Health insurance without a BSN in the Netherlands

Health insurance and the BSN explained

When you move to the Netherlands, one of the first questions is how health insurance works and what role the BSN (Burgerservicenummer) plays.

The BSN is your Dutch citizen service number, similar to a social security number in other countries. You will need it for everyday things like paying taxes, opening a bank account, and arranging healthcare.

Because the BSN connects you to government systems, it is also required for taking out basic Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering), the mandatory plan for most residents. It is also required to sign up with the Digital ID. Knowing why this number matters, and what to do if you do not have one yet, will help you avoid being uninsured.

Do you need a BSN to get Dutch health insurance?

In most cases, yes. To apply for Dutch basic health insurance, you must have a BSN and be registered with your municipality (you do this right after arrival when you have your Dutch address). The BSN links your policy to government records so that contributions and benefits are tracked correctly.

The Dutch Health Insurance Act (Zorgverzekeringswet) requires you to arrange insurance within four months of moving or starting work. Your policy should start from the date your obligation begins, not from when you sign the contract.

Without a BSN, you cannot take out the mandatory basic plan. This is why many newcomers look for alternatives until they are fully registered.

Who must take out Dutch health insurance?

Most people who live or work in the Netherlands must be insured. If you are registered as a resident or if you earn income here, you are usually obliged to arrange Dutch health insurance with a BSN.

• EU citizens may use an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or S1 form at first, but must switch if they stay long term.
• Non EU citizens are expected to arrange Dutch health insurance as soon as they register and receive a BSN.
• Visitors staying under four months often do not need Dutch insurance.

For everyone else, Dutch health insurance is required by law.

What happens if you do not get a BSN on time?

The CAK (Centraal Administratie Kantoor) checks whether people have health insurance. If you are required to be insured but do not act, the CAK will send a letter.

• After three months, you can be fined around four hundred euros.
• If you still do not arrange insurance, the fine may be repeated.
• Eventually, the CAK can register you with a default insurer for twelve months and deduct premiums directly from your income.

Delaying BSN registration or insurance can therefore become very costly. Find out more information in this video.

Who cannot get Dutch health insurance?

Not everyone is simply delayed in the process of being able to sign up for the Dutch Basic. Some groups are not eligible for Dutch basic health insurance at all. Here are some examples

• Many international students are not seen as residents under the Dutch Health Insurance Act. Even if they have a BSN, they cannot take out the basic plan. They need private or student health insurance instead.
• Individuals on a orientation year Visa
• Individuals who spend more than 185 days a year outside of the Netherlands
• Others, such as job seekers or short term workers, may need temporary cover until they are fully registered.

As a rule of thumb, if you have if you pay have to income tax or social security contributions in the Netherlands you need to get on the Dutch Public Insurance. You can always confirm your exact status with your municipality or official sources like:

• WLZ : You can request an assessment of your WlZ insurance position (compulsory insurance under the Dutch long-term care scheme)
• CAZ Website: fInd more detailed information on cases when you are uninsured**

In the meantime, some people choose expat health insurance in the Netherlands that does not require a BSN or registered address.

What should you do if you cannot register your address?

To receive a BSN, you first need to register your address in the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen or municipal registry). Without a registered address, you cannot get a BSN and you cannot take out Dutch basic health insurance.

The housing shortage in the Netherlands makes this a common issue. Many newcomers struggle to find permanent accommodation. If you already have a BSN but later lose your address, the municipality may de-register you, which can also affect your insurance.

One possible solution is to ask about a correspondence address (briefadres). This allows you to register at the address of a friend, family member, or even in some cases through the municipality itself. A correspondence address does not count as a permanent home, but it can help you keep your BSN active and avoid gaps in your health insurance.

The best advice is to stay in touch with your municipality, ask about temporary or correspondence registration, and keep your housing situation documented. While you wait for housing or re registration, you can stay protected by choosing interim health insurance that does not require a BSN or fixed address.

How to get health insurance in the Netherlands

Here is the usual order of steps:

1. Register your address with the municipality.
2. Receive your BSN.
3. Apply for Dutch health insurance within four months of becoming obliged.

Prepare your passport, rental agreement, and work or study documents to speed up the process. If you are unsure whether you are required to take out Dutch insurance, consider temporary cover while you wait.

How Feather helps expats stay covered

Arriving in the Netherlands without housing or waiting for registration can be stressful. Feather offers expat health insurance that you can take out without a BSN or permanent address.

It is designed for newcomers, students, freelancers, job seekers, and anyone in between. It provides EU wide protection, can be cancelled monthly, and can easily be upgraded to Dutch basic health insurance once you are eligible.

Conclusion

Most people need a BSN to get Dutch health insurance. But delays, housing problems, or ineligibility can leave you without cover.

The key is to act early. Register as soon as you can, confirm your obligations, and avoid fines. If you are not yet eligible for Dutch basic insurance, an expat health insurance plan in the Netherlands can keep you protected until you are fully registered.

With the right steps, you can make sure you stay insured and start your life in the Netherlands with peace of mind.