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The Dutch Healthcare System


Medical care in the Netherlands maintains very high standards. Since January 2006, the Dutch government has no longer been in charge of the healthcare system, though it remains responsible for the quality and accessibility of the system and its services.  The new Health Insurance Act (Zorgverzekeringswet), requires all residents of the Netherlands to take out their own health insurance with a Dutch insurance company. If you live in The Netherlands, or pay income tax in the Netherlands, then you are obliged to purchase a basic health insurance plan. You are free to choose your own plan and insurer.

If you are on a temporary stay of less than one year, then you are not required to buy Dutch health insurance.  However, anyone on a temporary stay is required to have international insurance or insurance from his or her country of residence. Once you become an official resident then you will need to apply for Dutch health insurance within four months. Occasionally, people who stay between one and three years may also be classified as a  temporary stay, but normally anyone who lives in the Netherlands for over one year is considered to be on a long-term stay and is required to have Dutch insurance.

If you are working for a company in the Netherlands, consider purchasing a collective health insurance policy as it may include a group discount. Some larger companies have an agreement with their insurers that could account for a 4 to 8% discount. Check with your employer to see if a group plan is available. Lower income earners may be eligible for a healthcare allowance. You may request a form for the healthcare allowance (zortoeslag) from the tax office.

The Basic Plan   

You are required to buy a basic insurance package and the insurance companies cannot reject anyone who applies. The following items are usually covered under the basic plan:

 

  • Medical care
  • Hospital stay
  • Prescribed medicines
  • Some medical appliances
  • Prenatal Care
  • Ambulance


Note: Dental Care
Children under 18 are included in their parents insurance, and are covered for both dental and medical care. Some basic plans may cover an annual dental check-up for adults.  Usually you will be required to pay all of your own dental fees or purchase additional dental coverage.

Additional Information
 
When looking to buy basic insurance coverage, it is important to note that you cannot be refused coverage due to your medical history, but be warned that the insurance companies can refuse to sell you supplemental insurance coverage. The basic package that the insurance companies offer does not vary much in coverage or price, and you are able  to switch your plan once a year to a new provider. You also may decide to add additional supplementary insurance (if you meet the criteria) to cover treatments not covered by the basic plan, such as elective treatments, as well as dentistry, physiotherapy, and private hospital care. 

There are many different supplemental insurance packages, depending upon the number of extra treatments one might select. These can vary widely in price and coverage. Again, you should check with colleagues or employers to see which policies they might suggest. It is also important to remember that insurance companies are only required to reimburse you for what they consider to be “reasonable costs”. You should always check in advance to see what services will be covered under your basic or supplemental insurance before going ahead with any treatment.

Hospitals

If you need to go to the hospital, your doctor will arrange for your admission to the hospital. If you are going to the hospital for non-emergency treatment, check your policy and options with your insurer in advance. Your health insurers will need a referral letter from your doctor.  There are eight hospitals in Amsterdam, so there will be one fairly nearby your neighbourhood. You can get a complete list of hospitals and medical centres in the Netherlands  at: www.kiesbeter.nl. (use the translator).

Note: In case of an emergency call the service line 112.
 

Pharmacies

In the Netherlands, prescription drugs are dispensed only at pharmacies (apotheeks). Drugstores (drogists) sell non-prescription and over the counter medicines. Most pharmacies are open weekdays, while there is usually one pharmacy in each neighbourhood open on nights and weekends.


Doctors and Dentists

You will be provided with a list of doctors based on your postal code: www.huisartsen.nl. You will have to register with one of them. If the doctors in your area are full, then you may have to venture further away. Doctors work out of their offices, but can also come to your home if warranted.  The doctors in the Netherlands are very accessible. You can even phone them with health questions during their consultation hours. They answer their own phone calls and usually speak English. Doctors can arrange hospital admissions if necessary. Again, you should always check with your insurer before admission.
Your insurance company will also provide you with a list of dentists to choose from, or you can choose a dentist at: www.tandarts.nl. Again you will need supplemental insurance for all dental visits. Colleagues and friends may be able to help you with choosing a good doctor or dentist in your postal code.


Useful Contacts and Resources

English Websites:

  • www.minvsw.nl - The Dutch Ministry of Health’s officially website
  • www.iamsterdam.com - The city of Amsterdam’s official information site. See health section
  • www.expatica.com/nl - Expat website offering news, features, and essential resources to help you live abroad. See Netherlands/Health Insurance
  • www.justlanded.com - Information, products and services to make survival easier for expats. See Netherlands/Health Care
  • www.access-nl.org - Can provide a list of doctors and dentists available in your area 


Dutch Websites: