🇳🇱 HEALTH INSURANCE IN THE NETHERLANDS 🇳🇱
Introduction
The Netherlands is known not only for its windmills, tulips, and canals, but also for its world-class healthcare system. At the heart of this system lies mandatory health insurance, a model that ensures every resident has access to affordable, high-quality care. Whether you're a Dutch citizen, an expat, or an international student, understanding how health insurance works in the Netherlands is essential.
This article provides a complete and updated guide to health insurance in the Netherlands — its structure, costs, coverage, providers, and rules for residents and newcomers.
1. How the Dutch Healthcare System Works
The Dutch healthcare system operates on the principle of regulated competition. Healthcare services are provided by private institutions, but the government regulates coverage and accessibility, especially through mandatory health insurance. Everyone must be insured with a Dutch health insurer (zorgverzekeraar), and insurers are required to accept all applicants for the basic policy regardless of their health status.
Key features of the system include:
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Mandatory basic health insurance
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Optional supplementary insurance
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Equal access to healthcare for all residents
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Freedom to choose providers
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Standardized basic coverage
2. Mandatory Basic Health Insurance (Basisverzekering)
Every Dutch resident is legally required to purchase basic health insurance (basisverzekering) from a certified Dutch insurer. This rule applies to:
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Citizens
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Long-term residents
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Expats working in the Netherlands
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Students with part-time jobs
You must register within four months of arriving or starting work, but the insurance is retroactively applied from your first day of coverage eligibility.
What’s Covered?
The basic package is determined by the Dutch government annually and includes:
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General practitioner (GP) visits
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Hospital care
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Emergency medical services
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Maternity care
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Prescription medications
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Basic mental healthcare
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Pediatric care
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Specialist consultations
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Medical transportation (ambulance)
All insurers offer the same basic benefits, but they may differ in terms of price, service, and provider contracts.
3. Supplementary Insurance (Aanvullende Verzekering)
The basic package doesn’t cover everything. That’s where supplementary insurance comes in — it's optional, but often purchased for broader coverage.
It typically includes:
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Dental care for adults
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Physiotherapy sessions
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Glasses and contact lenses
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Alternative medicine (e.g., acupuncture)
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Extended mental health services
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Travel vaccinations
Unlike the basic plan, insurers can reject your application for supplementary coverage or impose waiting periods.
4. Top Health Insurance Providers in the Netherlands
There are over 40 insurers in the Dutch market, but most belong to a few large umbrella groups. Some of the biggest names include:
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Zilveren Kruis (Achmea)
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Menzis
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VGZ
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CZ
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DSW
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ONVZ
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FBTO
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HEMA Zorgverzekering
They all offer the basic package but may differ in:
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Monthly premiums
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Customer service
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Access to specific hospitals or GPs
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Supplementary options
5. How Much Does Health Insurance Cost?
There are three key cost components in the Dutch health insurance system:
a. Monthly Premium (Premie)
For 2025, the average monthly cost of basic insurance is around €140–€160. You can compare prices through online platforms or government portals.
b. Annual Deductible (Eigen Risico)
Adults must pay the first €385 of healthcare costs each year (excluding GP visits and maternity care). You can increase the deductible up to €885 in exchange for lower monthly premiums.
c. Government Subsidy (Zorgtoeslag)
If your income is low to moderate, you may qualify for healthcare allowance from the Dutch government. This financial aid can cover a significant portion of your monthly premium.
6. Health Insurance for Children
Children under 18 must also be insured, but:
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Their basic coverage is free.
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They receive more comprehensive benefits like free dental care, orthodontics, and mental healthcare.
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Parents choose the insurer and plan, and children are added to their parent’s policy.
7. Policy Types: What Kind of Insurance Can You Choose?
Dutch insurers offer three policy types for basic insurance:
1. Restitutiepolis (Reimbursement Policy)
Allows full freedom in choosing doctors or hospitals. You can go to any healthcare provider, and the insurer reimburses most costs — even from non-contracted providers.
2. Naturapolis (In-Kind Policy)
You receive care only from providers contracted by your insurer. If you go to a non-contracted provider, you may have to pay part or all of the bill yourself.
3. Combinatiepolis (Combination Policy)
A hybrid plan that covers some services via reimbursement and others via contracted care.
8. Switching Insurers
Every year, you have the right to switch health insurers. The switching period starts in mid-November and ends on December 31. Your new policy begins on January 1 of the following year.
Why switch?
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Lower premiums
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Better customer service
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New or better supplementary coverage
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Different deductibles
You can switch online, and the new insurer will often cancel your old policy for you.
9. Health Insurance for Expats and Students
a. Expats
If you live and work in the Netherlands, you are required to take out Dutch health insurance, even if you already have a private international plan. You must apply within 4 months of registering with the municipality.
b. International Students
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If you’re not working, you might not need Dutch insurance. Your EHIC or private travel insurance might be sufficient.
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If you take a part-time job or paid internship, you must register for Dutch insurance.
Always check with your university or the Dutch Social Insurance Bank (SVB) to avoid fines.
10. Quality of Care and Access
The Netherlands ranks among the top healthcare systems globally in:
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Accessibility
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Patient satisfaction
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Wait times
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Medical outcomes
GPs act as gatekeepers, and referrals are needed to see specialists. Emergency care is available nationwide, and hospitals are modern and well-equipped.
Conclusion
Health insurance in the Netherlands is mandatory — but it’s also one of the most efficient, inclusive, and reliable systems in the world. Whether you're Dutch or an expat, being informed about how the system works can help you make the best choices for your health and finances.
From choosing the right insurer to understanding costs and coverage, this guide is your essential companion to navigating healthcare in the Netherlands.