Health insurance in the Netherlands is one of the first and most important formalities after moving, which determines access to doctors, treatment, tests and medical services in the country. Find out how to apply for a policy, when to register, how much insurance costs, how a family doctor works and much more useful information for foreigners abroad

The Netherlands is one of the most attractive countries for living and relocation. High salaries, demand for specialists, social protection, a balanced rhythm of life - all this attracts tens of thousands of expats every year. However, the first thing you need to take care of after receiving a residence permit is obtaining health insurance (zorgverzekering).

The medical system in the Netherlands is considered one of the strongest in Europe: high-quality treatment, modern clinics, digitalization, a transparent financing system and an orientation towards prevention, not just treatment.

This article is a detailed guide that will help you understand insurance, registration, costs, doctors, tests, medicines and emergency care.

Health insurance is your protection and confidence anywhere in the world. With a policy, you get access to doctors, treatment and medical services without stress and unnecessary expenses.

Take care of your health today - get insurance and be confident in tomorrow!

Level of medicine in the Netherlands

- Average cost of the basic package – about €118 / month

- Annual deductible (eigen risico) – €385

After exceeding it, the insurer compensates the costs.

How is the healthcare system in the Netherlands structured?

The country's healthcare system is considered one of the best in Europe. In the European Health Consumer Index 2018, the Netherlands took 2nd place among all EU countries.

The Dutch healthcare system is based on the principle: every resident has the right to care and everyone is obliged to participate in its financing.

The medical system includes three levels

1. Primary (huisarts) – family doctor, basic tests, prescriptions – direct treatment.

2. Secondary (specialist) – narrow specialists, control diagnostics, ultrasound, MRI – referral from a huisarts

3. Hospital – operations, hospitalization, oncology, traumatology – referral from a specialist.

Without a family doctor (huisarts), access to most medical services will be limited. He is your first point of contact with the system.

Obligation to take out insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for everyone who works in the Netherlands.

After registering your place of residence with the Gemeente and receiving a BSN (Burger Service Nummer), you must take out insurance no later than 4 months later. The only exceptions are those who are not working and living temporarily: students, tourists, volunteers, participants in exchange programs.

What happens if you do not take out insurance?

1st fine – approximately €402

2nd fine after 3 months

After 9 months – the state will insure you and start deducting contributions from your salary automatically

How much does health insurance cost in the Netherlands?

The average cost is €110–150 / month, depending on the insurer, deductible and additional packages.

The deductible (Eigen risico) is the amount that the patient pays on their own before the insurance starts covering. The basic deductible is €385 per year.

If you increase the deductible to, for example, €885, the cost of the monthly payment will be lower, which is beneficial for those who rarely see a doctor.

What is included in the basic Zvw insurance?

The coverage of the basic policy is set by the state, so it is the same for all insurers.

Covers in full or in part:

- family doctor (huisarts)

- emergency and urgent care

- inpatient treatment and operations

- prescription medications (according to the list)

- tests, diagnostics, X-rays

- pregnancy, childbirth, neonatal care

- psychotherapy

- physiotherapy treatment for osteoarthritis

- dentistry for children under 18

Not included in the base:

- dentistry for adults

- orthodontics

- cosmetic procedures

- some types of rehabilitation

- vaccinations, which are not mandatory

For these services, a supplementary insurance is taken out.

The family doctor (huisarts) is the main person in the system

This is the first doctor the patient consults.

He treats most common conditions, writes prescriptions, refers to specialists, guides pregnant women in the early stages, and monitors chronic diseases.

After receiving insurance: find and get a hold of a huisarts in your area. Places are sometimes limited - it is better not to delay.

Urgent and emergency care

In case of an immediate threat to life - number 112

If the condition is serious but not critical - contact:

Huisartsenpost (emergency clinic) - open in the evenings, on weekends.

Most clinics are open by appointment only, so sudden visits without an appointment are not always possible.

Pharmacies and access to medicines

Medicines are mainly dispensed according to a prescription from a family doctor.

In most cities, pharmacies work in close integration with huisarts - electronic prescriptions are transmitted online.

Some medications are fully covered by insurance, others - with a co-payment.

Rare and expensive medications may require additional approval from the insurance company.

Mental health is a strong point of the country

In the Netherlands, mental health is taken seriously: basic insurance covers consultations with a psychologist and psychiatrist.

The scheme is as follows:

1. Referral to a huisarts.

2. Referral to GGZ (Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg).

3. Selection of therapy or medication.

Pregnancy, childbirth and childcare

The maternal support system is one of the most developed in Europe and covers: pregnancy management, ultrasound and tests, childbirth at home or in a hospital, and postnatal care

Children under 18 receive free health insurance.

The Dutch medical system is built on the principles of accessibility, prevention and insurance responsibility. To have full access to doctors, tests and hospitalization, an expat simply needs to take out basic insurance, choose a family doctor and, if necessary, connect additional packages.

Taking out health insurance is the first step to comfortable adaptation in the country.

Moving to the Netherlands for work, study or long-term residence? Health insurance here is not just a formality, but a prerequisite for access to doctors, tests, hospitalization, prescription drugs and preventive examinations.

Insurance will help expats avoid unforeseen expenses, quickly get a consultation from a family doctor (Huisarts) and provide peace of mind during the adaptation period. By taking out insurance, you protect yourself, your budget and get guaranteed access to high-quality European medicine.

Take out a health policy - and experience what it's like to live in the Netherlands with full medical protection!

Reminder! Studying in the Netherlands attracts thousands of students from all over the world due to the high quality of education, English-language programs, and international opportunities. We have already told you how a foreigner can enter a university in the Netherlands in 2025, get a student visa, choose a program, and find the best universities.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents for Netherlands;

Legal advice on immigration to Netherlands;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Netherlands;

Medical insurance all over the world.

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