Healthcare

Medical care in the Netherlands is of a high standard but non-interventionist in nature.

• It is mandatory for everyone living in The Netherlands to purchase a basic level of insurance (basisverzekering) and your own health insurance providor (zorgverzekeraar).
• Health insurance (zorgverzekeringen) must come from a Dutch insurer within four months of arrival, or once you have registered with the IND (family members of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals) or obtained your residence permit (non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals).
• Certain students, employees and work arrangements can be exempt from this requirement, but you should check carefully whether your situation qualifies.
• Children under 18 are included in their parents’ insurance at no additional cost, unless the child begins working.
• A Dutch insurance company cannot refuse to cover you for the basic package, regardless of your age or state of health.
• The standard basic coverage is set by the government, although providers can vary in cost and how they deliver these requirements. If your income is under a fixed minimum level, you can apply for a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) from the tax authorities (belastingdienst).
• You can get free advice from the independent organisation Zorgverzekeringslijn.nl. Visit www.toeslagen.nl (in Dutch) for details and application forms. Find a list of insurers (zorgverzekeraars) at www.zn.nl, or compare insurance policy costs at www.kiesbeter.nl, www.independer.nl, or www.zorgwijzer.nl. 

Read more about Healthcare in the Netherlands at the Expatica website and in the Expat Survival Guide.

Check out the exhibitors at the Expat Fair about Healthcare.