Health Insurance in the Netherlands: A Comprehensive Guide
The Netherlands is widely recognized for its high-quality and accessible healthcare system. At the heart of this system lies a mandatory health insurance scheme designed to ensure that all residents have access to essential medical services. Whether you're a Dutch citizen, a long-term resident, or an expat planning to move to the Netherlands, understanding how health insurance works in this country is crucial.
This article explores the Dutch health insurance system in detail, including its structure, costs, coverage, providers, and how to choose the best insurance plan for your needs.
1. Overview of the Dutch Healthcare System
The Dutch healthcare system operates under a model known as regulated competition. It combines public responsibilities with private execution. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents and is provided by private insurance companies that are strictly regulated by the government to ensure fairness, transparency, and accessibility.
The system is divided into two main components:
-
Basic Health Insurance (Basisverzekering) – Mandatory and standardized by law.
-
Supplementary Health Insurance (Aanvullende Verzekering) – Optional and varies by provider.
2. Mandatory Basic Health Insurance
Every person living or working in the Netherlands is required by law to have basic health insurance, regardless of age or health condition. This rule applies to:
-
Dutch citizens
-
Expats with a residence permit
-
International students (in some cases)
-
Cross-border workers
The government defines what is included in the basic package. All insurance providers must offer the same basic coverage to everyone at the same price, although premiums may vary slightly depending on the insurer and chosen policy structure.
What Does the Basic Insurance Cover?
The basic health insurance package includes coverage for:
-
Visits to the general practitioner (GP)
-
Hospital treatment and emergency care
-
Specialist care and consultations
-
Maternity and obstetric care
-
Mental health services
-
Prescription medications (mostly generic drugs)
-
Limited dental care for children under 18
-
Physiotherapy for chronic conditions
-
Preventive care (vaccinations, screening)
What’s Not Covered?
The basic package does not cover:
-
Most adult dental care
-
Physiotherapy for short-term issues
-
Alternative medicine
-
Glasses/contact lenses
-
Cosmetic procedures
To cover these services, individuals may choose a supplementary plan.
3. Supplementary Health Insurance
While not mandatory, supplementary insurance allows policyholders to extend their coverage. Each insurance provider offers different supplementary packages tailored to specific needs such as:
-
Dental coverage
-
Physiotherapy sessions
-
Optical care (glasses and contact lenses)
-
Alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture)
-
International medical coverage
Supplementary policies are not regulated in the same way as basic insurance, meaning insurers can refuse applicants or charge different premiums based on age and health condition.
4. Costs of Health Insurance
Monthly Premium (Premie)
As of 2025, the average monthly premium for basic health insurance in the Netherlands ranges between €125 to €150 per person. This amount is paid directly to the insurance provider.
Deductible (Eigen risico)
In addition to the monthly premium, there is an annual deductible—known as “eigen risico”. This is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for most medical costs before your insurance begins to cover expenses. The standard deductible in 2025 is €385.
Some services are exempt from the deductible, such as:
-
GP visits
-
Maternity care
-
Children’s healthcare (under 18)
You can also increase your deductible voluntarily (up to a maximum of €885) to reduce your monthly premium.
Government Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)
To make health insurance more affordable, the Dutch government provides a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) to low-income individuals and families. The amount depends on income and household size and can be as much as €120–€150 per month.
You can apply for zorgtoeslag through the Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst).
5. Choosing a Health Insurance Provider
There are more than 30 health insurance providers in the Netherlands, including major companies like:
-
Zilveren Kruis
-
VGZ
-
Menzis
-
CZ
-
DSW
-
OHRA
-
FBTO
All insurers offer the same basic coverage, but they differ in:
-
Monthly premiums
-
Service quality and customer support
-
Online tools and app availability
-
Supplementary packages
-
Policy types (e.g., restitutie vs naturapolis)
Types of Policies
-
Restitution Policy (Restitutiepolis): You can visit any healthcare provider and get reimbursed fully.
-
In-kind Policy (Naturapolis): You can only visit providers contracted by your insurer. Out-of-network care may not be reimbursed or will be partially reimbursed.
-
Combination Policy (Combinatiepolis): A mix of both types.
6. Health Insurance for Children
Children under 18 are insured for free under the basic health insurance scheme, but they must still be registered with an insurer. Parents can also choose to purchase supplementary insurance for their children.
7. Health Insurance for Expats and International Students
Expats
If you're an expat living or working in the Netherlands, you must obtain Dutch health insurance within 4 months of registering with the municipality. This applies even if you have private insurance from another country.
Failure to do so can lead to fines and back payments for missed premiums.
International Students
-
EU/EEA students with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may not need Dutch insurance.
-
Non-EU students may require Dutch insurance if they take a part-time job or internship.
Always consult with your educational institution or IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) to understand your obligations.
8. Switching Insurance Providers
You can switch insurance providers once a year, during the annual open enrollment period (November 12 to December 31). Your new policy will start on January 1 of the following year.
If you don’t switch, your policy automatically continues. You can cancel your policy through your new insurer, who will take care of the transfer.
9. Penalties for Not Having Insurance
Failure to purchase health insurance can result in:
-
Fines issued by the CAK (Central Administration Office)
-
Mandatory enrollment by the government
-
Back payment of missed premiums
It is not legal to live in the Netherlands without health insurance if you're required to have it.
10. Emergency Care and Temporary Visitors
Emergency medical services in the Netherlands are available to everyone, regardless of insurance. However, uninsured individuals (e.g., tourists) may be required to pay the full cost unless covered by travel insurance or an EHIC.
For temporary stays, private travel health insurance is recommended.
Conclusion
Health insurance in the Netherlands is a well-structured and regulated system designed to provide universal access to quality healthcare. While the mandatory nature of insurance may seem strict, it ensures that everyone receives the care they need without discrimination.
Understanding your options, rights, and responsibilities helps you make the best decision—whether you're a lifelong resident or a newcomer settling into Dutch life.
Choosing the right insurer and knowing how to use the system effectively can significantly impact both your health outcomes and financial well-being. Always compare plans, check provider networks, and consider your specific healthcare needs when selecting a policy.