Health Insurance in the Netherlands: A Comprehensive Guide

The Netherlands is known for having one of the most efficient and accessible healthcare systems in the world. Central to this system is health insurance, which is mandatory for all residents. Whether you are a Dutch citizen, an expatriate, or an international student living in the Netherlands, understanding how the health insurance system works is crucial to ensuring that you receive the care you need. In this article, we will explore the Dutch health insurance system in detail: its structure, costs, coverage, providers, and how to choose the best insurance for your needs.

1. The Basics of Dutch Health Insurance

In the Netherlands, health insurance is mandatory for all residents and people who work and pay taxes in the country. This includes Dutch citizens and foreign nationals residing in the Netherlands for longer than three months. The mandatory insurance scheme is regulated by the government but provided by private insurance companies.

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

• Basic Health Insurance (Basisverzekering): This is compulsory and covers essential medical care such as general practitioner (GP) visits, hospital treatment, prescription medication, and maternity care.

• Supplementary Insurance (Aanvullende verzekering): This is optional and provides coverage for services not included in the basic package, such as dental care for adults, physiotherapy, alternative treatments, and extended mental health care.

2. How the System Works

Health insurance in the Netherlands is based on the principle of solidarity. Everyone pays a monthly premium for the same basic package, regardless of age, gender, or health condition. Insurance companies are not allowed to refuse clients for the basic insurance package.

However, people can choose from a variety of insurance providers and policies. Insurers may differ in price, quality of service, customer support, and the network of contracted healthcare providers.

Government Oversight

The Dutch government sets the standard for what must be included in the basic health insurance package. This ensures uniform access to healthcare for all residents. The Zorginstituut Nederland (Dutch Healthcare Institute) oversees the content of the basic package, while the Dutch Health Authority (NZa) monitors market competition and pricing.

3. What Does Basic Insurance Cover?

The basic health insurance package includes the following:

• Visits to a general practitioner (GP)

• Hospital care and specialist treatment

• Emergency care

• Prescription medications (most)

• Maternity care and midwifery services

• Mental health care (initial treatments)

• Basic dental care for children under 18

• Medical aids and devices

• Ambulance services

This package is designed to ensure that all residents have access to necessary medical services without discrimination.

4. Premiums and Costs

Monthly Premiums

As of 2025, the average monthly premium for basic health insurance is around €130 to €150. Premiums are paid directly to the insurance company.

Deductible (Eigen Risico)

In addition to monthly premiums, adults are required to pay an annual deductible. The standard deductible in 2025 is €385. This means that you must pay the first €385 of medical costs yourself each year before the insurance begins to cover expenses.

Some services, such as GP visits, maternity care, and pediatric care, are exempt from the deductible.

Income-Based Contribution

If you are employed, you also contribute a percentage of your income (about 6.68% in 2025) to the healthcare system. This contribution is usually deducted from your salary by your employer.

5. Health Insurance Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)

The Dutch government offers financial assistance to low-income individuals and families through the zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance). This monthly subsidy helps offset the cost of health insurance.

Eligibility depends on your income and assets. Applications can be made through the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority) website, and payments are made monthly.

6. Choosing a Health Insurance Provider

There are many health insurance providers in the Netherlands, including:

• CZ

• Menzis

• VGZ

• Zilveren Kruis

• DSW

• OHRA

• ONVZ

When choosing an insurer, consider the following:

• Premiums: Compare monthly costs.

• Policy Type: Some policies give you free choice of healthcare providers, while others limit you to a network.

• Customer Service: Look at reviews and rankings.

• Additional Packages: If you need extra services like dental or physiotherapy, check the costs and coverage of supplementary insurance.

7. Types of Policies

There are three main types of health insurance policies in the Netherlands:

• Restitutiepolis (Reimbursement Policy): You can choose any healthcare provider, and the insurer reimburses you. This offers the most flexibility.

• Naturapolis (In-kind Policy): You use contracted providers only. The insurer pays them directly.

• Combinatiepolis (Combination Policy): A mix of the above two, offering reimbursement for some services and contracted care for others.

8. Health Insurance for Expats and International Students

If you move to the Netherlands for work, study, or long-term residence, you are likely required to get Dutch health insurance.

EU/EEA Citizens

If you're from an EU/EEA country and hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you may be temporarily covered for emergency care. But for long stays or work, Dutch insurance is required.

Non-EU Citizens

Non-EU citizens who live and work in the Netherlands must take out Dutch health insurance within four months of receiving their residence permit. Failing to do so can result in fines.

International Students

If you're an international student without a part-time job, you may not need Dutch insurance and can often keep your insurance from your home country. However, if you start working, even part-time, you must obtain Dutch health insurance immediately.

9. Switching Insurers

You can switch insurance companies once per year, during the annual enrollment period (from mid-November to December 31). New policies take effect on January 1st.

Before switching, compare policies carefully using comparison websites like:

• Independer.nl

• Zorgwijzer.nl

• Consumentenbond.nl

10. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to get health insurance when required can lead to serious consequences. You may receive a warning and then be fined up to €400 if you do not comply within three months. Continued refusal may lead to automatic enrollment in a health plan and wage deductions.

Conclusion

Health insurance in the Netherlands is a crucial part of life and healthcare access. Though the system may seem complex at first, it is designed to be fair, accessible, and efficient. By understanding how Dutch health insurance works, you can make informed decisions, avoid legal issues, and ensure you get the medical care you need without unnecessary stress.

Whether you're a Dutch citizen or an expat, it is essential to compare providers, understand your coverage, and keep up with policy changes every year. With the right knowledge and preparation, navigating the Dutch healthcare system becomes a smooth and manageable process.