Living in the Netherlands means you must have health insurance—it’s a legal requirement for everyone who resides there, whether permanently or temporarily.
Dutch health insurance ensures you can access essential medical care whenever you need it, without financial strain.
However, understanding how the system works—and finding the right insurance—can feel overwhelming at first.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Why health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands
- The difference between basic and supplemental insurance
- What Dutch health insurance typically covers
- How much you can expect to pay in 2025
- How to register for health insurance step-by-step
- And tips for finding the best plan for your situation
By the end, you’ll have a complete understanding of how Dutch health insurance works and how to make sure you’re adequately covered during your stay in the Netherlands.
Before we start, here is how to get health insurance in the Netherlands:
- Before moving: Get expat health insurance (recommended) or travel insurance (if short-term).
- Once you register your address: Apply for basic insurance
- When waiting for basic coverage: Keep expat insurance so you’re covered.
- After getting basic coverage: Get a supplemental policy for better coverage.
Now, let’s dive into how Dutch healthcare and health insurance works.
The two types of Dutch health insurance
Basic Health Insurance (Basisverzekering)
Everyone living in the Netherlands must get basic health insurance within four months of registering their address.
Thanks to the Long-Term Care Act, basic insurance is available to all residents.
It covers essential healthcare services like doctor visits, hospital treatments, prescription medications, and maternity care.
Supplemental Health Insurance (Aanvullende verzekering)
Supplemental insurance covers services not included in the basic package, such as adult dental care, hearing aids, and specialized therapies.
While all insurers must accept basic insurance, supplemental insurance is optional, and companies can refuse coverage based on your health history.
Why is health insurance compulsory in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands requires health insurance to ensure that everyone can access essential medical care, regardless of their income or health status. The system operates on the principle that everyone contributes, fostering a fair and stable healthcare system.
Residents pay monthly premiums and income-based contributions. The government steps in to help people who can’t afford these costs.
According to recent research, only 24,000 people (0.13% of the population) remain uninsured, demonstrating the system’s success in achieving near-universal coverage.
How does the Dutch healthcare system work?
The Dutch healthcare system combines mandatory basic insurance with optional supplemental insurance.
Everyone in the Netherlands is covered by basic health insurance. This type of insurance is mandatory and primarily funded through:
- Social security contributions: A percentage of your income, called a premie, is deducted from your salary (currently 9.65% of your income tax).
- Nominal fee: This is the amount you pay your insurance company each month, which is approximately €156 per month.
- Annual deductible (eigen risico): The first €385 of certain medical costs must be paid out-of-pocket each year.
Basic insurance covers:
- Hospital stays and outpatient treatments
- Prescription medications
- Dental care for children (up to 18 years old)
- Medical aids (like crutches or wheelchairs)
- Pregnancy and childbirth services
Supplemental insurance is optional and covers treatments not included in the basic package, such as:
- Dental treatments for adults
- Hearing aids
- Orthodontics or fertility treatments
Insurance companies can refuse supplemental coverage if they consider you high-risk based on your health history.
Basic vs supplemental insurance: Key differences
| Basic insurance | Supplemental insurance | |
| Eligibility | Open to all legal, long-term residents; cannot be refused. | Depends on health status; insurers can refuse coverage. |
| Cost | About €155.70/month + 9.65% of income tax + €385 annual deductible. | Varies by coverage, age, and health (e.g., vision plans are cheaper than dental ones). |
| Coverage | Essential care: hospital visits, medications, childbirth. | Extra services: dental care, orthodontics, private rooms. |
| Coverage for families | Free for children under 18 (no premiums or deductibles). | Available for each family member; additional discounts are available for families. |
| Medical bills | Insurer covers bills directly; you pay costs within your deductible. | You typically pay upfront and get reimbursed later. |
What does Dutch health insurance cover?
Pregnancy and childbirth
Dutch basic health insurance always covers pregnancy-related care. This includes:
- Prenatal care: Doctor visits, checkups, lab tests, and ultrasound exams.
- Childbirth: Coverage for both hospital and home births.
- Postnatal care: Follow-up visits and treatments after giving birth.
Supplemental insurance can offer extra maternity benefits, such as:
- Maternity care at home: Help with baby care, like feeding and bathing, after leaving the hospital.
- Extra hospital care: More days in the hospital if you need extra recovery time or support.
Medications
Basic health insurance covers most prescription medications, but with some limits:
- Maximum reimbursement: The government sets a maximum price it will reimburse. If your medication costs more, you pay the difference.
- Annual deductible: You must first pay €385 out-of-pocket each year, which includes medication costs.
- Non-prescription drugs: Items such as over-the-counter pain relievers or cold medicine are not covered.
Hospitalization
Hospital care is included in the basic insurance, but not all costs are fully covered. Here’s what you need to know:
- Direct billing: Hospitals work directly with your insurer, so you don’t need to pay upfront.
- Annual deductible: As with other healthcare services, you must pay the first €385 of costs.
- Daily fee: You may need to pay a small daily contribution, ranging from €6.90 up to €19.42 per night, depending on:
- Your insurance status (standard, low-income allowance, etc.)
- Your room type (shared, double, or private)
- How long you stay
- Your insurance status (standard, low-income allowance, etc.)
Supplemental insurance can help cover:
- Private or semi-private rooms
- Extended stays
- Additional hospital amenities
While basic insurance ensures you get essential medical treatment, supplemental coverage can make your stay more comfortable.
Where can you get health insurance in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, many companies offer health insurance, and you are free to choose the one that best fits your needs.
Some popular providers are:
- ONVZ: Known for excellent customer service and good support for English speakers.
- OHRA
- Zilveren Kruis
- And many others…
To easily compare plans and prices, websites like Zorgwijzer.nl can help you find the best option based on your needs and budget.
How to get health insurance in the Netherlands
Step 1: Move to the Netherlands
Before you even set foot in the Netherlands, you’ll need health insurance.
The kind of insurance you need depends on your situation:
- Short-term stays (e.g., tourist visa, less than 4 months): Get travel health insurance to cover emergencies.
- Long-term stays (moving, studying, working): Get expat health insurance.
Even if you plan to apply for Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering), you won’t be eligible immediately. You need a valid residence permit (or proof that your permit is being processed) to sign up.
Important: If your residence permit isn’t finalized yet, Dutch insurers will reject your application for basic coverage. That’s why expat health insurance is critical during this in-between phase.
Step 2: Register with your local municipality
Once you arrive in the Netherlands, your first official step is to register with your gemeente (city hall or municipal office). Here’s what happens:
- You’ll receive your Citizen Service Number (BSN) — your personal ID for all things Dutch, including healthcare, taxes, banking, and more.
- You’ll also officially register your address.
Without a BSN, you can’t get basic health insurance. So make this a top priority.
Step 3: Get Dutch basic health insurance within 4 months
After you receive your BSN, you must sign up for Dutch health insurance within four months.
There are two main types of policies available:
- Restitutie (reimbursement policy): You can visit any doctor or hospital, even those without contracts with your insurer. You pay upfront and get reimbursed later.
- Natura (in-network policy): You must use healthcare providers which your insurer has agreements. Visiting an out-of-network provider may mean higher costs for you.
You can find a complete list of insurers and compare plans on comparison websites like Zorgwijzer.nl.
If you don’t sign up within 4 months, you risk fines and backdated premiums—so don’t delay!
Step 4: Stay insured while waiting for eligibility
If your residence permit is still pending—or if there’s any delay—you’re technically not eligible for Dutch basic insurance yet.
That’s where expat health insurance comes in. It covers you until you’re officially allowed to join the Dutch system.
Without temporary insurance, any unexpected illness or accident could leave you facing huge medical bills. Hospitals in the Netherlands won’t refuse emergency care—but you’ll be responsible for the full costs.
Feather’s expat insurance offers:
- Flexible cancellation: Cancel anytime when your Dutch insurance kicks in.
- 100% digital process: Sign up, manage claims, and cancel—all online.
- Friendly, English-speaking support: Get help with visa requirements, insurance questions, and more.
Tip: Always stay insured. Never try to “wing it” uninsured—even for a few weeks.
Step 5: Register with a General Practitioner (GP)
Once your Dutch insurance is active, find a local huisarts (GP).
In the Netherlands, your GP is your first stop for most healthcare needs. They handle:
- Everyday medical issues
- Prescriptions
- Referrals to specialists
Without a GP, getting specialist treatment can be difficult. If your chosen doctor’s office is full, your insurer can help you find one with space.
What if I am not yet eligible for basic health insurance?
If your visa or residence permit is still being processed, you are not yet eligible for Dutch basic health insurance. This includes cases where you have only an authorization for a temporary stay (MVV) without a finalized permit.
However, you still need health insurance to meet visa rules and protect yourself from high medical costs.
In such situations, expat health insurance (also known as international or incoming insurance) is crucial. It’s tailored for:
- New arrivals
- Freelancers and self-employed individuals
- Visa applicants
- Students
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Job seekers
Expat insurance covers major medical treatments, ensuring you stay protected and compliant with visa requirements. Plus, if you choose Feather, you get:
- Flexible cancellation: Cancel anytime without penalties.
- Fully digital process: Manage your insurance entirely online, from signup to claims.
- English-speaking support: Friendly advisors can help you with visa or insurance questions.
A Brief History of the Dutch Healthcare System
Humble beginnings
The Dutch healthcare system dates back to the Middle Ages. During this time, trade guilds created health money boxes to help their members cover medical expenses. These early “collecting boxes” supported those who couldn’t afford care and laid the foundation for modern health insurance.
First steps towards health insurance
In the late 18th century, around 1780, the first commercial health insurance funds appeared. These funds made it possible for low-income households to insure themselves, offering an alternative to relying on church charities or municipal aid during emergencies.
The birth of modern health insurance
In 1905, under Prime Minister Kuyper’s leadership, the Royal Dutch Society of Medicine (KNMG) was founded. The KNMG introduced general insurance packages and healthcare contracts. For the first time, structured access to basic healthcare became available to low-income families, marking the true beginning of organized health insurance in the Netherlands.
The impact of World War II
By 1940, about two-thirds of the Dutch population had some form of health insurance. During the German occupation in 1941, the Krankenkasse system was introduced, making insurance mandatory for all residents under a certain income level. This expanded healthcare access even further.
Universal healthcare
The healthcare model introduced during World War II remained in place until 2006, when the Netherlands reformed its system. The new system made basic health insurance mandatory for all residents and introduced risk equalization:
- Insurers must accept everyone, regardless of health status.
- Premiums cannot be higher for people with chronic illnesses or other risks.
- A risk equalization pool redistributes funds to insurers that cover more high-risk individuals.
This change created a universal, fair, and sustainable healthcare system for all Dutch residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you get supplementary coverage?
It depends on your needs. If you are young and generally healthy, supplemental insurance may not be necessary. However, if you deal with specific health concerns, like chronic back pain, additional coverage could be a wise investment. For example, basic insurance might not fully cover physiotherapy sessions, while supplemental plans often do.
Is healthcare expensive in the Netherlands?
Healthcare is generally affordable. Basic insurance covers most essential services. However, some out-of-pocket costs may still arise. For instance, if you prefer a pricier brand of medication, you might need to pay the difference yourself. Overall, healthcare costs remain manageable for most residents.
How much is Dutch health insurance?
As of 2025, the average cost of basic health insurance is around €159 per month. Your actual cost can vary based on:
- The specific package you choose
- The deductible amount you select
- Your insurer
If you add supplemental insurance, your costs will rise. Other factors, such as your age and health needs, can also affect the final price.
How can you change your insurance company?
Switching health insurers is easy:
- Before December 31: Take out a new policy online or by phone. Your new insurer will cancel your old policy on your behalf.
- If you cancel your policy yourself by December 31, You have until February 1 to select a new insurer.
How to Get a Doctor’s Appointment in the Netherlands?
Booking a doctor’s appointment is simple. You can call or visit the GP practice directly. A doctor’s assistant will help you set up your appointment.
When you first arrive, you won’t automatically have an assigned General Practitioner (GP). It’s a good idea to research available doctors in your area early.
You can use the ZorgkaartNederland portal to search for local GPs by entering your address.
