Health Insurance in the Netherlands: A Complete Guide

The Netherlands is internationally recognized for having one of the most efficient and accessible healthcare systems in the world. At the heart of this system lies mandatory health insurance, which ensures that every resident and working individual in the country has access to necessary medical care. Understanding the Dutch health insurance system is crucial for anyone planning to move to, live in, or work in the Netherlands.

In this article, we will explore the core features of Dutch health insurance, how it works, the costs involved, the role of private insurers, and how international residents can obtain proper coverage.

1. The Basics of Health Insurance in the Netherlands

Health insurance in the Netherlands is mandatory for all residents, including expats, international students, and workers. The system is based on regulated competition among private insurance companies. Although the government does not provide the insurance directly, it regulates the market to ensure fairness, accessibility, and affordability.

There are two main types of health insurance in the Netherlands:

• Basic insurance (basisverzekering): This is compulsory and covers essential healthcare services.

• Supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering): Optional and provides additional coverage for services not included in the basic package.

2. What Does the Basic Insurance Cover?

The basic insurance package is determined annually by the Dutch government. Every insurer must offer the same basic coverage, which typically includes:

• Visits to general practitioners (GPs)

• Specialist consultations

• Hospital care and surgery

• Emergency care

• Prescription medication

• Maternity and postnatal care

• Mental health services

• Some forms of physiotherapy

• Medical transport

• Dental care for children under 18

Despite being provided by private insurers, no one can be denied basic coverage, regardless of age, income, or medical history.

3. Choosing a Health Insurance Provider

Residents are free to choose their own insurer and can switch providers once a year during the annual open enrollment period (typically from mid-November to December 31). All insurers must accept any applicant for basic insurance.

There are several major health insurers in the Netherlands, including:

• CZ

• VGZ

• Zilveren Kruis (Achmea)

• Menzis

• DSW

These insurers may operate under different brand names but generally provide similar services under government rules. It’s recommended to compare them based on monthly premiums, customer service, online services, and optional supplementary plans.

4. Monthly Premiums and Costs

In 2025, the average monthly premium for basic health insurance is approximately €140–€160 per person. This premium is paid directly to the insurance provider.

In addition to the monthly premium, residents must also pay an annual deductible (eigen risico), which in 2025 is €385. This means you must pay the first €385 of certain healthcare costs out of your own pocket before your insurance kicks in. However, GP visits, maternity care, and some chronic illness treatments are excluded from this deductible.

If you use very little medical care in a year, your out-of-pocket expenses will be close to the base premium. If you require more services, the deductible helps spread the cost burden.

Optional Deductible

You can voluntarily increase your deductible up to €885 to reduce your monthly premium. This is a calculated risk and may be suitable for healthy individuals who rarely use medical services.

5. Government Assistance and Health Allowance

To ensure affordability, the Dutch government offers a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) to low-income individuals and families. This financial support is provided monthly by the Dutch tax authorities and can cover a significant portion of the monthly premium.

Eligibility depends on income level and family composition. For example, single individuals earning below a certain threshold (e.g., around €38,000/year) may receive up to €130 per month.

International students or expats should check their eligibility for this benefit through the Belastingdienst (Tax Office).

6. Supplementary Insurance: Is It Necessary?

While basic insurance covers essential medical services, many people opt for supplementary insurance to cover:

• Adult dental care

• Extensive physiotherapy

• Alternative treatments (e.g., acupuncture, homeopathy)

• Glasses and contact lenses

• Travel vaccinations

Supplementary insurance is not mandatory, and insurers can refuse applicants or charge higher premiums based on risk factors. Therefore, it’s wise to apply for supplementary coverage at the same time you enroll in basic insurance.

7. Health Insurance for Expats and International Residents

If you are moving to the Netherlands, you must register with your local municipality and obtain a BSN (burgerservicenummer) before getting health insurance.

Who Needs to Apply?

• Employees working in the Netherlands must get Dutch insurance within 4 months of starting work.

• Students from outside the EU/EEA generally do not need Dutch insurance unless they are also working.

• EU citizens with the EHIC card can access care for temporary stays but must apply for Dutch insurance if they live or work in the Netherlands.

Failing to obtain insurance within the required period may result in fines and retroactive premium charges.

8. How to Apply for Dutch Health Insurance

Getting insured in the Netherlands is relatively simple. Here are the basic steps:

1. Register with your local municipality and obtain a BSN number.

2. Research and compare insurers using websites like Independer.nl or Zorgwijzer.nl.

3. Apply online or by phone with the chosen insurer.

4. Provide your BSN, bank account (IBAN), and personal details.

5. You’ll receive your insurance policy and health card by post or email.

If you're employed, your employer will not automatically arrange health insurance for you — you must do it yourself.

9. Switching Insurers

Every year, between mid-November and December 31, residents can switch insurers without penalty. This is the only period when you can cancel your current policy and enroll with another provider for the next calendar year.

Insurers must send the new policy terms and premiums by November, allowing time to make comparisons.

10. Penalties for Not Having Insurance

If you fail to take out health insurance within 4 months of becoming a resident or employee, you may receive a warning letter from CAK, the government agency that enforces health insurance obligations.

Failure to act may lead to:

• Fines of over €400

• Being automatically enrolled in a plan by the government

• Retroactive premium payments

It is crucial to act promptly to avoid penalties.

11. Emergency Medical Care and Insurance

In case of emergencies, you will always receive treatment — whether insured or not. However, uninsured individuals will receive the bill, which can be extremely high. This highlights the importance of getting insured as soon as possible.

For tourists, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or travel insurance may cover emergencies. However, it does not replace Dutch mandatory health insurance for residents