Health Insurance in the Netherlands: A Complete Guide for Residents and Expats

13 May 2025

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Health Insurance in the Netherlands: A Complete Guide for Residents and Expats

The Dutch healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in the world for its accessibility, quality of care, and efficiency. At the heart of this well-structured system lies mandatory health insurance, which ensures that every legal resident in the Netherlands has access to essential medical services. Whether you're a Dutch citizen or an expat moving to the Netherlands, understanding how health insurance works is crucial for staying healthy, avoiding fines, and navigating the healthcare system smoothly.

This comprehensive article covers everything you need to know about health insurance in the Netherlands: how it works, costs, what’s covered, how to choose a provider, and tips for getting the best value.

1. Overview of the Dutch Healthcare System

The Dutch healthcare system is based on a dual-level structure:

Compulsory basic insurance (basisverzekering) for all residents.
Optional supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering) for additional services.

Health insurance is privately managed but publicly regulated. This means the government sets the rules and defines the coverage for basic insurance, but private companies provide the services. All residents are required by law to take out health insurance, and insurers cannot refuse anyone for the basic package.

2. Is Health Insurance Mandatory in the Netherlands?

Yes, it is mandatory for:

All residents over the age of 18.
Anyone who works in the Netherlands and pays Dutch income tax.

Children under 18 are covered for free under their parents' insurance, but they must be registered with an insurer.

Failure to take out insurance within four months of becoming a resident or starting work may result in fines issued by the CAK (the central administration office for Dutch healthcare).

3. Basic Health Insurance (Basisverzekering)

The basic package covers essential medical services and is determined by the Dutch government, ensuring all insurers offer the same coverage.

What’s Included:

Visits to general practitioners (GPs)
Specialist and hospital care
Emergency services
Maternity care
Mental health services
Prescription medications (as listed in the government’s drug list)
Dental care for children under 18

What’s Not Included:

Adult dental care
Physiotherapy beyond a limited amount
Glasses or contact lenses
Alternative treatments (e.g., acupuncture)
Travel vaccinations

These exclusions can be covered through supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering).

4. Supplementary Insurance (Aanvullende Verzekering)

While basic coverage is mandatory, supplementary insurance is optional and varies widely between insurers. You may want to consider it if you require:

Regular physiotherapy
Orthodontics or dental care
Extended mental health care
Alternative medicine
Glasses or contact lenses

Supplementary policies are not regulated by the government, meaning insurers can refuse applicants or require health assessments.

5. Monthly Premiums and Costs

Premiums

In 2025, the average monthly premium for basic health insurance ranges between €130 to €150 per adult. Prices can vary slightly depending on the insurer, the deductible (eigen risico) you choose, and whether you add supplementary coverage.

Deductible (Eigen Risico)

The mandatory annual deductible is €385 (as of 2025). This is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for most treatments before your insurance starts covering costs.

You can voluntarily increase your deductible up to €885 in exchange for a lower monthly premium. However, you should do this only if you’re in good health and don’t expect many medical expenses.

Children Under 18

Children do not pay premiums or deductibles but must be enrolled with an insurer.

6. Government Assistance: Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)

To help lower-income residents afford health insurance, the Dutch government provides a healthcare allowance known as zorgtoeslag.

Eligibility depends on:

Your income and assets
Whether you live alone or with a partner

As of 2025, the maximum monthly allowance is about:

€127 for single individuals
€243 for couples

You can apply for zorgtoeslag through the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Office) website. It’s essential to update your income status annually to avoid repayment issues.

7. Choosing a Health Insurance Provider

There are around 40 health insurers in the Netherlands, with many offering multiple brands. Some of the major providers include:

Zilveren Kruis
VGZ
CZ
Menzis
DSW
ASR

Things to Consider When Choosing a Provider:

Monthly premium cost
Deductible options
Choice of hospitals and GPs
Coverage for supplementary services
English-speaking customer service (important for expats)
Mobile apps or online portals

Comparison websites like Independer.nl, Zorgkiezer.nl, and Zorgwijzer.nl are useful for comparing premiums and policy options.

8. How to Register for Health Insurance

Getting insured is simple and can be done online. Here’s what you need:

Requirements:

A BSN (Burgerservicenummer) – your Dutch citizen service number
A Dutch address
A Dutch bank account for automatic payments

Once you apply and your insurance is active, you will receive a health insurance card. You can also download a digital version via the insurer's app.

9. Visiting a Doctor: How the System Works

Most medical care in the Netherlands starts with your general practitioner (huisarts).

How it works:

You register with a local GP.
You need a referral from the GP to see a specialist or access hospital care.
Emergency care is available 24/7, and you don’t need a referral for emergencies.

Prescriptions are sent directly to pharmacies (apotheken), and most medication costs are partially or fully covered by the basic insurance.

10. Changing Health Insurers

You can switch insurers once per year, during the open enrollment period from mid-November to December 31st. Your new policy will begin on January 1st.

It’s a good idea to compare policies annually, especially if:

Your health needs have changed
Your insurer raises premiums
You want better coverage or services

11. Health Insurance for Expats and International Students

If you are:

An employee in the Netherlands: You must take out Dutch health insurance.
An EU/EEA student: You may use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) unless you take on a part-time job, in which case Dutch insurance becomes mandatory.
A non-EU student: You may need to purchase private international insurance unless you work or do an internship with a salary.

Many universities partner with providers like AON or Zilveren Kruis to offer special student packages.

12. Private Health Insurance for Temporary Stays

If you're in the Netherlands for a short-term stay, or you're a tourist, you may not be eligible for the public health insurance system. In such cases, private international health insurance is necessary.

Popular options include:

Cigna Global
Allianz Worldwide Care
OOM Verzekeringen (Dutch-based)

Conclusion

Health insurance in the Netherlands is a vital part of daily life and ensures that every resident receives high-quality care. While the system is built on private competition, it is closely regulated to ensure fairness and accessibility. By understanding how Dutch health insurance works — from the basic package to supplementary options and government assistance — you can make informed choices, avoid penalties, and protect your health and finances.

Whether you're a student, professional, or retiree, choosing the right policy and staying informed about your rights and responsibilities will help you enjoy peace of mind and access to world-class healthcare while living in the Netherlands.