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 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: Once a child turns 18, they must take out their own health insurance policy. Health insurance providers operating in the Netherlands include: 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: Outside normal working hours, parents can contact the out-of-hours GP service (huisartsenpost), available: How to get treatment as a non-resident in the Netherlands Children visiting or temporarily staying in the Netherlands can access healthcare as follows: 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: 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: 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: 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: Useful resources

Looking for a doctor in the Netherlands? This guide explains how to register with a GP, book appointments, and access medical care with confidence. The Dutch healthcare system is known for being reliable, structured, and accessible to residents and expats alike. Whether you need a routine GP visit, ongoing care, or a referral to a specialist, the process is simple once you understand how it works. This guide explains how to find a doctor, what to expect during appointments, and how costs and insurance work in the Netherlands. You’ll find information on: Overview of doctors in the Netherlands The Netherlands has one of the most comprehensive healthcare systems in Europe, covering almost all residents, including expats. Healthcare is funded through mandatory, government-regulated private health insurance, ensuring access to GP care, specialist treatment, and emergency services. According to recent EU health data, the Netherlands has slightly fewer doctors per capita than the EU average. However, the system is GP-centered, meaning most care is efficiently managed through family doctors before specialist referral. All doctors practicing in the Netherlands must be registered in the BIG register and comply with standards set by the Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport. Family doctors or GPs in the Netherlands General practitioners (huisarts) are your first point of contact for nearly all non-emergency medical issues. They work from individual practices or group clinics (huisartsenpraktijk). Key points about Dutch GPs: GPs handle: Medical specialists in the Netherlands For specialized treatment, patients are referred to medical specialists (medisch specialisten), such as dermatologists, cardiologists, or neurologists. Specialists usually work in: In most cases: Public-sector specialists typically work during standard business hours, while private clinics may offer extended availability. Who can see a doctor in the Netherlands? Medical care is accessible to everyone, including: However, for non-urgent treatment, you will need: Doctors can be either contracted or non-contracted with insurers: How to find a doctor near me in the Netherlands? Emergencies For life-threatening emergencies, call 112 or go directly to the nearest emergency department (spoedeisende hulp). Non-emergency care You can find doctors through: Out-of-hours GP services operate: I need to see a doctor in Amsterdam Amsterdam offers many English-speaking clinics and expat-friendly medical centers, including: Online video consultations are also available through local telemedicine providers. How to see a doctor in the Netherlands: step-by-step Step 1: Register with a local GP Registration is required before you can access routine care. You’ll usually need: Some practices may request a brief intake appointment to review your medical history. Step 2: Book an appointment Most GP visits require an appointment, booked: Waiting times are usually short (same day or within a few days). Missed appointments or late cancellations may be charged. Step 3: Visit the health center Check in with reception on arrival. Consultations typically last 10–15 minutes. Home visits are uncommon and only arranged when medically necessary. How to communicate effectively with Dutch doctors Dutch doctors are known for being direct and practical. This is not impolite—it helps them assess symptoms efficiently. Tips: How much do doctor visits cost in the Netherlands? Without insurance: With Dutch health insurance: Non-contracted providers may result in partial reimbursement only. Do I need health insurance in the Netherlands? Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents. Key points: Popular expat-friendly insurers include: Overview of Dutch doctors’ services Prescription medications Doctors prescribe medication when medically necessary. Prescriptions can be filled at any pharmacy (apotheek). Medication costs: Emergency pharmacies (dienstapotheek) operate outside normal hours. How to complain about a doctor in the Netherlands If you’re dissatisfied with medical care: Advice and guidance are available via the Landelijk Meldpunt Zorg.All procedures are conducted in Dutch. Practical medical words in Dutch English Dutch General practitioner huisarts doctor’s office dokterspraktijk appointment afspraak pain pijn headache hoofdpijn stomach ache buikpijn back pain rugpijn fever koorts cough hoest prescription voorschrift painkiller pijnstiller Useful resources

If you need physical therapy in the Netherlands, this guide explains your treatment options, access rules, costs, insurance coverage, and alternatives. Physiotherapy plays an important role in recovery after injury or illness and in preventing long-term physical problems. Expats living in the Netherlands can access a wide range of physiotherapy services through the Dutch healthcare system. However, coverage depends largely on your health insurance plan, as most physiotherapy treatments fall under supplementary insurance rather than basic coverage. This guide explains what to expect, where to go, and how to arrange treatment if you need physical therapy in the Netherlands. Topics covered include: The Dutch healthcare system The Netherlands has one of Europe’s most accessible healthcare systems. Since 2006, it has operated a universal social health insurance model, combining mandatory coverage with private insurers and service providers. The system is overseen by the Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport (Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport). Expats staying long term must take out basic Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering) within four months of registering in the country. However, basic insurance generally does not cover physiotherapy, except in specific medical circumstances. To access most treatments, you will need supplementary insurance. Children under 18 usually receive physiotherapy free of charge under basic insurance. Physical therapy in the Netherlands Physiotherapy (fysiotherapie) is widely available throughout the country. The Netherlands has one of the highest numbers of physiotherapists per capita in the world, making access relatively easy in both cities and smaller towns. Almost half of all Dutch physiotherapists are members of the Koninklijk Nederlands Genootschap voor Fysiotherapie (KNGF). The KNGF manages the Central Quality Register, which all licensed physiotherapists must join to practice legally. Commonly treated areas include: Types of physiotherapy in the Netherlands Physiotherapists often specialize in specific treatment areas. Common types include: Some specialties have separate professional associations, depending on the therapy type. Accessing physical therapy in the Netherlands Since 2006, patients in the Netherlands can self-refer to a physiotherapist without seeing a GP first. However: Even with supplementary insurance, always confirm that: For chronic medical conditions, partial reimbursement through basic insurance may be possible, but this requires a doctor’s referral. Finding a physical therapist in the Netherlands You are free to choose your own physiotherapist. Common ways to find one include: Finding an English-speaking physical therapist Most healthcare professionals in the Netherlands speak good English, especially in urban areas. Finding an English-speaking physiotherapist is usually straightforward. Expat-focused clinics, such as international medical centers in major cities, often advertise English-language services. Embassies and consulates can also provide healthcare provider lists. Visiting a physical therapist in the Netherlands Appointments are usually required and can be booked by phone or online. Waiting times vary depending on demand and specialty. At your first appointment: The first visit typically includes: Physiotherapists may also provide preventive advice. They cannot prescribe medication but may refer you back to your GP or specialist if needed. Costs of physical therapy in the Netherlands There is no fixed national pricing. Most physiotherapists operate privately and set their own fees. Typical costs: Coverage depends on your insurance: Basic insurance may cover limited sessions in specific cases, including: Always check your policy details carefully. Insurance for physical therapy in the Netherlands You can choose from many Dutch and international insurers, including: Coverage varies widely, so comparison platforms like Independer are useful when selecting a plan. Emergency physical therapy After serious injury, surgery, or hospital treatment, physiotherapy may be partially reimbursed under basic insurance from the 21st session onward, depending on the condition. In emergency situations: Alternatives to physical therapy in the Netherlands Before choosing alternative treatments, confirm whether your insurance covers them. Osteopaths Osteopathy focuses on restoring body movement through manual techniques. Reliable practitioners are registered with recognized Dutch osteopathy bodies. Costs are typically around €100 per session, with limited reimbursement through comprehensive insurance plans. Chiropractors Chiropractic care addresses neuromuscular issues using spinal manipulation and other techniques. Session costs range from €40–€80 and are usually covered only by extended insurance packages. Massage therapists Massage therapy is considered complementary care and is not regulated. Prices usually range from €30–€65 per session. Reimbursement often requires a medical referral. Always verify qualifications through professional registers or recognized associations. Useful resources