Health Insurance in the Netherlands: A Complete Guide
The Netherlands boasts one of the most efficient, accessible, and high-quality healthcare systems in the world. Its universal health insurance model ensures that everyone, regardless of income or status, has access to medical care. For residents, expatriates, and even temporary visitors, understanding how health insurance in the Netherlands works is crucial for both compliance and peace of mind.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the structure of the Dutch health insurance system, the types of insurance available, costs, benefits, and how to choose the right insurer for your needs.
1. Overview of the Dutch Healthcare System
The Dutch healthcare system is a combination of public and private services. It is regulated by the government but executed by private insurers and healthcare providers. Every resident is legally required to take out basic health insurance (basisverzekering) from a private health insurer. This insurance must be obtained within four months of registering in the Netherlands.
The system is funded through a combination of:
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Monthly insurance premiums
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Income-related contributions
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Government subsidies for low-income individuals
Healthcare in the Netherlands is built on the principle of solidarity, meaning that everyone pays into the system and receives care based on need rather than ability to pay.
2. Mandatory Basic Health Insurance (Basisverzekering)
The basisverzekering is the mandatory core health insurance that everyone in the Netherlands must have. It is provided by private health insurers but regulated by the government to ensure fairness and uniformity.
2.1 What Does Basic Health Insurance Cover?
The basic package is defined by the government and includes coverage for:
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Visits to a general practitioner (GP)
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Specialist care
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Hospital stays and treatments
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Prescription medications (most)
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Maternity and obstetric care
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Mental health services (to a certain extent)
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Emergency care
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Rehabilitative care
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Physiotherapy (limited sessions)
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Ambulance services
Although the coverage is standardized, insurers can differ in terms of customer service, premium costs, hospital contracts, and extras.
3. Monthly Premiums and Costs
As of 2025, the average monthly premium for basic health insurance in the Netherlands is around €135–€145 per adult. Children under 18 are covered for free, but they must be registered with a provider.
In addition to the premium, every adult pays an annual deductible (eigen risico).
3.1 Annual Deductible (Eigen Risico)
The standard deductible for 2025 is €385 per year. This means you pay the first €385 of eligible medical expenses yourself. After that, your insurer covers the costs.
Certain services are not subject to the deductible, such as:
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GP visits
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Maternity care
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Childcare services
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Preventive services like vaccinations
You can choose to increase your deductible (up to €885) to lower your monthly premium, but this also means taking on more financial risk if you need care.
4. Health Insurance Providers
There are over 30 health insurers in the Netherlands, offering various policies. Some of the most well-known providers include:
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Zilveren Kruis
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VGZ
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CZ
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Menzis
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DSW
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OHRA
4.1 Types of Policies
There are three main types of policies under the basic insurance:
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Restitutiepolis (Restitution Policy): You can visit any healthcare provider, and your insurer reimburses the costs (fully or partly).
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Naturapolis (In-Kind Policy): You must use healthcare providers contracted by your insurer. This type typically has lower premiums.
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Combinatiepolis (Combination Policy): A mix of the two above, offering more flexibility.
Comparing policies on websites like Zorgwijzer.nl or Independer.nl is recommended before selecting a provider.
5. Supplemental Insurance (Aanvullende Verzekering)
While the basic package covers essential services, many residents choose to add supplemental insurance for:
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Dental care (especially for adults)
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Additional physiotherapy sessions
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Glasses and contact lenses
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Alternative treatments (e.g., acupuncture)
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Extra maternity care
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Orthodontics
Supplementary insurance is optional and offered by most insurers. Unlike basic insurance, providers can reject applicants for supplemental coverage based on health conditions or age.
6. Health Insurance for Children
Children under 18 are automatically covered under the basic health insurance free of charge. However, parents must still register each child with a health insurer.
Dental care, which is not covered for adults under the basic package, is included for children, along with vaccinations and other preventive services.
7. Health Insurance for Expats
Expats living or working in the Netherlands are usually required to obtain Dutch health insurance. This applies if you:
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Are registered with the Dutch municipality
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Work for a Dutch employer
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Hold a long-term visa or residence permit
7.1 EU/EEA Citizens
EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may use it for short-term stays or emergencies, but must switch to Dutch insurance if working or residing long-term.
7.2 Non-EU Nationals
Expats from outside the EU must take out Dutch health insurance as soon as they receive their residence permit and register with their local municipality.
Students from outside the EU may not need Dutch health insurance unless they are working alongside their studies.
8. Government Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)
Low-income individuals and families can apply for a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) to help cover the cost of premiums. This is administered by the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Office).
As of 2025, eligible individuals can receive up to €130–€150 per month, depending on their income and household situation.
Eligibility is based on:
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Income and assets
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Residency status
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Possession of Dutch health insurance
9. Registration Process
Steps to Obtain Health Insurance in the Netherlands:
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Register with the municipality (gemeente) to get your BSN (citizen service number).
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Compare insurers and policies online.
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Choose a policy and apply either online or by phone.
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Receive your policy number and insurance card.
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Register any dependents (children) under the policy.
If you fail to obtain health insurance within four months of registration, you may face fines and be automatically enrolled in a policy by the government, which can be more expensive.
10. Canceling or Changing Your Insurance
Health insurance policies in the Netherlands run yearly from January 1st to December 31st. You can switch insurers only once per year, during the open enrollment period from mid-November to December 31st.
If you move out of the country or lose eligibility (e.g., job loss, return to your home country), you must cancel your insurance and notify the provider.
11. Pros and Cons of the Dutch Health Insurance System
Pros:
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Universal coverage for residents
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High-quality healthcare services
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Choice of insurers and providers
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Subsidies available for low-income individuals
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Free coverage for children
Cons:
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High monthly premiums
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Annual deductible can be a burden for some
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Supplemental insurance can be costly
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Complex comparisons between insurers
Conclusion
Health insurance in the Netherlands is both mandatory and essential. While it may seem complex at first, especially for expats and newcomers, the system is designed to provide comprehensive care and financial protection for everyone. By understanding how it works, what is covered, and how to choose a suitable policy, residents can confidently navigate the Dutch healthcare landscape.
Whether you're planning to move, have just arrived, or are reviewing your current coverage, staying informed about your rights and responsibilities under the Dutch health insurance system is key to ensuring a healthy and stress-free experience in one of Europe’s most well-organized countries.