Health Insurance in the Netherlands: A Comprehensive Guide
The Netherlands is renowned for having one of the most efficient, accessible, and high-quality healthcare systems in the world. Central to this system is the mandatory health insurance scheme that ensures every resident has access to essential medical services. Understanding how health insurance works in the Netherlands is crucial, especially for expats, students, and anyone planning to move there.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to health insurance in the Netherlands, covering its structure, costs, benefits, providers, and what to expect as a resident.
1. Overview of the Dutch Healthcare System
The Dutch healthcare system operates under a model known as regulated competition. While private health insurance companies provide the actual insurance policies, the government regulates the coverage and ensures accessibility and fairness.
There are three main levels of healthcare in the Netherlands:
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Primary care: Provided by General Practitioners (GPs), who act as gatekeepers to specialist care.
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Secondary care: Includes hospital services and specialists.
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Tertiary care: Advanced medical investigation and treatment such as specialist surgeries and long-term rehabilitation.
The government requires everyone legally residing in the Netherlands to have basic health insurance (basisverzekering) from a recognized Dutch insurer.
2. Is Health Insurance Mandatory in the Netherlands?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all residents and employees in the Netherlands, including:
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Dutch citizens
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Expats with residence permits
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EU/EEA nationals residing or working in the country
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Students (in many cases)
You must obtain Dutch health insurance within four months of registering at your local municipality. However, the coverage is backdated to the date you registered or began working.
Failure to obtain insurance on time can result in fines and being automatically enrolled by the Dutch government.
3. The Basic Health Insurance (Basisverzekering)
The basic health insurance package is standardized by law, which means all insurers offer the same core services. These include:
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Visits to the General Practitioner (GP)
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Hospital and specialist care
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Emergency services
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Prescription medication
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Maternity care
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Mental health services
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Limited dental care (up to age 18)
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Medical aids and devices (wheelchairs, prosthetics)
The Dutch government reviews and updates this package every year.
4. Additional Health Insurance (Aanvullende Verzekering)
While the basic package is comprehensive, many people choose to purchase supplementary insurance to cover:
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Extensive dental care (for adults)
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Physiotherapy
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Alternative treatments (e.g., acupuncture)
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Glasses or contact lenses
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Vaccinations not covered by basic insurance
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Extra maternity or childbirth services
Supplementary insurance is optional, and providers are free to set prices, terms, and acceptance policies.
5. Health Insurance Costs in the Netherlands
Monthly Premiums
In 2025, the average monthly premium for basic health insurance is around €135 to €150 per person. This can vary slightly between providers.
Premiums must be paid monthly, and everyone pays the same for the same coverage, regardless of age or health status (excluding children under 18).
Deductible (Eigen risico)
The annual deductible is €385 (as of 2025), which means you must pay the first €385 of healthcare costs (e.g., hospital treatments, tests, medications) yourself. GP visits, maternity care, and children’s care are excluded from this deductible.
You can voluntarily increase your deductible (up to €885) to lower your monthly premiums.
Government Assistance (Zorgtoeslag)
Low and middle-income individuals and families may be eligible for healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag), a monthly subsidy provided by the Dutch government to help cover premiums.
Eligibility depends on:
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Income level
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Living situation
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Age and residency status
This allowance can significantly reduce health insurance costs for many.
6. Health Insurance Providers in the Netherlands
Although coverage is standardized, consumers can choose from dozens of private health insurance companies. Some of the well-known providers include:
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Zilveren Kruis
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VGZ
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Menzis
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CZ
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OHRA
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DSW
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FBTO
Comparison platforms such as Independer.nl or Zorgwijzer.nl help users compare plans based on premiums, service ratings, coverage options, and customer reviews.
7. Choosing the Right Policy
When selecting a health insurance plan, there are several policy types:
a. Restitutiepolis (Restitution Policy)
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More flexibility: you can visit any healthcare provider, even those not contracted by your insurer.
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Higher premium.
b. Naturapolis (In-Kind Policy)
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Cheaper than restitution policy.
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Limited to contracted healthcare providers.
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The insurer pays directly to the provider.
c. Combinatiepolis (Combination Policy)
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A mix of both: reimbursement for some services, and network limitation for others.
Your choice depends on your preferences and willingness to pay more for flexibility.
8. Health Insurance for Children
Children under the age of 18 are covered for free under their parents' insurance policy. Parents must still register their children with a health insurance provider shortly after birth or moving to the Netherlands.
The coverage includes:
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Basic health services
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Dental care (under 18)
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Vaccinations
9. Health Insurance for Expats and International Students
Expats
Expats living and working in the Netherlands must get Dutch health insurance, even if they are already insured abroad. Exceptions include:
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Temporary visitors
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Posted workers with foreign social security arrangements
Some employers offer group insurance for expats, which can be cheaper.
Students
EU/EEA students may retain their home-country insurance if it covers treatment in the Netherlands. Others may need to purchase a Dutch student insurance policy or private international insurance.
If a student starts working or doing an internship with a salary, Dutch insurance becomes mandatory.
10. Healthcare Services Access
Once insured, you can:
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Register with a local GP, who coordinates your care.
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Get referrals to specialists or hospitals if necessary.
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Visit pharmacies with prescriptions.
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Receive emergency treatment at hospitals (ER).
Always carry your health insurance card (or digital version) with you, especially for medical appointments.
11. Emergency and Travel Coverage
Basic insurance covers emergency healthcare in the EU, with reimbursement usually up to the Dutch rate. For broader travel coverage, you should consider:
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Additional health insurance with travel coverage
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A separate travel insurance plan
12. How to Change Insurance
Each year, between November 12 and December 31, residents can switch to a different provider or modify their coverage for the following year. The new policy takes effect on January 1st.
You are locked into your choice for one calendar year unless there are special circumstances (e.g., moving to the Netherlands or losing a job).
Conclusion
Health insurance in the Netherlands is a vital and well-structured system designed to ensure that all residents have access to high-quality healthcare. While the mandatory nature and associated costs might seem daunting at first, the system ensures fairness, accessibility, and comprehensive care.
By understanding the key components of the Dutch health insurance model—from the mandatory basic coverage to optional supplemental policies—you can make informed decisions that best suit your health needs and financial situation.
Whether you're a long-term resident, a new expat, or a student, staying informed and choosing the right insurance plan is essential to fully benefit from the excellent Dutch healthcare system.