Health Insurance in the Netherlands: A Comprehensive Guide

Health insurance is a fundamental aspect of living in the Netherlands. With a healthcare system that is ranked among the best in the world, the Netherlands ensures that its residents have access to high-quality medical services through a regulated health insurance scheme. Whether you are a Dutch citizen, an expat, or a student, understanding how the Dutch health insurance system works is essential for navigating life in the country.

1. Overview of the Dutch Healthcare System

The Dutch healthcare system operates on the principle of social solidarity. This means that everyone contributes to the cost of healthcare, and everyone receives care when needed. The system is a mix of private and public components, where health insurance companies operate in a regulated competitive market, but the government sets the rules to ensure fairness and accessibility.

Healthcare in the Netherlands is divided into three parts:

• Basic health insurance (Zorgverzekeringswet or Zvw): Mandatory for all residents.

• Long-term care (Wet langdurige zorg or Wlz): For chronic conditions or disabilities.

• Social support (Wet maatschappelijke ondersteuning or Wmo): Provided by municipalities for support in daily living.

2. Mandatory Health Insurance (Basisverzekering)

Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands is required by law to take out a basic health insurance policy (basisverzekering). This insurance covers essential medical care such as:

• Visits to a general practitioner (GP)

• Hospital care

• Prescription medications

• Maternity care

• Emergency care

• Mental health services

The Dutch government determines what is included in the basic insurance package each year, ensuring consistency and equity in coverage across all insurers.

3. Health Insurance Providers

The Netherlands has many private health insurance companies, but all must offer the same basic package. The competition lies in the price, service quality, and supplementary packages (additional coverage for things like dental care, physiotherapy, or alternative medicine).

Some of the well-known insurers include:

• Zilveren Kruis

• VGZ

• CZ

• Menzis

• OHRA

You are free to choose any insurer and switch providers once per year during the annual open enrollment period, which runs from mid-November to the end of December.

4. Premiums and Costs

The cost of basic health insurance in the Netherlands is made up of two parts:

• Monthly premium: Paid directly to your insurance provider. In 2025, the average premium is around €140–€160 per month.

• Deductible (eigen risico): This is an annual amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in for most services. The standard deductible in 2025 is €385.

Some services, like GP visits and maternity care, are not subject to the deductible and are fully covered.

5. Supplementary Insurance (Aanvullende Verzekering)

While the basic package covers essential healthcare, many people opt for supplementary insurance to cover services not included, such as:

• Dental care for adults

• Glasses and contact lenses

• Physiotherapy sessions

• Travel vaccinations

Supplementary insurance is not mandatory, and insurers are allowed to refuse applicants based on health conditions for these packages, unlike the basic insurance.

6. Health Insurance for Expats and Students

Expats:

If you move to the Netherlands to work or stay long-term, you are required to take out Dutch health insurance within four months of registering at the municipality, even if you already have coverage from your home country.

EU/EEA citizens:

If you're from another EU country and are temporarily staying in the Netherlands, you may use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for emergency care. However, for long-term stays or work, Dutch insurance is mandatory.

Students:

International students not working in the Netherlands can often remain covered by their home country’s insurance or opt for special student insurance. But if you take a part-time job or internship with pay, you must switch to Dutch health insurance.

7. Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)

To make healthcare more affordable, the Dutch government offers a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) to lower-income individuals and families. This is a monthly financial contribution towards the cost of insurance premiums.

Eligibility depends on:

• Your income

• Your assets

• Whether you live alone or with a partner

In 2025, individuals earning less than approximately €38,000 per year may qualify for an allowance of up to €127 per month.

Applications are made through the Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst).

8. Registration with a General Practitioner (GP)

Once insured, the next step is to register with a general practitioner (huisarts). The GP is your first point of contact for most health issues and acts as a gatekeeper to specialized care. You cannot visit a specialist without a referral from your GP.

Finding a GP can take time in some areas, so it is advisable to register as soon as possible after arrival.

9. Emergency and Urgent Care

Emergency care in the Netherlands is well-organized and efficient. In case of life-threatening emergencies, you can call 112, the national emergency number.

For urgent medical help outside of office hours that is not life-threatening, you can contact an after-hours GP service (huisartsenpost).

Emergency treatment is always covered under the basic insurance, but you may still be billed for the deductible.

10. Dental Care in the Netherlands

Dental care for adults is not included in the basic health insurance and requires additional coverage. Children under 18, however, are covered for basic dental services under the basic insurance.

If you anticipate needing dental care, you should consider supplementary dental insurance, which varies significantly in cost and coverage.

11. Mental Health Coverage

Mental healthcare is part of the basic package, and coverage includes:

• Diagnosis and short-term treatments

• Long-term psychiatric care

• Referrals to psychologists and psychiatrists

However, there may be waiting lists, and access usually starts with your GP.

12. Choosing the Right Policy

When selecting a health insurance policy, consider the following:

• Monthly premium and deductible

• Reimbursement policy (whether you can visit any healthcare provider or must stay within a network)

• Coverage of your specific healthcare needs

• Customer service and reviews of the insurer

• Possibility of zorgtoeslag eligibility

Comparison websites like Zorgkiezer.nl or Independer.nl can help you find the best deal for your situation.

---

Conclusion

Health insurance in the Netherlands is well-structured to ensure access to quality healthcare for everyone. Though mandatory, the system is designed to be fair, with support available for those who cannot afford high premiums. Whether you're a citizen, an expat, or a student, understanding your rights and responsibilities under the Dutch healthcare system is crucial for your well-being and peace of mind.

By making informed choices about your insurance provider, coverage options, and costs, you can ensure that you're well protected in case of illness or injury while living in one of the world’s most advanced healthcare environments.