Health Insurance in the Netherlands: Because Your Health Won't Insure Itself
In the Netherlands, health insurance is a mandatory part of life (much like your daily bike ride). The Basic Insurance covers everything from GP visits to emergency treatments, and costs about €120-140/month. If you’re feeling extra cautious, you can add some optional coverage for things like dental care, physiotherapy, and even alternative medicine. The system is efficient, but don't forget to register with your huisarts (GP) first—after all, even the best health insurance won’t help if you don’t know where to find a doctor when you need one! Click and learn more!
Health Insurance
Basic Insurance (Basisverzekering)
Mandatory health insurance for everyone living or working in the Netherlands.
Monthly Cost:
€120-140 per month (2023)
Deductible (eigen risico): €385 per year
Coverage:
GP visits (huisarts)
Hospital care
Emergency treatment
Prescription medication
Mental healthcare (basic)
Maternity care
Popular Providers:
Additional Insurance (Aanvullende Verzekering)
Optional coverage for services not included in basic insurance.
Common Add-ons:
Dental care
Physiotherapy
Alternative medicine
Vision care
Contraception
Cost Range: €10-40 extra per month
Healthcare System
General Practitioners (Huisarts)
Role:
First point of contact
Referrals to specialists
Prescription medication
Basic treatments
Registration:
Register with local GP
Bring ID and insurance details
Usually within walking distance
Emergency Care
Emergency Numbers:
112 - Life-threatening situations
Huisartsenpost - After-hours GP care
Hospital Emergency (Spoedeisende Hulp):
Referral usually needed
Direct access in emergencies
Covered by basic insurance
Special Situations
Students & Healthcare
EU Students:
EHIC card usually sufficient
Unless working part-time
Non-EU Students:
Must get Dutch insurance
Special student packages available
Mental Healthcare
Access:
GP referral required
Covered by basic insurance
Student counseling available
Resources:
University counseling services
Online therapy options
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