Getting Health Insurance in the Netherlands: Your Complete Guide

The Netherlands offers accessible lending options for expatriates despite conservative banking culture, though lenders require documentation proving financial stability and long-term commitment. Understanding Dutch attitudes toward borrowing and the specific loan products available helps expats handle the lending landscape effectively.

Understanding Dutch Health Insurance

After six years living in the Netherlands, I've learned that health insurance is a critical component of life here, it's mandatory for all residents, and understanding the system helps you access quality care while managing costs effectively. The Dutch healthcare system is hybrid: the government regulates requirements, but private companies provide coverage. All insurers must be authorized by the Dutch Bank to ensure legitimacy.

Basic vs. Supplementary Insurance

Everyone must have at least basic health insurance (basisverzekering) covering essential care: GP visits, vaccinations, medications, hospital care, and cancer screenings. However, basic insurance doesn't cover dentistry (except children), vision care, physiotherapy, or contraception.

This is why 81.6% of Dutch residents take supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering). For roughly 20-80 euros monthly, you add coverage for dental, eye care, mental health support, alternative medicine, and faster specialist access.

Who Needs Dutch Health Insurance

If you stay in the Netherlands more than 183 days yearly, you need basic Dutch health insurance. However, exceptions exist: students may keep foreign coverage, posted workers sometimes don't need Dutch insurance, and some expats with minimal local ties can use international insurance temporarily.

Most residents must apply within four months of arrival. For more expat resources on living in the Netherlands, visit our comprehensive guide library.

Costs of Health Insurance

In 2025, average basic insurance costs 158.72 euros monthly (1,904.64 yearly). Premiums vary by insurer from 145.95-177.50 euros monthly. Supplementary insurance adds 20-80 euros monthly depending on coverage level.

Also, you pay an annual deductible (eigen risico) of 385 euros, the amount you pay before insurance covers costs. However, GP visits, maternity care, children's healthcare, and nursing care are completely free, even before reaching your deductible.

Healthcare Allowances for Low Income

If you earn under 39,719 euros yearly (or 50,206 euros as a couple), you qualify for healthcare benefits (zorgtoeslag). These provide 4-131 euros monthly depending on income, directly reducing your insurance costs.

Registering for Health Insurance

You need a Citizen Service Number (BSN) to register. Once you have one, you're free to choose any insurance company, they cannot refuse you even with pre-existing conditions.

Contact the insurer directly to sign up. You'll need a valid ID, your BSN, proof of address, and bank account details. Insurance companies often handle the paperwork, though be cautious of pushy salespeople steering you toward expensive plans.

Types of Policies

The Netherlands offers three policy types. Budget policies (budgetpolis) are cheapest but restrict which doctors you can see. Natura policies (naturapolis) provide 100% coverage at contracted providers, 60-80% at non-contracted ones. Combination policies (combinatiepolis) vary by insurer.

Choosing an Insurer

Compare insurers using websites like Independer or UnitedConsumers. Consider factors beyond price: which providers they contract with, payment processes (direct billing vs. reimbursement), overseas coverage, customer reviews, and company ethics.

You can change insurers once yearly in December. Your current insurer sends next year's policy in November, if it no longer suits you, cancel by December 31 and switch by February 1.

Dutch Insurance Companies

Popular Dutch insurers covering expats include FBTO Zorg, ONVZ, and Zilveren Kruis. International options like Allianz Care, Cigna Global, and APRIL International offer global coverage and English-language support. For business services to expats, explore listing your business on our platform.

Health Insurance Cards

You'll receive a health insurance card (zorgpas) listing your coverage details, though most insurers now offer digital cards via apps. You technically don't need it for Dutch healthcare, it's linked to your BSN, but you can apply for an EHIC if traveling to EU countries.

Getting Reimbursed

When you visit contracted providers, they bill your insurance directly. For non-contracted providers, you pay the bill first, then submit it to your insurer (scan or photo upload) for reimbursement within two weeks.

Understanding Dutch health insurance enables you to access care confidently while managing costs. Compare plans carefully before signing up, and don't hesitate to switch insurers if your needs change. With proper coverage, you'll enjoy the benefits of one of Europe's best healthcare systems.