Health insurance is compulsory in the Netherlands. Whether you are moving for work, study, or long-term residence, understanding how the system works is essential. This guide explains how Dutch health insurance functions in 2025, who must be insured, how to apply, and what you can expect to pay. Below, you’ll find clear explanations covering eligibility, costs, registration steps, and special situations for expats, students, families, and short-term visitors. Health insurance in the Dutch healthcare system Is health insurance in the Netherlands public or private? The Dutch healthcare system is a regulated private system. The government determines what must be covered under basic health insurance, but private insurance companies deliver and administer the policies. Oversight of the system is handled by: All health insurers must be licensed and supervised by these authorities. Basic vs top-up health insurance in the Netherlands Every resident must have basic health insurance (basisverzekering). This mandatory policy covers essential medical care. However, many services are excluded, which is why most residents also choose supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering). What does Dutch basic health insurance cover? Each year, the government defines the contents of the basic package (basispakket). In 2025, this includes: Coverage is identical across insurers, but reimbursement depends on whether your provider is contracted with your insurer. Why take supplementary health insurance in the Netherlands? Basic insurance does not fully cover services many people consider essential, such as dental care or physiotherapy. As a result, over 80% of residents hold supplementary coverage. Benefits of supplementary insurance Supplementary insurance is optional, and insurers may refuse applications based on health or age. Who needs health insurance in the Netherlands? Health insurance is mandatory for anyone who is considered a resident under Dutch law. Dutch health insurance for temporary stays Short-term visitors can rely on: Visitors requiring a Schengen visa must show insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000. Health insurance for long-term and permanent stays in the Netherlands Anyone living in the Netherlands for more than 183 days per year must usually take out Dutch health insurance. Exceptions may apply to: Those who must register are required to do so within four months of arrival. Which Dutch health insurance do I need? Status Dutch insurance required? Supplementary insurance? Employee (Dutch employer) Yes Optional Employee (foreign employer) Depends Depends Self-employed Yes Optional Job seeker Yes Optional Student Depends Optional Retiree Yes Optional Asylum seeker Yes Optional Can you access health insurance if you are unemployed? Yes. Dutch health insurance is not linked to employment. Losing a job does not affect your right to healthcare, though it may impact your residence status. Dutch health insurance for students Most international students remain insured through foreign or international policies. However, Dutch insurance is mandatory if the student: Some insurers offer student-specific plans. Health insurance for children in the Netherlands Children under 18 are insured for free under a parent’s policy. Adults and children aged 18+ must register individually. Health coverage for tourists and short-stay visitors Asylum seekers and refugees Asylum seekers automatically receive basic healthcare through reception centers and state-managed services. International health insurance for expats in the Netherlands International insurance may be suitable if you: Common providers include: What happens if you don’t have health insurance? The Central Administration Office issues fines and can enroll you automatically, deducting premiums from income. Religious exemptions exist but require higher tax payments. How do you apply for health insurance in the Netherlands? What to do before your move How to register once in the Netherlands You need a BSN (Citizen Service Number) from your municipality. After that, insurers must accept you for basic insurance. Required documents Dutch health insurance card: De zorgpas Most insurers issue a digital or physical zorgpas. Healthcare access is linked to your BSN, not the card itself. How to get money back from health insurance Refunds are typically processed within two weeks. How do you choose a health insurance company? Comparison platforms include: Consider coverage, deductibles, reimbursement process, overseas coverage, and customer reviews. Health insurance companies in the Netherlands Popular expat-friendly insurers include: You can only switch insurers once per year in December. Contracted healthcare providers and policy types Policy types: How much does Dutch health insurance cost in 2025? Basic insurance costs Average annual premium: €1,904.64Monthly range: €145.95 – €177.50 Supplementary insurance costs Typically €20–80 per month, depending on coverage. Own-risk deductible (eigen risico) Personal contribution (eigen bijdrage) Certain medical aids require a government-set co-payment. Dutch healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) In 2025, you may qualify if you earn under: Monthly allowance: €4–€131 (single) or €4–€250 (couples) How much does international health insurance cost? Costs depend on: International plans are generally more expensive than Dutch insurance. Useful resources

Insurance plays an important role in everyday life in the Netherlands. With large areas of the country located below sea level, risk management has long been part of Dutch culture. In recent years, insurance premiums have accounted for a significant share of national spending, representing around 8.5% of GDP in 2022, although this figure has declined compared to previous decades. A substantial portion of insurance in the Netherlands is legally required, while other policies are optional but widely used. Understanding which types of insurance you must have — and which are recommended — is essential for residents and expats alike. This guide explains the basics, including mandatory coverage, optional policies, and how to deal with insurers. Overview of insurance in the Netherlands Insurance providers and other financial institutions in the Netherlands operate under the Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht – Wft). Oversight is carried out by two main authorities: There are three main categories of insurers in the Netherlands: To operate legally, insurers must be registered with the DNB. In recent years, the Netherlands has had more than 130 registered insurance companies, the vast majority of which are members of the Association of Insurers (Verbond van Verzekeraars). Which insurance is legally required in the Netherlands? Health insurance All residents aged 18 or older — including expats with a valid residence permit — are legally required to take out basic Dutch health insurance (zorgverzekering). This covers essential medical care such as GP visits, hospital treatment, and prescribed medication. Children under 18 are automatically insured under their parent’s or guardian’s policy. You are generally not required to take out Dutch health insurance if: However, international students must take out Dutch health insurance if they are employed, even on a part-time or zero-hour contract. The Netherlands has both domestic and international health insurers. International policies are often popular with expats who move between countries. Well-known health insurers include: Home insurance Home insurance is not legally mandatory, but most Dutch banks require it when you purchase a property with a mortgage. Building insurance (opstalverzekering) usually covers damage caused by fire, storms, flooding, burglary, and vandalism. If you rent a property, you may be asked to take out: Popular home insurance providers in the Netherlands include: Motor vehicle (car) insurance Anyone who owns a car, motorcycle, or scooter in the Netherlands must have at least third-party liability insurance (WA-verzekering). This covers damage or injury caused to others. Additional coverage options may include: In the Netherlands, car insurance is linked to the vehicle, not the driver. This means the vehicle owner remains legally responsible even if someone else is driving. Common car insurance providers include: Which forms of insurance are optional? In addition to mandatory coverage, many residents choose optional insurance policies to reduce financial risk and increase peace of mind. Common examples include: Commercial insurance in the Netherlands Running a business or working as a freelancer involves additional risks. While business insurance is usually not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. Common commercial insurance options include: How to choose an insurance company in the Netherlands Price alone should not determine your choice. When comparing insurers, consider: Comparison websites commonly used in the Netherlands include: How to complain about an insurer in the Netherlands If you have a dispute with your insurer, first try to resolve it directly with the company. If this fails, you can file a complaint with: Kifid offers independent mediation, often free of charge. If disciplinary action is required, cases may be referred to the Insurers Disciplinary Board (Tuchtraad Verzekeraars). Legal action is also possible, but this usually prevents further use of Kifid’s mediation services. Useful resources

Life insurance in the Netherlands is not compulsory, but many residents and expats choose it as a way to protect their families financially in the event of death. A suitable policy can help cover everyday living costs, repay outstanding debts, or reduce the financial strain on loved ones. Life insurance in the Netherlands is not compulsory, but many residents and expats choose it as a way to protect their families financially in the event of death. A suitable policy can help cover everyday living costs, repay outstanding debts, or reduce the financial strain on loved ones. For expats living abroad or supporting family members across borders, life insurance can be an especially important part of financial planning. This guide provides general information only and does not constitute professional or financial advice. For guidance tailored to your personal situation, consult a licensed insurance specialist in the Netherlands. Table of contents What is life insurance? Life insurance in the Netherlands (levensverzekering) is designed to provide financial protection for your chosen beneficiaries after your death. Beneficiaries are usually partners, children, or other close relatives, but policyholders are free to decide who receives the payout. Depending on the policy, the benefit may be paid as a lump sum or in scheduled payments. Premiums are paid regularly while the policy is active. Life insurance can help cover funeral expenses, outstanding loans, mortgage payments, or replace lost income. For expats, it can be particularly useful when dependents rely on a single income or live in another country. Types of life insurance available in the Netherlands The three most common life insurance options in the Netherlands are: Each type serves a different purpose and suits different financial situations. Term life insurance Term life insurance provides coverage for a fixed period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. If the insured person dies during this term, the insurer pays the agreed amount to the beneficiaries. Once the term ends, the coverage stops. This is the most widely used life insurance option in the Netherlands. It is often chosen to protect families during financially demanding periods, such as when raising children, paying off a mortgage, or running a business. Premiums are generally affordable, and coverage can be structured in three ways: Whole life insurance Whole life insurance provides coverage for the insured person’s entire lifetime, as long as premiums are paid. A payout is guaranteed whenever death occurs. These policies are usually more expensive than term life insurance and are less commonly used. They may be suitable for higher-income households or estate planning purposes. Some policies include an investment or savings component that can accumulate value over time. Advantages Disadvantages Funeral insurance Funeral insurance is intended specifically to cover funeral expenses. Payouts are made shortly after death to ensure immediate costs are covered. Common options include: Coverage amounts are typically lower than other life insurance types, often up to around €15,000. This option can be useful for expats who may want funeral arrangements handled abroad. Life insurance requirements for expats in the Netherlands Most expats who are legal residents of the Netherlands can apply for life insurance. Some insurers require applicants to be employed or self-employed and may restrict coverage lengths for those with temporary residence permits. Health, age, medical history, smoking habits, and lifestyle factors influence premiums and eligibility. Many insurers apply age limits: For example: Applicants complete a medical questionnaire and may need a medical exam depending on age, health, or coverage amount. How much life insurance do you need? The right coverage amount depends on your personal and family situation. Consider whether the goal is long-term income replacement or simply covering debts and funeral costs. A basic calculation may include: Expats should also consider cross-border costs, such as dependents living abroad or repatriation expenses. Speaking with an insurance advisor is recommended for accurate planning. Life insurance costs and premiums in the Netherlands Premiums depend on several factors, including: Premiums can range from a few euros per month to several hundred euros. Some insurers charge a one-time setup fee. Many providers offer online premium calculators, including Allianz and Feather. Buying life insurance in the Netherlands as an expat Step 1: Choose coverage Decide on the type of policy and coverage amount. Professional advice can help if you are unsure. Step 2: Compare providers Compare premiums, flexibility, cancellation terms, and expat services. Always verify that insurers are registered with: Step 3: Apply Applications are usually completed online and include health and personal details. Step 4: Medical review Some policies require a medical exam before approval. Employer-provided life insurance Some employers in the Netherlands include life insurance as part of employee benefit packages. Coverage is often linked to pension plans and may allow optional top-ups. International life insurance vs local coverage Local Dutch policies are usually cheaper and easier to manage but may require continued Dutch residency. International policies offer more flexibility for people who expect to relocate. Local Dutch policies International policies Life insurance beneficiaries and international considerations Including beneficiaries abroad may involve additional requirements or fees. Ask insurers about payout procedures, taxes, and transfer options. Services like Wise are often used for cross-border payments due to transparent exchange rates and lower fees. Life insurance when moving countries Many Dutch policies require continued residency. If you plan to move abroad, notify your insurer in advance. International life insurance may be more suitable for globally mobile individuals. Tax implications of life insurance in the Netherlands Cross-border payouts may trigger foreign tax obligations. Professional tax advice is recommended. Life insurance and estate planning Naming beneficiaries allows direct payouts, but does not automatically eliminate inheritance tax. Writing a will and consulting a tax advisor can help optimize estate planning. Common life insurance mistakes to avoid for expats Life insurance claims process Beneficiaries should notify the insurer as soon as possible. Required documents usually include: Claims are typically processed within 30 days. Disputes can be escalated to Kifid. Getting professional advice in the Netherlands Licensed insurance advisors and brokers can help