibility and apply for the allowance through the Dutch tax office (Belastingdienst).

English-speaking doctors in the Netherlands

Many healthcare professionals, particularly in urban areas, speak English fluently, and the healthcare system in the country is equipped to care for international patients.

Expats can find English-speaking doctors and health services in the Netherlands by:

• Using online directories and expat websites such as H4i or Zorgkaartnederland.
• Use health insurance provider networks. Many Dutch health insurance providers have networks of affiliated healthcare providers, including those who speak English.
• Contact healthcare providers directly. Most clinics are accustomed to international patients and can provide information on language capabilities.
• Contact your country's embassy or consulate. They can provide lists of recommended English-speaking doctors, dentists, and hospitals for their citizens.

What to do in an emergency?

In any situation that requires immediate medical assistance, such as a heart attack, severe bleeding, or unconsciousness, call 112. This is the national emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance services.

You can also immediately visit the nearest hospital's emergency department (Spoedeisende Hulp). For this type of situation, you do not need to be registered at the hospital.

Patients can contact the out-of-hours GP service for non-life-threatening emergencies outside of normal GP office hours (huisartsenpost). This service can be used for situations such as injuries, high fever, or severe pain.