Health Insurance for Expats in Netherlands

Overview

The Netherlands has one of Europe's best healthcare systems—and one of its most regulated insurance markets. If you're living and working in the Netherlands, health insurance isn't optional. It's legally required.

The Dutch system is built on mandatory private insurance (zorgverzekering), with a standard basic package that all insurers must offer. Understanding when you need Dutch insurance versus when international coverage works is key to getting this right.

Healthcare System

Dutch healthcare is high-quality and well-organized. The system is built around general practitioners (huisartsen) who act as gatekeepers to specialist care.

How Dutch Healthcare Works

• GP Registration: You must register with a local GP (huisarts) who manages your primary care
• Referral System: GPs refer you to specialists—you can't usually go directly
• Hospital Care: High-quality facilities throughout the country
• Pharmacies: Prescription drugs available at apotheek locations

Quality and Access

The Netherlands consistently ranks among Europe's top healthcare systems. Wait times are generally reasonable, and English is widely spoken in medical settings—particularly in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht.

Mandatory Insurance (Zorgverzekering)

Dutch health insurance is legally required for all residents. The system has two components:

Basic Insurance (Basisverzekering)

Every Dutch insurer must offer the same basic package, defined by law. This covers:

• GP consultations
• Hospital care and surgery
• Specialist care (with referral)
• Prescription medications (most)
• Mental healthcare
• Maternity care
• Emergency care

Supplementary Insurance (Aanvullende Verzekering)

Basic insurance doesn't cover everything. Optional supplementary insurance adds:

• Dental care: Basic insurance covers children only
• Physiotherapy: Limited sessions in basic package
• Alternative medicine: Not in basic package
• Glasses/contacts: Not covered for adults
• Extended mental health: More sessions covered

Dutch Insurance Providers

Who Needs What

Your insurance requirements depend on your situation in the Netherlands:

Working in Netherlands (Employed or Self-Employed)

You must have Dutch health insurance. This applies if you're:

• Employed by a Dutch company
• Self-employed (ZZP) in the Netherlands
• Working for a Dutch branch of a foreign company

You have 4 months from starting work to get insured. If you're employed, your employer deducts an income-dependent contribution (inkomensafhankelijke bijdrage) from your salary.

Posted Workers (Temporarily Assigned)

If you're temporarily posted to the Netherlands by a foreign employer (typically under 2 years), you may remain covered by your home country's social security system. An A1/E101 certificate proves this. In this case, international health insurance often makes more sense.

EU Citizens

EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary stays. However, if you become a Dutch resident and work there, you need Dutch insurance like everyone else.

Students

International students who don't work may be exempt from Dutch insurance requirements and can use international student health insurance instead.

Recommended Plans

The right insurance depends on your situation:

For Long-Term Residents Working in NL

Dutch basic insurance is mandatory and usually the most practical choice. Major insurers like Zilveren Kruis, CZ, VGZ, and Menzis offer comparable basic packages. Add supplementary coverage for dental and extra benefits.

For Temporary Assignments / Posted Workers

If you're exempt from Dutch insurance (posted worker with A1 certificate), international health insurance from Cigna Global, Allianz Care, or BUPA Global provides comprehensive coverage that travels with you.

For Executives and Families Wanting Premium Care

Some expats maintain international insurance alongside Dutch basic insurance for access to private facilities, shorter wait times, and coverage during frequent international travel.

Expected Costs

Dutch healthcare costs are moderate by Western European standards, but insurance is a significant expense.

Insurance Costs

• Basic insurance: €120-150/month (varies by insurer and deductible choice)
• Supplementary insurance: €10-50/month depending on coverage
• Higher deductible option: You can choose up to €885 deductible to reduce premiums
• Employer contribution: Employers pay income-dependent contribution (not visible on payslip for employees)

Out-of-Pocket Costs

• GP visit: Covered (no deductible applies)
• Specialist visit: Covered after deductible
• Hospital stay: Covered after deductible
• Dental (adults): Not covered in basic—pay full cost or get supplementary
• Physiotherapy: Limited coverage—often need supplementary

Zorgtoeslag (Healthcare Allowance)

Lower-income residents may qualify for zorgtoeslag—a government subsidy to help pay insurance premiums. This can significantly reduce costs for those eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dutch health insurance really mandatory?

Yes, for residents. If you live and work in the Netherlands, you must have Dutch basic health insurance. There are fines for non-compliance, and the CAK (Central Administration Office) may enroll you automatically and bill you.

Can I keep my international insurance instead?

Only if you're exempt from Dutch social security—typically posted workers with an A1 certificate. If you're working for a Dutch employer or are self-employed in NL, you need Dutch insurance.

Do I need supplementary insurance?

It depends on your needs. If you need dental care, extensive physiotherapy, or alternative medicine, supplementary insurance is valuable. Many expats add at least a basic dental package.

Can I see any doctor I want?

You must register with a GP, and specialists require referral from your GP. For basic insurance, you can choose any GP accepting new patients. Some supplementary packages offer more freedom of choice.

Is the €385 deductible per visit or per year?

Per year. Once you've paid €385 toward covered care, you don't pay more deductible that calendar year. Note that GP visits and maternity care don't count toward the deductible.

What if I travel frequently?

Dutch basic insurance provides limited EU coverage via the EHIC principle. For frequent non-EU travel, supplementary insurance or separate travel insurance is recommended.