Health insurance is compulsory in the Netherlands. This guide explains how the system works, which policy you need as an expat, how to apply, and what health insurance costs in 2025. The Dutch healthcare system is funded through a combination of mandatory insurance premiums, income-based contributions, and government regulation. Understanding how coverage works before and after arrival helps avoid fines, delays, and unexpected medical bills. This guide covers: Health insurance in the Dutch healthcare system Is health insurance in the Netherlands public or private? Healthcare in the Netherlands operates under a regulated private insurance model. The government defines mandatory coverage requirements, while private insurers provide policies. All insurers must be approved by: Only insurers authorised by both bodies are permitted to offer Dutch health insurance. Basic vs top-up health insurance in the Netherlands All residents must hold basic health insurance (basisverzekering). This provides access to essential healthcare but does not cover all medical services. What does Dutch basic health insurance cover? The government reviews the basic insurance package (basispakket) annually. It typically includes: Coverage depends on whether your insurer has a contract with the healthcare provider. Visiting non-contracted providers may result in partial reimbursement. Why take supplementary health insurance in the Netherlands? Most residents choose supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering) to cover services excluded from basic insurance. In 2024, over 80% of residents held additional coverage. Benefits include: Supplementary plans vary widely and are not mandatory. Who needs health insurance in the Netherlands? Health insurance is mandatory for most people living in the Netherlands, regardless of nationality. Dutch health insurance for temporary stays 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 basic insurance within four months of arrival. Exceptions may apply to: Which Dutch health insurance do I need? Status Dutch insurance required? Supplementary insurance? Employee of Dutch company Yes Optional Foreign employer Depends Depends Freelancer/self-employed Yes Optional Job seeker Yes Depends Student Depends Depends Retiree Yes Optional Asylum seeker Yes Optional Can you access health insurance if you are unemployed? Yes. Health insurance in the Netherlands is not tied to employment. If you lose your job, your insurance remains valid as long as premiums are paid. Dutch health insurance for students Most international students are not eligible for Dutch insurance unless they: Students who qualify must arrange Dutch insurance. Others must maintain international or private coverage. Health insurance for children in the Netherlands Children under 18 receive free basic healthcare and are automatically insured under a parent or guardian’s policy. Once they turn 18, they must register independently. Health coverage for tourists and short-stay visitors Travel insurance is recommended for non-emergency care. Asylum seekers and refugees Asylum seekers and refugees automatically receive access to basic healthcare through dedicated healthcare services at reception centres. International health insurance for expats in the Netherlands International insurance may be suitable if: Common providers include: What happens if I don’t have health insurance? If required insurance is missing, the Central Administration Office (CAK) may: Exemptions are possible for religious or conscientious objections, but equivalent taxes apply. How do you apply for health insurance in the Netherlands? What to do before your move How to register once you are in the Netherlands Insurers must accept you for basic coverage but may reject supplementary coverage. Documents required Dutch health insurance card: de zorgpas Most insurers issue a digital or physical zorgpas. Healthcare providers can also verify coverage using your BSN. How to get money back from health insurance How do you choose a health insurance company? When comparing providers, consider: Comparison platforms include Independer and UnitedConsumers. Health insurance companies in the Netherlands Popular providers for expats include: Policies can only be changed once per year, during December. Contracted healthcare providers and insurance policies Dutch insurers work with contracted providers. Policy types include: Restitution policies were discontinued in 2025. How much does Dutch health insurance cost? Costs of basic health insurance in 2025 Supplementary insurance costs Typically €20–€80 per month, depending on coverage level and age. Own-risk deductible (eigen risico) Personal contribution (eigen bijdrage) Applies to specific healthcare products set by the government annually. Dutch healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) Low-income residents may receive monthly support. 2025 income limits: Monthly benefit: €4–€131 (single) or up to €250 (couples) How much does international health insurance cost? International policies are usually more expensive than Dutch insurance and depend on: Useful resources

From compulsory health insurance to family doctors and specialist care, here’s what you need to know about how healthcare works in the Netherlands. The Dutch healthcare system is built on a regulated structure that combines mandatory health insurance with private healthcare providers. While the system is often praised for its quality and accessibility, understanding how it works, what is covered, and how much it costs is essential—especially for newcomers. This guide explains how the system is organised, who is eligible, and what expats should expect when accessing healthcare in the Netherlands. How does healthcare work in the Netherlands? Does the Netherlands have universal healthcare? The Netherlands operates a universal healthcare system that ensures access to medical care for all residents. Rather than being funded directly through taxes alone, healthcare is delivered through mandatory private health insurance that is regulated by the government. Residents must take out a basic health insurance policy (basisverzekering) from a private insurer. These insurers are legally required to accept applicants regardless of age, health condition, or medical history. In addition to basic insurance, optional supplementary policies are available for services not fully covered. Each year, the Dutch government defines what treatments and services must be included in the basic insurance package. Is healthcare good in the Netherlands? The Dutch healthcare system consistently ranks among the top systems globally. International benchmarks regularly place the Netherlands near the top for accessibility, patient choice, and overall outcomes. Studies show very low levels of unmet medical needs, indicating that most residents are able to access the care they require. While there are known challenges—such as waiting times in certain specialist areas—the system is widely regarded as reliable and well-regulated. Who administers Dutch healthcare? Healthcare in the Netherlands is overseen at multiple levels: Does the Netherlands have free healthcare? Healthcare in the Netherlands is not free at the point of use. Instead, it is financed through a combination of taxes, insurance premiums, and personal contributions. Key costs include: Residents with lower incomes may qualify for a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag), which helps offset insurance costs. Who can access healthcare in the Netherlands? Healthcare is considered a fundamental right in the Netherlands. All residents can access medical care, including asylum seekers, refugees, and undocumented migrants, although the level of coverage may differ depending on legal and insurance status. Can foreigners get health insurance in the Netherlands? Most expats are required to take out Dutch basic health insurance, depending on their economic and residential ties to the country. In general: Healthcare when you first move to the Netherlands Short-term access to healthcare depends on nationality and visa status: Health insurance for expats in the Netherlands International insurers commonly used by expats include: These policies are often used for visa applications or as temporary coverage before switching to Dutch insurance. How to register for Dutch healthcare Registration typically follows these steps: Insurers cannot reject applicants for basic coverage. However, outstanding payment issues can affect acceptance. Overview of primary care in the Netherlands Dutch healthcare professionals Doctors and specialists General practitioners (huisartsen) are the first point of contact for almost all medical concerns. They manage routine care, diagnostics, referrals, and medical records. Specialists operate in hospitals or specialised clinics and require a referral from a GP. Dentists Dental care is covered for children under 18. Adults must pay out of pocket or take supplementary insurance. Patients are free to choose any dentist. Physiotherapists in the Netherlands Basic insurance covers limited physiotherapy sessions. Additional coverage is recommended for long-term treatment. Referrals are not mandatory but can affect costs. Dutch healthcare facilities Health centers and clinics Primary care clinics are widely available and usually operate on weekdays. After-hours services (huisartsenpost) are available but may involve additional charges. Doctor consultations are covered, while diagnostics may count toward the deductible. Hospitals in the Netherlands Hospitals are publicly run and accessible through GP referral or emergency services (112). Basic insurance covers hospital care, though comfort and privacy levels may vary. Supplementary insurance can provide access to private rooms or additional services. Pharmacies Pharmacies are easy to find and operate mainly on weekdays. Prescription costs count toward the deductible, though medication prices are capped and heavily subsidised. Specialized healthcare in the Netherlands Mental healthcare Mental healthcare is accessible through referrals to licensed providers. Waiting times can be long within the public system. Private or supplementary insurance allows faster access. Children’s healthcare Children under 18 receive free healthcare, including vaccinations and dental care. Coverage is linked to a parent or guardian’s insurance policy. Women’s healthcare Essential women’s healthcare services are covered, including pregnancy-related care and screenings. Other services may require additional coverage. Abortion is legal in the Netherlands and regulated under national law, with medical consultation guiding decision-making timelines. Alternative medicine in the Netherlands Alternative and complementary healthcare services (alternatieve geneeswijzen) are quite popular in the Netherlands. Common forms of holistic medicine are acupuncture, halotherapy, homeopathy, iridology, osteopathy, and other complementary therapies. Depending on your location and desired treatments, you can access services at specialized health clinics, wellness centers, pharmacies, or health food stores. Some alternative medicines are covered by private insurance; be sure to check what is in your policy before you schedule an appointment. Practical medical phrases in Dutch Some useful Dutch phrases and vocabulary to learn are: English Dutch Help! Help! Call an ambulance! Bel de ambulance! I’ve had an accident Ik heb een ongeluk gehad I feel like I’m dying Ik voel me alsof ik dood ga doctor’s office dokterskamer pain pijn headache hoofdpijn stomach ache maagpijn fever koorts cough hoest food poisoning voedselvergiftiging heart attack hartaanval prescription voorschrift vaccine vaccinatie x-ray röntgenfoto CT scan CT scan Useful resources

People in Netherlands are often described as being relatively healthy. This is partly due to an active lifestyle, but daily eating habits also play an important role. While Dutch cuisine includes plenty of indulgent foods, everyday routines tend to favour balance and moderation. At first glance, the Dutch fondness for fried snacks and sweet treats may seem at odds with their generally slim appearance. Yet compared to many other European countries, obesity rates remain relatively low. So how do these habits fit together? Looking more closely at daily routines reveals a number of consistent patterns that support healthier eating without strict dieting. Portion control Although rich and fried foods are popular, portion sizes in the Netherlands are typically modest. Restaurant servings are rarely oversized, and meals are designed to be filling rather than excessive. This approach helps people feel satisfied without overeating. Unlike countries where “supersizing” has become common, Dutch eating culture has largely resisted this trend. Moderation remains a core principle of everyday meals. Milking the benefits Milk consumption is common in the Netherlands, particularly at breakfast and lunch. When consumed in moderation, milk can be a nutritious choice, providing calcium, protein, and vitamin D. Low-fat milk options are widely available, including flavoured varieties such as chocolate or coconut. These products are often chosen as a convenient and filling drink without excessive calories. Guilt-free snacks Fried snacks are usually reserved for weekends or special occasions rather than everyday eating. During the week, lighter snacks are more common. Popular choices include ontbijtkoek (a spiced breakfast cake) and eierkoeken (soft egg cakes). These snacks are relatively low in fat and can help satisfy hunger between meals without excessive calorie intake. Good timing Evening meals in the Netherlands are typically eaten earlier than in many other European countries, often around 19:00. Eating earlier in the evening can support stable energy levels and reduce late-night snacking. While eating late does not automatically cause weight gain, earlier meals may help limit blood sugar fluctuations and encourage more mindful food choices. Balanced lunch Lunch is usually a simple and light meal, commonly eaten around 12:30. Bread with cheese, cold cuts, or spreads is a staple. This combination provides carbohydrates, protein, and fat, which together help maintain steady energy levels throughout the afternoon. Including protein at lunch also helps reduce the urge to snack later in the day. Coffees not lattes Coffee plays a major role in Dutch daily life. The Netherlands is among the highest coffee-consuming countries in the world, yet coffee choices are often straightforward. Black coffee is preferred over sweetened or milk-heavy options. With very few calories, it offers a lower-calorie alternative to lattes and flavoured drinks, which can contain several hundred calories per cup. Cheese, please Cheese has been part of Dutch food culture for centuries and continues to feature prominently in daily meals. When eaten in moderation, cheese can be part of a balanced diet. It provides calcium and protein, both of which support muscle maintenance and overall metabolic health. Portion awareness and choosing lower-fat varieties when possible help keep intake balanced. Bicycles Diet is only one part of the picture. Cycling is deeply integrated into everyday life in the Netherlands, with bikes used for commuting, errands, and social activities. Even moderate cycling contributes to daily physical activity. Short rides add up over time, supporting overall health and helping balance calorie intake without structured exercise routines.