Health insurance companies have an obligation to accept everyone for the basic package, irrespective of gender, age and health. It is compulsory for all residents of the Netherlands to take this package, but you may choose your own insurance company.

The coverage of the basisverzekering (basic health insurance) is determined by the government and is subject to annual review. However, insurance companies can decide themselves how the coverage will work. For example, some providers will only allow you to see local doctors, while others may offer the possibility to travel abroad for healthcare if the service is not available in the Netherlands.

It generally covers the following (but not always 100% of all costs):

• hospital care
• medication
• rehabilitation
• medical care by specialists, GPs and midwives
• dental care for children up to age 18
• therapists, such as speech therapists and dieticians
• mental health care
• maternity care
• necessary medical help during a holiday or business trip abroad, worldwide

When you are legally living or working in the Netherlands for longer than four months, it is compulsory to get a Dutch health insurance, the so-called basisverzekering (basic insurance). If you have an international health insurance, please be aware that this might not be accepted, as it is not recognised as a valid Dutch health insurance. Upon arrival, it is best to have a look in your policy to see what the coverage of your international health insurance is.

The following rule applies:

The eigen risico (deductible) does not apply to all care from the basic health insurance. The following care services  are excluded from the deductible:

• Visits to your huisarts (GP) or huisartsenpost (GP centre that opens outside office hours). Tests or prescribed medicine are not excluded from the deductible
• Maternity care and assistance at delivery
• Loans of medical equipment
• Certain care for some chronic diseases like diabetes type 2
• Healthcare for children under the age of 18
• Follow-up check-ups for organ donation and travel costs for organ donation

Find more information at the government’s website (in Dutch only):

When you are traveling in the EU/EEA (including Switzerland) and carry Dutch health insurance, you are entitled to the same health care as the locals. However, administration and reimbursement for public health care will be easier if you have the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You can apply for the EHIC with your health insurance company and you will need to show it if you go to see a doctor or get hospital treatment abroad. Please bear in mind the following:

• EHIC is accepted only by doctors or hospitals under the local public health care system or so-called ‘statutory’ health care system. Therefore, private health care is not covered. If you are unsure, check with your insurance company about where you can go
• Only emergency care abroad is covered.
• If you are travelling abroad specifically for medical treatment the EHIC does not apply.

Your regular Dutch insurance covers costs abroad up to the Dutch tariff. In other countries tariffs are often higher and you might get financial problems paying the bill. Therefore it is suggested to take out a travel insurane for medical costs.

If you work in the Netherlands but reside in another country, different rules apply. In this case you can ask your Dutch health insurance company for an E106 form. With the 106 form, you are entitled to the statutorily insured medical care in your country of residence without having to pay a premium. However, costs will not always be reimbursed 100%.  For more information, please contact your Dutch health insurance company.

Information for EU citizens

It is not possible to obtain Dutch health insurance without a burgerservicenummer (BSN – citizen service number).

If you are coming to stay in the Netherlands for more than four months, you are required to have a  residence permit and BSN.  The BSN It is required for starting a job in the Netherlands, opening a bank account, using the health care system, applying for benefits, etc. When you are legally living or working in the Netherlands for longer than four months, it is compulsory to get Dutch health insurance. This is  the so-called basisverzekering (basic insurance). It may take a while before you can get your BSN.  If you need medical help while you don’t have your BSN yet,  you can get the necessary care but will probably have to pay for it yourself. Once you have a health insurance, you can send the bill to your health insurance company and they will refund it according to their policy.

If you are temporarily residing in the Netherlands (fewer than four months), you are not obliged to take out Dutch health insurance. If you do not have a BSN, you are not registered in the Netherlands. If you still would like to take out Dutch health insurance, you will need to apply at the Social Security Office (Sociale Verzekeringbank – SVB). If you are working, it is likely that the request will not be accepted. In that case, you should make sure to extend the international or travel insurance from your home country.