Healthcare & Health Insurance in the Netherlands
If you are moving to the Netherlands for work or already live here, healthcare is one of the most important things to arrange correctly.
The Dutch healthcare system may work differently from the system in your home country. Instead of simply receiving healthcare automatically through the state, people who live or work in the Netherlands generally need to take out Dutch basic health insurance themselves.
You should also know how to register with a family doctor, what your insurance actually covers, what the eigen risico (deductible) means, and what to do when you need urgent medical help.
This guide explains the essentials.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory in the Netherlands?
In general, everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands must have Dutch basic health insurance, called basisverzekering.
This is not optional when the Dutch health-insurance obligation applies to you.
You choose a Dutch health insurer yourself and pay a monthly insurance premium. The Dutch government determines what healthcare must be included in the standard basic package.
The basic package covers essential healthcare such as GP care, hospital treatment and certain prescription medicines.
People arriving from another EU country should not automatically assume that an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or health insurance from their home country means they do not need Dutch insurance.
Your individual situation matters, particularly if you live in one country and work in another, are temporarily posted to the Netherlands, study in the Netherlands, or work for a foreign employer.
Official information:
Government of the Netherlands – Health Insurance
https://www.government.nl/topics/health-insurance
When Should You Arrange Dutch Health Insurance?
If you become subject to Dutch health insurance, you should arrange your insurance as soon as possible.
Do not simply ignore the requirement because your employer has not arranged insurance for you. Ultimately, you should make sure that your own situation is correct.
If authorities determine that you should be insured but you remain uninsured, the CAK can contact you. Continued failure to obtain insurance can result in fines, and after two fines the CAK can arrange insurance for you and collect the premium from your income.
Being uninsured can also be expensive because healthcare received during an uninsured period may have to be paid by you.
Official information:
CAK – Uninsured in the Netherlands
https://www.hetcak.nl/en/uninsured/
What Is the Basic Health Insurance Package?
The compulsory insurance is called the basisverzekering.
The Dutch government determines what must be covered by this basic package. Therefore, the core coverage is fundamentally the same regardless of which insurer you choose.
Basic insurance includes important healthcare such as:
GP (huisarts) care;
hospital care;
specialist medical treatment;
certain prescription medicines;
psychiatric care;
maternity care;
certain medical aids and other forms of healthcare.
However, this does not mean that every treatment is completely free.
The deductible, personal contributions and reimbursement conditions can still affect how much you pay yourself.
Official information:
Government of the Netherlands – Standard Health Insurance
https://www.government.nl/topics/health-insurance/standard-health-insurance
Choosing a Health Insurance Company
There are multiple health insurers in the Netherlands.
Although the government determines the basic package, insurers can charge different premiums and offer different policies.
Therefore, you should not choose insurance based only on the cheapest monthly premium.
Check:
monthly premium;
deductible;
which hospitals and healthcare providers are contracted;
reimbursement for non-contracted healthcare;
policy conditions;
additional insurance options;
dental coverage;
customer service and available languages.
Some policies give you more freedom when choosing healthcare providers, while others provide the best reimbursement only when you use doctors, hospitals or clinics that have agreements with your insurer.
Before choosing a policy, it is particularly useful to check whether hospitals and healthcare providers near where you live are contracted by the insurer.
Health Insurers Must Accept You for Basic Insurance
One important protection in the Dutch system is that health insurers must accept applicants for the compulsory basic insurance.
An insurer cannot reject you from the standard basic package simply because you have an existing medical condition, are older or expect to require expensive treatment.
The situation is different with supplementary insurance. Insurers have more freedom regarding the conditions for additional policies.
Official information:
Government of the Netherlands – Taking Out Compulsory Health Insurance
https://www.government.nl/topics/health-insurance/standard-health-insurance/taking-out-compulsory-health-insurance
What Is Supplementary Health Insurance?
Basic insurance does not cover everything.
You can therefore choose additional insurance, known as aanvullende verzekering.
Depending on the insurer and policy, supplementary insurance may provide additional reimbursement for services such as:
physiotherapy;
dental treatment;
glasses or contact lenses;
alternative treatments;
additional medical services.
Supplementary insurance is not compulsory.
Before purchasing it, calculate whether the additional annual premium is worthwhile compared with paying for the healthcare yourself.
Understanding the Eigen Risico
One of the most important Dutch healthcare terms is eigen risico.
It is the compulsory annual deductible for adults for many types of healthcare covered by basic insurance.
For 2026, the mandatory deductible is €385.
For example, imagine that you receive hospital treatment costing €800 and the entire treatment falls under the deductible.
If you have not used any of your deductible that year, you may have to pay the first €385 yourself. Your insurer would then cover the remaining eligible amount according to your policy.
Once you have used your mandatory deductible for that calendar year, you normally do not pay it again for additional eligible healthcare during that same year.
Not all healthcare is subject to the deductible.
Importantly, GP consultations are not subject to the mandatory deductible.
However, if your GP sends blood samples for laboratory testing, prescribes certain medicines or refers you for other medical treatment, those additional services may fall under the deductible.
Official information:
Government of the Netherlands – Health Insurance Questions & Answers
https://www.government.nl/topics/health-insurance/question-and-answer
Eigen Risico vs Eigen Bijdrage
These two Dutch terms are easy to confuse.
Eigen risico is your annual deductible.
Eigen bijdrage means a personal contribution toward certain healthcare, medicines or medical aids.
They are not the same thing.
In some situations, a personal contribution can apply even when you have insurance. Always check your policy or ask your insurer if you are unsure what you will have to pay.
Register With a Huisarts (GP)
A huisarts is a general practitioner or family doctor.
The GP has a central role in Dutch healthcare. For most medical problems, your huisarts should be your first point of contact.
You should register with a GP near your home soon after settling in the Netherlands rather than waiting until you become sick.
GP practices can have geographical registration areas and some practices may temporarily be full.
If one practice cannot accept you, contact other practices in your area. Your health insurer may also be able to help you find a GP.
Your GP Is Usually the Gateway to Specialist Care
The Dutch system places considerable emphasis on primary healthcare.
You generally do not go directly to a specialist for an ordinary medical problem.
Instead:
You have a medical problem → contact your huisarts → the GP assesses you → if necessary, the GP refers you to a specialist or hospital.
A referral is commonly required for specialist treatment to be covered.
This system can feel unusual if you come from a country where patients regularly book specialists directly.
What Does a GP Visit Cost?
GP consultations are included in Dutch basic health insurance.
GP care itself does not fall under the mandatory eigen risico.
That does not necessarily mean everything connected with a GP appointment is free.
For example, your doctor might prescribe medication, order laboratory tests or refer you for hospital treatment. Those services may be subject to your deductible or other conditions.
Hospitals and Specialists
If your GP decides that specialist care is necessary, you may receive a referral to a hospital or specialist.
Before arranging planned treatment, check whether the hospital or healthcare provider has a contract with your insurer.
This matters particularly with policies that provide reduced reimbursement for non-contracted healthcare.
For expensive or planned treatment, checking your insurance coverage beforehand can prevent unexpected bills.
Medicines and Pharmacies
A pharmacy is called an apotheek.
Prescription medicines are normally collected from a pharmacy after being prescribed by your doctor.
Not every medicine is reimbursed in exactly the same way.
Depending on the medicine and your insurance, you may encounter:
full reimbursement;
the eigen risico;
a personal contribution;
restrictions on which version or brand is reimbursed.
Some non-prescription medicines can also be purchased from pharmacies or Dutch drugstores without visiting a doctor.
Dental Care in the Netherlands
Adults should pay particular attention to dental coverage.
Routine dental treatment for adults is generally not included in the standard basic health insurance package.
You may therefore:
pay dental costs yourself; or
purchase supplementary dental insurance.
Before buying dental insurance, compare the annual premium with the maximum reimbursement and the percentage of treatment that the policy covers.
Different rules apply to children. Much ordinary dental care for people under 18 is covered through basic insurance.
Healthcare for Children
Children also need to be registered with a health insurer.
Children under 18 do not pay a premium for basic health insurance.
Parents should register a child with their insurer. For a newborn, the Dutch government states that registration should be completed before the child reaches four months of age.
The mandatory deductible also does not apply to children under 18.
What to Do in a Medical Emergency
For a life-threatening emergency, call:
112
Examples include situations involving immediate danger to life or serious health emergencies.
Do not use 112 for ordinary illnesses or minor medical problems.
During normal opening hours, contact your huisarts for urgent but non-life-threatening medical problems.
Outside normal GP opening hours, urgent problems that cannot wait until the next working day can usually be handled by a huisartsenpost (out-of-hours GP service).
It is useful to save the contact details of the huisartsenpost serving your area before you actually need it.
Do Not Automatically Go to the Emergency Department
The hospital emergency department is called Spoedeisende Hulp (SEH).
For many urgent but non-life-threatening problems, the correct first contact is your huisarts or huisartsenpost rather than simply arriving at a hospital emergency department.
For a genuine life-threatening emergency, call 112.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
The European Health Insurance Card can be useful when temporarily staying in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland and needing medically necessary healthcare.
However, an EHIC should not be treated as a substitute for Dutch compulsory insurance when you are required to have Dutch insurance because you live or work in the Netherlands.
If you are unsure which country's social-security and health-insurance system applies to you, check your situation rather than assuming your foreign insurance is sufficient.
Official information:
Government of the Netherlands – European Health Insurance Card
https://www.government.nl/topics/health-insurance/applying-for-a-european-health-insurance-card-ehic
Healthcare Allowance – Zorgtoeslag
Health insurance represents a significant monthly expense. People with lower or moderate incomes may therefore qualify for zorgtoeslag, or healthcare allowance.
Zorgtoeslag is financial support from the Dutch government that helps eligible people pay their health-insurance costs.
It is not automatically included in your insurance.
You normally have to apply for it through Dienst Toeslagen.
Eligibility depends on factors including:
your age;
whether you have qualifying Dutch health insurance;
your income;
your assets;
whether you have a benefits partner (toeslagpartner).
For 2026, the maximum qualifying annual income is €40,857 for a person without a benefits partner. With a benefits partner, the combined income limit is €51,142.
These thresholds can change each year, so always check the current figures rather than relying on old information.
Official information and application:
Dienst Toeslagen – Zorgtoeslag
https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/nl/zorgtoeslag/
You can read more about Dutch financial assistance in our Benefits & Allowances guide.
If Your Income Changes
If you receive zorgtoeslag, keep your estimated annual income up to date.
Your allowance is calculated using your expected income. If you start earning considerably more than expected and do not update your information, you could receive too much allowance and later have to repay money.
Likewise, if your income falls, you may become entitled to a higher allowance.
Changes can be reported through Mijn Toeslagen.
What Happens If You Have No Health Insurance?
Ignoring the Dutch insurance obligation can create serious problems.
If you are required to have Dutch health insurance but remain uninsured, the CAK may contact you.
According to the Dutch government, after warnings and two fines, the CAK can eventually register you with a health insurer. The relevant premium can then be deducted from your salary, benefits or other income.
Healthcare costs incurred while you were uninsured can also become your responsibility.
If you receive a letter from the CAK, do not ignore it.
Official information:
CAK – Uninsured
https://www.hetcak.nl/en/uninsured/
Changing Your Health Insurance
You are not necessarily tied to the same health insurer permanently.
People can normally review and change their Dutch health insurance around the end of the calendar year.
This is a good opportunity to compare:
next year's premium;
contracted hospitals;
deductible options;
supplementary insurance;
dental insurance;
reimbursement conditions.
Do not compare policies only by monthly premium. A cheaper policy can become expensive if it provides poor reimbursement for the healthcare providers you use.
Health Insurance Through an Employer or Agency
Some employers or employment agencies offer workers access to health insurance or arrange certain administrative aspects.
If your employer deducts health-insurance costs from your salary, make sure you understand exactly what has been arranged.
Check:
which insurer you are registered with;
what policy you have;
how much you pay;
when the insurance begins;
what happens to the insurance if your employment ends.
Do not assume that working through an agency automatically means every healthcare matter has been arranged for you.
Keep copies of your policy and insurance details.
Important Dutch Healthcare Words
Zorgverzekering — Health insurance
Basisverzekering — Basic health insurance
Aanvullende verzekering — Supplementary insurance
Zorgpremie — Health-insurance premium
Eigen risico — Annual deductible
Eigen bijdrage — Personal contribution
Huisarts — General practitioner / family doctor
Huisartsenpost — Out-of-hours GP service
Apotheek — Pharmacy
Ziekenhuis — Hospital
Spoedeisende Hulp (SEH) — Hospital emergency department
Verwijzing — Medical referral
Zorgtoeslag — Healthcare allowance
Zorgverzekeraar — Health insurer
Checklist for Newcomers to the Netherlands
After moving to the Netherlands, make healthcare part of your initial administration.
Find out whether you are required to have Dutch health insurance.
Choose and arrange a suitable basic health-insurance policy.
Check your policy's premium, deductible and contracted healthcare providers.
Register with a huisarts near your home.
Find your nearest pharmacy.
Find the contact details for your local huisartsenpost.
Check whether you qualify for zorgtoeslag.
Keep your insurance details easily accessible.
Remember that 112 is for genuine emergencies.
Official Healthcare Information
For important decisions, always verify information using official Dutch sources.
Government of the Netherlands – Health Insurance
https://www.government.nl/topics/health-insurance
Information about compulsory insurance, basic coverage, changing insurance and healthcare rules.
Government of the Netherlands – Standard Health Insurance
https://www.government.nl/topics/health-insurance/standard-health-insurance
Official explanation of the Dutch basic health-insurance system.
CAK – Uninsured
https://www.hetcak.nl/en/uninsured/
Useful if you receive a letter about being uninsured or are unsure what to do after being contacted by the CAK.
Dienst Toeslagen – Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)
https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/nl/zorgtoeslag/
Official information about eligibility, income limits, calculations and applying for healthcare allowance.
Healthcare in the Netherlands: What You Should Remember
The most important thing is not to leave healthcare arrangements until you become ill.
If you live or work in the Netherlands, check whether Dutch basic health insurance is compulsory for you and arrange it when required. Register with a local GP, understand your policy and deductible, and check whether you are eligible for healthcare allowance.
For everyday medical problems, your huisarts is usually your first point of contact. For urgent problems outside normal hours, contact the huisartsenpost. For a life-threatening emergency, call 112.
Dutch healthcare rules, premiums, allowances and coverage can change from year to year. Always verify important information with your insurer or an official Dutch government organisation before making financial or healthcare decisions.
Last reviewed: 2026. This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical, insurance or legal advice.