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: