Private health insurance in the Netherlands

Almost anyone. The key is knowing when you’ll need it.

In the Netherlands, you must switch to Dutch basic health insurance once you’re a resident and start paying Dutch income tax or social security. This usually happens within four months of working or registering. Until then, Feather Expat Health keeps you covered — whether you’ve just arrived, are waiting for your BSN, on a job search year, or studying without working.

Many newcomers use Feather Expat Health right after moving. It makes GP registration easier and offers broader, Europe-wide coverage than Dutch basic alone.

Anyone who lives or works in the Netherlands must take out Dutch health insurance under the Healthcare Insurance Act once they are registered in the municipality (BRP). Our expat policy is designed for freelancers and self-employed professionals who are not eligible for Dutch basic insurance. This applies, for example, if you stay fewer than 185 days in the Netherlands, do not pay Dutch income tax, or are not considered socially insured under Dutch law. Please note that the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) requires valid health insurance for most residence permits and visa applications.

The newcomer expat health insurance plans have a maximum term limit of five years, while the extended expat health insurance plans have have no limit. The five-year term starts on the first day you arrive in The Netherlands. For example, if you moved to The Netherlands on the 1st of January 2020 but signed up for Expat Insurance on the 2nd of June 2021, you can only remain on the policy until the 1st of January 2025 with the newcomer.

The extended expat health insurance plan has no time limit.

Do note that upon receiving your BSN you may need to register with the Dutch mandatory insurance.

There is a monthly cancellation policy. Once you cancel, you will not be billed at your next billing cycle, and there are no fees for canceling.

Yes, for our newcomer expat health insurance, there is a 31-day waiting period of reduced coverage (life threatening conditions are still covered). However, sometimes, a waiting period can be waived. You can learn more about it and when it can be waived, you can find it in our FAQ.

However, keep in mind that the policy only covers new medical conditions that first commenced after the policy commenced.

Yes, you'll have to pay upfront. We suggest paying the doctor or clinic as soon as possible to avoid any late fees. Following that, submit photos of all invoices, receipts, and documents related to the incident in your Feather account to get reimbursed. The reimbursement will be made to you, not to the doctor

Yes, dependents can be added to your plan. Please note that each dependent will have to have their own policy purchased, but we can add them all under one account for ease of access.

To add a dependent, simply:

1. Sign up for expat insurance for yourself first (or for the person you want to be the main policyholder)

2. Once you sign up, log into your Feather account and click on your expat policy.

3. Click 'add dependents', then add the dependent with whichever policy you wish (newcomer or extended). You don't have to purchase the same policy for each person.

Yes, you can always start with a newcomer plan then upgrade when you need a visa or work permit renewal or reach the 5-year limit.

However, keep in mind that the medical conditions that you acquire while your on the newcomer plan will not be covered under the extended plan as they will be considered pre-existing conditions.