Children’s healthcare in the Netherlands
Looking for children’s healthcare in the Netherlands? Here’s how families can access free checkups, treatment, and support for children of all ages.
Children’s healthcare in the Netherlands is designed to be accessible, preventative, and family-focused. From routine health checks and vaccinations to dental and mental healthcare, most services for children are fully covered under the Dutch system.
Whether you’ve just arrived in the Netherlands or are planning a move with your family, this guide explains how children’s healthcare works and how to access it.
This article covers:
- Children’s healthcare in the Netherlands
- Is healthcare free for children in the Netherlands?
- Financial support for children’s healthcare costs
- How to access children’s healthcare in the Netherlands
- Healthcare for non-resident children
- Overview of children’s doctors in the Netherlands
- Pediatricians and specialists
- Children’s hospitals
- Available treatments for children
- Preventative healthcare programs
- Vaccinations for children
- Children’s dental care
- Mental healthcare for children and teenagers
- Useful resources
Children’s healthcare in the Netherlands
Children’s healthcare in the Netherlands is well-structured and focuses strongly on prevention and early intervention.
From birth, children are enrolled in the national youth healthcare system known as Jeugdgezondheidszorg (JGZ). This service monitors growth, development, and overall wellbeing, and provides vaccinations and screenings until adolescence.
For most medical concerns, families first visit their local family doctor (GP / huisarts), who can refer children to pediatricians or medical specialists when needed.
In addition, each municipality operates a Centrum Jeugd en Gezin, where parents can receive guidance on parenting, development, and family support services. While services may differ slightly by region, they all follow national healthcare guidelines.
Is healthcare free for children in the Netherlands?
Yes. Healthcare for children under 18 is free of charge, provided their parents or guardians are registered with a Dutch health insurance provider.
Key points:
- Children do not pay monthly insurance premiums
- There is no deductible (eigen risico) for children
- Coverage includes GP visits, hospital care, vaccinations, and most treatments
Once a child turns 18, they must take out their own health insurance policy.
Health insurance providers operating in the Netherlands include:
- Allianz Care
- Cigna Global
- ONVZ
- Zilveren Kruis
Parents can compare family health insurance plans using comparison platforms such as Independer.
Financial support for children’s healthcare costs
Although children are insured for free, parents must still pay their own monthly health insurance premiums. In 2025, the average premium is approximately €1,904 per year.
Low-income households may qualify for healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag), provided by the Dutch Tax Office. Depending on household income, families may receive monthly support to offset insurance costs.
How to access children’s healthcare in the Netherlands
After registering for health insurance, parents should register their child with a local GP practice (huisartsenpraktijk). You may choose any GP, as long as the practice is located near your home.
GPs provide:
- Treatment for common childhood illnesses
- Routine medical checks
- Referrals to pediatricians or specialists
Outside normal working hours, parents can contact the out-of-hours GP service (huisartsenpost), available:
- Weekdays: 17:00–08:00
- Weekends: Friday 17:00 – Monday 08:00
- Public holidays: 24 hours
How to get treatment as a non-resident in the Netherlands
Children visiting or temporarily staying in the Netherlands can access healthcare as follows:
- EU and EFTA nationals can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
- UK nationals can use the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
- Non-EU visitors must arrange private travel or short-term health insurance
- Long-term residents (over 90 days) must register for Dutch health insurance
For non-urgent care, parents can contact a GP or out-of-hours service even without registration in some regions. In emergencies, always call 112.
Non-residents usually pay upfront and claim reimbursement later through their insurance provider. Ambulance costs may range from €700–€1,000 if uninsured.
Overview of children’s doctors in the Netherlands
Pediatricians and specialists
In the Netherlands, GPs treat most childhood health issues. If specialized care is needed, children are referred to pediatricians (kinderartsen) or other specialists, usually based in hospitals or specialist clinics.
Some specialists, such as pediatric physiotherapists (kinderfysiotherapeuten), work in private clinics rather than hospitals.
Children’s hospitals in the Netherlands
All Dutch hospitals have pediatric departments. In addition, the Netherlands has several specialist children’s hospitals, including:
- Emma Kinderziekenhuis – Amsterdam
- Beatrix Kinderziekenhuis – Groningen
- Amalia Kinderziekenhuis – Nijmegen
- Erasmus MC Sophia Kinderziekenhuis – Rotterdam
- Juliana Kinderziekenhuis – The Hague
- Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis – Utrecht
- Prinses Máxima Centrum
Children’s hospitals are designed specifically for young patients, with specialized staff, child-friendly facilities, and family-centered care. Hospital treatment for children is free, and families may qualify for reduced accommodation costs nearby.
What treatments are available to children in the Netherlands?
Children in the Netherlands have access to comprehensive healthcare services, including preventative care, hospital treatment, dental care, and mental health support.
Preventative health programs for children
Preventative healthcare is coordinated through JGZ services and child health clinics (consultatiebureau).
During early childhood, parents receive invitations for:
- Growth and development checks
- Hearing and vision screenings
- Parenting guidance
- Childhood vaccinations
Visits are recommended but not mandatory. After school enrollment, care is transferred to youth doctors (jeugdartsen), with scheduled checkups around ages 5, 9, and 14.
Vaccinations for children in the Netherlands
Children are offered free vaccinations against 12 infectious diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and hepatitis B.
Vaccination participation is voluntary but strongly encouraged. Families automatically receive invitations once their child is registered in the system.
Children vaccinated abroad can align their vaccination record with the Dutch schedule through their GP.
Children’s dental care in the Netherlands
Basic dental care is free for children under 18, including:
- Checkups
- Fillings
- Fluoride treatments
- Emergency dental care
Orthodontic treatments (braces) are not covered under basic insurance. Parents must arrange supplementary insurance well in advance if orthodontic care is anticipated.
Mental healthcare for Dutch children and teens
Children and teenagers can access free mental healthcare through public youth mental health services (Jeugd-GGZ). These services support children dealing with anxiety, behavioral challenges, learning difficulties, or emotional stress.
The first step is usually to speak with a GP, who can arrange referrals. Direct appointments are possible but may result in lower reimbursement.
Support services also include:
- Child support helplines
- School-linked counseling
- Peer support programs for children experiencing family changes
Useful resources
- Pediatric Mental Health Services – public youth mental healthcare
- Centrum Jeugd & Gezin – family support services
- Zorgkaart Nederland – directory of healthcare providers