🏥Healthcare Guide in Netherlands

All legal residents in the Netherlands must have basic health insurance. This covers essential medical care like GP visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.

You are free to choose any Dutch health insurance company. Compare policies and premiums annually, as prices and conditions can vary significantly between providers.

Low to medium-income individuals may be eligible for Zorgtoeslag, a government allowance to help cover insurance costs. Apply via the Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst).

Every adult has a mandatory annual deductible (€385 in 2024). You pay this amount for most medical costs before your insurance starts covering them.

This optional insurance covers treatments not included in the basic package, such as extensive dental care, physiotherapy, or alternative medicine. Assess your needs carefully.

Your Dutch health insurer can provide an EHIC, which covers necessary medical care during temporary stays in other EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.

You can switch health insurers once a year, usually between mid-November and December 31st, with your new policy starting on January 1st.

If you work in the Netherlands but live elsewhere, specific rules apply. Consult the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) for guidance on your insurance obligations.

Register with a local GP as soon as you arrive. Your GP is your first point of contact for almost all non-emergency medical issues and specialist referrals.

The Dutch healthcare system emphasizes the GP's role. You generally cannot see a specialist or go to a hospital without a referral from your GP.

Appointments are typically made by phone. For urgent matters, you can often get a same-day appointment. Consultations are usually brief and to the point.

For urgent medical problems outside of regular GP hours (evenings, nights, weekends), contact the Huisartsenpost. Always call first before visiting.

Pharmacies dispense prescription medications and offer advice on over-the-counter drugs. Register with a local apotheek for convenient prescription management.

Many GPs offer online portals or automated phone lines for repeat prescriptions. Request these in advance to ensure continuous access to your medication.

Dental care is generally not covered by basic insurance for adults. You'll need supplementary insurance or pay out-of-pocket. Register with a local dentist.

While sometimes requiring a GP referral, many physiotherapists offer 'direct access' without a referral. Check your supplementary insurance for coverage.

For life-threatening situations, call 112 for ambulance, fire brigade, or police. Use this number only for genuine emergencies.

For urgent, non-life-threatening medical issues outside GP hours, contact the Huisartsenpost. They will assess if you need to visit or if self-care is sufficient.

Hospital care, including emergency rooms (SEH), typically requires a GP referral, except for true life-threatening emergencies where you'll be admitted directly.

Your GP will refer you to a medical specialist (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist) if necessary. Appointments can sometimes have waiting lists.

Access to mental health services (Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg) also starts with your GP, who can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Pregnancy and childbirth care are well-covered by basic insurance, primarily through midwives (verloskundige) for uncomplicated pregnancies.

For children up to four years old, the Consultatiebureau provides free check-ups, vaccinations, and parenting advice. It's an essential service for families.

You have the right to access your medical records. Many GPs and hospitals offer online portals for viewing your information and test results.