Health Insurance in the Netherlands: Everything You Need to Know

The Netherlands is globally recognized for its well-organized and high-quality healthcare system. At the heart of this system is mandatory health insurance for all residents. Whether you are a Dutch citizen or an expat living in the country, understanding how health insurance works in the Netherlands is crucial for accessing medical services and maintaining compliance with Dutch law.

1. Overview of the Dutch Healthcare System

The Dutch healthcare system operates under a dual-level insurance model, combining private insurance with government oversight. Healthcare in the Netherlands is not free, but it is heavily regulated and subsidized to ensure affordability and accessibility for everyone.

There are three main components:

• Zorgverzekering (Health insurance): Compulsory for all residents.

• Zorgtoeslag (Healthcare allowance): A subsidy provided to lower-income individuals to help cover insurance costs.

• Basic and additional insurance: A standardized basic package and optional supplemental coverage.

2. Is Health Insurance Mandatory in the Netherlands?

Yes. Everyone living or working in the Netherlands is legally required to have Dutch health insurance (zorgverzekering), even if you are insured in your home country. This includes:

• Dutch citizens

• EU/EEA nationals living in the Netherlands

• Expats working in the Netherlands

• International students (depending on employment status)

Those who fail to obtain insurance within four months of registering in the Netherlands may be fined.

3. Basic Health Insurance (Basisverzekering)

The basic health insurance package (basisverzekering) is standardized by the Dutch government and must be offered by all insurers. This package covers essential healthcare services, including:

• Visits to the general practitioner (huisarts)

• Hospital care

• Emergency services

• Maternity care

• Mental health services

• Prescription medication (limited to those listed by the government)

• Specialist consultations

Although coverage is the same across providers, premiums and customer service vary, which is why many people compare insurers annually.

4. Additional Health Insurance (Aanvullende Verzekering)

Beyond the mandatory basic package, insurers offer supplemental insurance for services not covered by the basisverzekering, such as:

• Dental care for adults

• Physiotherapy

• Glasses and contact lenses

• Alternative medicine

• Extended mental health treatment

Supplementary insurance is optional and not regulated by the government, meaning coverage and prices can differ significantly between providers.

5. Monthly Premiums and Deductibles

Monthly Premium (Premie)

As of 2025, the average monthly premium for basic health insurance is around €135–€145 per person. This amount is paid directly to the insurance provider and can be higher or lower depending on the insurer and any chosen extras.

Deductible (Eigen Risico)

Each person over 18 must pay an annual deductible of €385 (as of 2025) before insurance begins to cover costs. This only applies to certain healthcare services, like hospital treatments or medications—not GP visits or maternity care.

You can also choose a higher voluntary deductible (up to €885 total) to reduce your monthly premium.

6. Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)

To make health insurance more affordable, the Dutch government offers a zorgtoeslag or healthcare allowance. Eligibility is based on income and household situation. In 2025, the maximum allowance for a single person is around €130 per month.

You can apply for zorgtoeslag through the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax office). Expats with lower incomes often benefit significantly from this subsidy.

7. How to Choose a Health Insurance Provider

There are many health insurance providers in the Netherlands, such as:

• Zilveren Kruis

• VGZ

• Menzis

• CZ

• OHRA

• DSW

When choosing a provider, consider the following:

• Monthly premium

• Customer service ratings

• Reimbursement policy (restitution vs natura)

• Additional packages and their costs

• Digital tools (apps, online access)

You can switch providers once a year, during the open enrollment period from November 12 to December 31.

8. Types of Policies: Natura vs Restitutie

There are two main types of health insurance policies:

• Natura policy: The insurer pays directly for care with contracted providers. You have limited choice but lower premiums.

• Restitutie policy: You can choose any provider and get reimbursed later. It’s more flexible but more expensive.

A third hybrid option, combinatiepolis, offers a mix of both.

9. Health Insurance for Expats and International Students

Expats

If you are employed in the Netherlands, you must take out Dutch health insurance within four months of registering. Some expats mistakenly believe that foreign insurance is sufficient—it is not, unless you have an exemption.

International Students

Students not working can often stay on their home country’s insurance or buy special student health insurance from providers like Aon or Allianz. However, if you get a part-time job, you must switch to Dutch health insurance.

Always check with the CAK (Centraal Administratie Kantoor) if you’re unsure whether you need to be insured.

10. Healthcare Access and GP System

The general practitioner (huisarts) is your first point of contact for any health concern. You must register with a GP near your home. They act as gatekeepers to specialist care—you cannot go directly to a specialist without a referral.

In case of emergencies, call 112 or visit the spoedeisende hulp (emergency department). For non-life-threatening issues outside of hours, contact a huisartsenpost (out-of-hours GP clinic).

11. What Happens if You Don’t Get Insurance?

Failing to get insurance can lead to:

• Fines from CAK

• Retroactive billing for unpaid months

• Being automatically enrolled in an insurance plan at a higher rate

It's better to proactively choose a policy that fits your needs than to risk being fined or enrolled in an expensive default plan.

12. Tips for Managing Your Health Insurance

• Compare insurers every year (use tools like Independer.nl or Zorgwijzer.nl)

• Apply for zorgtoeslag if eligible

• Keep track of your eigen risico spending

• Register with a local GP as soon as possible

• Choose supplementary insurance only if you truly need it

13. Conclusion

Health insurance in the Netherlands is compulsory, well-structured, and designed to ensure access to quality healthcare for all residents. While the system may seem complex at first, especially for expats, it becomes manageable once you understand the basics: get insured, know your deductible, and apply for benefits if you qualify.

By staying informed and choosing your plan wisely, you can protect your health without breaking the bank—and enjoy one of the most efficient healthcare systems in the world.