Guide to getting health insurance in the Netherlands in 2025
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:
- Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa)
- De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB)
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:
- GP (general practitioner) care
- Hospital treatment and emergency care
- Prescription medication
- Maternity care
- Mental healthcare
- Cancer screenings and preventive care
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
- Coverage for dental care, contraception, physiotherapy, glasses, and alternative treatments
- Access to a broader range of healthcare providers
- Reduced waiting times
- Extra coverage abroad
- Policies tailored for students, families, expats, or retirees
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:
- EHIC or GHIC (EU/EEA/UK citizens)
- International travel or health insurance
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:
- International students
- Working holiday participants
- Cultural exchange visa holders
- Certain non-residents (niet-ingezetenen)
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:
- Has a paid job or internship
- Is over 30 and staying long-term
- Is a Dutch national
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
- EU/EEA/UK visitors: EHIC or GHIC
- Other nationals: international health insurance
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:
- Do not yet qualify for Dutch insurance
- Move between countries frequently
- Require global coverage
Common providers include:
- Allianz Care
- APRIL International
- Cigna Global
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
- Check EHIC/GHIC eligibility
- Arrange temporary international insurance if needed
- Non-EU nationals may need private insurance for visa approval
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
- Passport or ID
- BSN
- Proof of address
- Dutch bank account
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
- Contracted providers bill insurers directly
- Non-contracted care requires upfront payment and reimbursement
Refunds are typically processed within two weeks.
How do you choose a health insurance company?
Comparison platforms include:
- Independer
- United Consumers
Consider coverage, deductibles, reimbursement process, overseas coverage, and customer reviews.
Health insurance companies in the Netherlands
Popular expat-friendly insurers include:
- FBTO Zorg
- ONVZ
- Zilveren Kruis
You can only switch insurers once per year in December.
Contracted healthcare providers and policy types
Policy types:
- Budget policy – limited providers
- Natura policy – full coverage with contracted providers
- Combination policy – mixed coverage
How much does Dutch health insurance cost in 2025?
Basic insurance costs
Average annual premium: €1,904.64
Monthly range: €145.95 – €177.50
Supplementary insurance costs
Typically €20–80 per month, depending on coverage.
Own-risk deductible (eigen risico)
- Mandatory deductible: €385 per year
- Does not apply to GP care, maternity care, children, or nursing
- Optional voluntary increase up to €500 for premium discounts
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:
- €39,719 (single)
- €50,206 (couples)
Monthly allowance: €4–€131 (single) or €4–€250 (couples)
How much does international health insurance cost?
Costs depend on:
- Age
- Coverage level
- Medical history
- Geographic scope
International plans are generally more expensive than Dutch insurance.
Useful resources
- Rijksoverheid – healthcare regulations
- SVB – insurance eligibility
- Zorgverzekeringslijn