At a Glance: Dutch Healthcare
| System Type | Managed Competition (Private but Mandatory) |
|---|---|
| Basic Package | Basisverzekering (Standardized by Govt) |
| Avg. Monthly Cost | €145 - €160 (2025 Rates) |
| Mandatory Deductible | €385 per year (Eigen Risico) |
| Allowance | Zorgtoeslag (for low income) |
| Emergency Number | 112 (Life Threatening) |
The healthcare system in the Netherlands is high-quality but can be confusing and expensive for newcomers. Unlike the UK's NHS or Canada's Medicare, the Dutch system is not tax-funded. Instead, it relies on private insurers.
The government defines what must be covered in the Basic Package (Basisverzekering), and insurers compete on price and service quality. This means everyone gets the same basic care, regardless of which company they choose.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory?
YES. It is illegal to live or work in the Netherlands without basic health insurance.
You have 4 months from the date you register at the City Hall (Gemeente) to take out insurance.
- If you delay: You will have to pay the premiums retroactively for the months you missed.
- If you don't pay: You will receive a fine from the CAK (Central Administration Office), and eventually, premiums will be deducted directly from your salary.
- Exception: Only international students who do NOT work are exempt (they can use international student insurance). The moment a student gets a part-time job, Dutch insurance becomes mandatory.
What Does It Cost? (2025 Estimates)
There are two main costs you need to budget for:
1. The Monthly Premium (Premie)
You pay this every month to the insurance company.
Approx Cost: €145 - €160 per month.
2. The "Own Risk" (Eigen Risico)
This is the deductible. You pay the first €385 of your medical costs per year. The insurance only pays after you have paid this amount.
Understanding "Eigen Risico" (Deductible)
This is the most confusing part for expats.
- What eats your Eigen Risico? Hospital visits, blood tests, ambulance rides, prescription medicines.
- What DOES NOT eat your Eigen Risico? Visits to your GP (Huisarts), Maternity care, Care for children under 18.
*Strategy: If you are healthy, you can voluntarily increase your Eigen Risico to €885. This will lower your monthly premium by approx €20/month. But if you get sick, you pay €885 upfront.*
Zorgtoeslag (Getting Money Back)
Since the insurance is expensive, the government offers a Health Care Allowance (Zorgtoeslag) to help low-income residents cover the cost.
- Who qualifies? Individuals earning less than approx €37,000/year (or couples earning less than €48,000).
- How much? Up to €123 per month (covers almost 80% of the premium).
- How to apply? Through the "Mijn Toeslagen" section on the Belastingdienst (Tax Office) website using your DigiD.
The Gatekeeper: Your GP (Huisarts)
You cannot go directly to a specialist or hospital (unless it's a life-threatening emergency). You MUST register with a local GP (Huisarts).
The Process:
- Find a GP near your zip code.
- Call or visit to ask if they are accepting new patients.
- Register (bring ID and Insurance Card).
- When sick: Call the GP. The assistant (Doktersassistent) will triage you. If necessary, you get an appointment. The GP will then refer you to a specialist if needed.
Find a Hospital or GP
Finding a care provider is easy with the official directory "Zorgkaart Nederland". It lists GPs, hospitals, and physiotherapists with patient ratings.
Search Zorgkaart Nederland
The official independent database of all Dutch healthcare providers. Find a GP accepting patients near you.
Find a Doctor / Hospital →Need a doctor at night? Search for Huisartsenpost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Naturapolis and Restitutiepolis? ▼
Restitutiepolis (Freedom of Choice): More expensive. You can go to ANY hospital or doctor, and the insurer will reimburse the full standard rate.