30 Jan 2025
When you decide to move to a new country, it can be quite intimidating since it is nothing short of starting an entirely new chapter in life. Therefore, any individual's priority is to make sure they have a sound plan about how they will navigate life away from their home country. The key portions of that plan might include how to manage healthcare for oneself and one’s family and how to manage a livelihood and make a money transfer.
If you are planning on moving to the Netherlands, you might be thinking about pretty much the same things, such as how good the healthcare system in the Netherlands is for expats. So, let’s dive into this blog to find out what kind of healthcare system the Netherlands has and how it operates.
Like the US, the Dutch healthcare system also works on the dual-level model, combining both private and public sector elements. Below are some of the key features of the Netherlands healthcare system:
Also, similar to the policies in the US, you have to possess at least basic health insurance whether you are a citizen or an expat in the Netherlands. The purpose of this mandatory insurance is to ensure your access to essential healthcare services. So, getting health insurance in the Netherlands is necessary.
Any kind of healthcare in the medical system in the Netherlands is provided by the private healthcare sector, which includes private doctors, nurses, hospitals, etc.
The purpose of the Dutch government is to act as a supervisor of the entire healthcare system. This means that privately delivered healthcare follows a set of rules, regulations, and quality standards provided by the government as part of the Dutch healthcare system.
Understanding the inner workings of the Netherlands' healthcare system can be quite challenging, so let's look at the basic parts of the whole medical system in the Netherlands:
One of the first things you do right after you land in the Netherlands is to register with a general practitioner (GP). In the Dutch healthcare system, a GP acts as the first point of contact for all medical issues. If necessary, the case is referred to specialists; otherwise, it is dealt with within the GP system.
As mentioned before, you must have basic Dutch health insurance to benefit from the Dutch healthcare system. Without health insurance, you might not be able to find work. The basic term is basisverzekering. This insurance will cover necessary medical services for an individual, such as medications, visits to general practitioners, and stays in hospitals.
The healthcare system in the Netherlands is actually quite up-to-date regarding the infrastructure and medical facilities available at hospitals. The doctors, nurses, and other medical staff are highly trained and adequately qualified. However, if you specifically want a specialist for consultation, it can only happen if your general practitioner refers you to one—unless, of course, there is an emergency.
The way the Dutch healthcare system works is that almost all hospitals in the Netherlands have an emergency department, so in case of a medical emergency, you can visit the nearest emergency department, also called spoedeisende hulp. In case you need urgent medical attention, you have to dial 112.
The Netherlands is renowned for its high-quality healthcare system, supported by a robust health insurance framework. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents, ensuring access to essential medical services. Understanding the different types of health insurance available is crucial for both locals and expatriates living in the Netherlands. From basic health insurance that covers standard medical needs to supplementary plans tailored to specific requirements, the system offers various options to suit diverse needs.
This guide will provide an overview of the health insurance types in the Netherlands, helping you make informed decisions for your healthcare needs. Now, when you go to get yourself and your family insured, you will come across varying Netherlands health insurance packages, which are described in detail below:
If you decide to get basic health insurance, it covers important services like hospital care, medications, maternity care, and general practitioner visits. You will have to pay a premium for it on a monthly basis, and that amount can vary depending on which insurer you contact. The good news is that if you have any kids under the age of 18, their insurance is covered under the parent’s health insurance in the Netherlands.
If you think basic health insurance is not enough for you, you can add other additional insurance services that are excluded from the basic package. This might include insurance for services like physiotherapy, dental care for adults, and other alternative treatments.
Any good health insurance Netherlands guide will tell you that the cost of these services can vary depending on the type of service and the level of coverage.
If you are an expat, you are required to get Dutch health insurance within four months of your arrival in the Netherlands. If you happen to be an EU citizen, you can use the EHIC card to access healthcare in the Netherlands, but if you are planning on staying long-term, you must transition to Dutch health insurance. You can even make an offline or online money transfer to pay for insurance.
Below is a general outline of the total cost of accessing healthcare and a health insurance Netherlands guide:
If you decide to buy basic health insurance in the Netherlands, it will cost you around 120 to 140 euros per individual. It really depends on the insurer how much of a premium they will charge you. So, it is wise to always check out different insurance options before you finalize one for your healthcare needs. You can also send money online to pay those premiums.
The annual deductible for health insurance in the Netherlands is around 400 euros in 2024. You will need to make this payment out of pocket for healthcare services, but this does not include general practitioner visits and maternity care. The insurance covers eligible costs after you have paid your deductibles. So, it is very important to plan for these upfront expenses if you want access to the Dutch healthcare system.
Supplementary insurance offers extra coverage, such as physical therapy or dental care, but it requires you to pay more. Those additional costs can vary depending on who your insurer is and what plan you have chosen. Before signing up for a plan, read the policy details of health insurance in the Netherlands and understand what is covered and what isn’t.
If you are an expat in the Netherlands, don’t understand how the healthcare system works, and want to register for access to healthcare services, follow these steps. This is how expats' healthcare in the Netherlands works:
When you arrive in the Netherlands, find your local municipality and register with it. You will get a Citizen Service Number (BSN) as a result. This is your first step to accessing the Dutch healthcare system.
Next, you must explore options and select a good insurance provider that matches your healthcare needs. Before choosing one, use comparison websites to understand the health insurance in the Netherlands and the plans they offer.
The next step is to locate your nearest general practitioner and register with their practice. Some of these practices have waiting lists, so be mindful of that and take action quickly.
Your health insurance policy in the Netherlands is a very important document, so you must make sure you read it properly. See clearly what the insurance covers and what it excludes. Also, make sure you keep track of deductible expenses.
Don’t worry; follow these healthcare tips for moving to the Netherlands. The healthcare services in the Netherlands are world-class, and with the right insurance plan, you can stop worrying about access to top-notch healthcare services. When you understand the system’s internal workings, it becomes easier. While staying in the Netherlands, stay healthy, earn well, and save enough to send money back home.
Yes, all residents, including expats, must take out Dutch health insurance within four months of arrival, even if they have international coverage.
If you fail to obtain health insurance, you may face fines and be automatically enrolled in a health plan by the government, with costs billed to you.
Yes, GP visits are fully covered under basic health insurance and are not subject to the deductible.
Yes, you’re free to choose any insurer in the Netherlands. All insurers offer the same basic package, but premiums and supplementary options vary.
The basic package only covers dental care for children under 18. Adults need supplementary insurance for dental treatments.