Guide to getting health insurance in the Netherlands in 2025
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