Dutch health care insurance explained by OHRA

This article is provided by our partner: OHRA

Welcome to the Netherlands! You’re about to start a new chapter filled with exciting opportunities, new experiences, and let’s be honest, quite a bit of paperwork. One important thing you’ll want to sort out quickly is your Dutch health insurance.

The good news? The Netherlands has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. The even better news? Once you understand the basics, arranging your insurance is straightforward. This article will walk you through how the system works, who needs insurance, and how to apply.

Why Health Insurance Is Mandatory in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, basic health insurance (“basisverzekering”) is compulsory for everyone who lives and works here. It ensures that everyone has access to high-quality medical care, from your local GP to hospital specialists.

The government decides what is covered in the basic package, which includes:
- GP visits
- Specialist and hospital care
- Maternity care
- Prescription medicines (partially covered)
- Urgent and emergency care

You can also add supplementary insurance for extras like dental care, physiotherapy, or alternative medicine.

Who Needs It and When to Arrange It
If you start working and living here, you must take out Dutch basic health insurance within four months of registering with your local municipality. Even if you still have insurance from your home country, you will likely need a Dutch policy especially if your salary is paid in the Netherlands and you pay Dutch income tax.

How to Get Covered – Step by Step

Step 1 – Get your BSN
When you register with your municipality, you’ll receive a BSN (citizen service number). You will need this to apply for health insurance.

Step 2 – Choose an Insurer
While all insurers offer the same government-defined basic coverage, they differ in:
- Monthly premium
- Free choice of doctors, hospitals, specialist clinic or physiotherapist
- Language support: English-speaking service is a lifesaver!
- Extra coverage options to increase your vitality

Step 3 – Apply
Have these ready: your BSN, Dutch address and bank account details
Your coverage will start from the date you apply.

Insurance deductible
The deductible excess is the amount you will need to pay by yourself before you receive coverage from your insurance company. Good to know:

• You will pay a deductible in addition to your premium.
• The eigen risico is only paid when medical costs are incurred
• The deductible excess is applied per calendar year (January 1st to December 31st)
• The deductible figure stacks up during the year and resets with every new year

Check the official info on the site of the Dutch Government here.
 

Any questions?
If you have further questions about health insurance, you can contact our partner OHRA. Health insurance is about more than your health, it is about vitality: becoming and staying more vital, physically and mentally. You can ask international healthcare questions via email: verdragen@ohra-zorg.nl or call OHRA at 046 459 51 35.