Are you an expat living in the Netherlands? Have you recently moved here? If so there are things that are important to know about the Dutch health insurance system.

The Netherlands has a mandatory health insurance system, meaning everyone living in the country needs to have basic health insurance.

Here is a list of the key things expats should know about Dutch health insurance:

1. It’s Mandatory:

  • Within four months of registering with the municipality, you must have basic health insurance.
  • This applies even if you have health insurance from your home country.
  • Failing to have a Dutch health insurance policy can not only lead to fines. You can also be charged the basic insurance premium backdated for every month for which you didn’t have coverage. This can quickly add up, so it’s critical to make sure you have an insurance policy as soon as possible.

2. Two-Tiered System:

Dutch health insurance comprises two parts:

  • Basic Insurance (“Basiszorgverzekering”): This covers essential healthcare services such as GP visits, hospital stays, specialist referrals, and ambulance costs. It’s mandatory for everyone including children.
  • Supplementary Insurance (“Aanvullende verzekering”): This is optional and covers extra services such as dental care, physiotherapy, alternative medicine, and glasses. It’s important to note that dental care is never included in the basic insurance. Supplementary dental insurance packages vary from one insurer to another. They usually cover dental checkups with a oral hygienist and visits to the dentist.

There are sites (mostly in Dutch) such as Zorgwijzer (health chooser) that can be used to compare the offerings of health insurers in the Netherlands. Here is a link to the English language version of Zorgwijzer.nl

3. How it Works:

  • You choose a health insurer (“zorgverzekeraar”) from various providers.
  • You pay a monthly premium (“premie”) to your insurer.
  • You pay an annual deductible (“eigen risico”) before the insurer fully covers costs.
  • You might need to pay a personal contribution (“eigen bijdrage”) for certain treatments.
  • Health insurance is free for children up to the age of 18 years old. They need to be registered under the policy of either parent or guardian.

4. Costs:

  • The monthly premium for basic insurance is around €100-€150, but it varies based on the insurer and your chosen deductible.
  • Supplementary insurance premiums vary widely depending on the coverage.

5. Choosing an Insurer:

  • Compare policies and premiums from different insurers.
  • Consider factors like coverage, deductibles, customer service, and online services.
  • Independent comparison websites can be helpful.

6. GP Registration:

  • Once insured, register with a local General Practitioner (GP or “huisarts”).
  • Your GP is your first point of contact for all healthcare needs.
  • If you require specialist care, you must always receive a referral from your GP, otherwise your health insurer might not reimburse you for any costs incurred

7. Exceptions and Special Cases:

  • Some expats might be exempt from mandatory Dutch insurance if they have specific health insurance from their employer or home country.
  • EU/EEA citizens with an EHIC card can use it for temporary stays (up to four months) but require Dutch insurance coverage for long-term residence.

8. Useful Resources:

Tips for Expats:

  • Don’t delay: Get insured as soon as you register in the Netherlands.
  • Compare policies carefully: Consider your health needs and budget.
  • Learn some basic Dutch: It can be helpful for communicating with healthcare providers.
  • Ask for help: Once insured, you can always call your insurer for advice. It’s also always good to call them before undergoing any extensive dental or medical treatment to confirm what’s covered by the insurer. This will prevent any nasty surprises later.

Don’t wait until December

Once insured, don’t wait until December to use your supplementary insurance. At the end of the year due to the holiday season and lots of people making appointments, there are often limited opportunities for treatment before the end of the calendar year. Also be aware that you can only change your health insurance provider once a year.

Navigating a new healthcare system can be challenging. By understanding the basics of Dutch health insurance, you can ensure you have the necessary coverage and access to quality care during your time in the Netherlands.