This information is for guidance only. It does not replace medical advice or your insurance contract. In an emergency call 112 or go to the nearest EHBO/spoedeisende hulp.

Healthcare pathway

Check status (study / work) → Correct policy → Register huisarts → Visits and reimbursements → Annual renewal

Which insurance do you need?

SituationTypical coverageNote
EU/EEA, study only, no NL workEHIC/TEAM + possible university top-upNecessary care during temporary stay
Non-EU, study only, no NL workInternational student policy (Aon, OOM, etc.)Must meet IND/university requirements
Any nationality with Dutch payrollMandatory basisverzekeringWithin 4 months of starting work/insurable residence
DigiD + zorgtoeslagPremium subsidy if low incomeOnly with active basic insurance

Indicative basic insurance costs (2026)

ItemIndicative amountNote
Adult base premiumapprox. €130–150/monthVaries by insurer and deductible
Eigen risico (annual deductible)approx. €385 (legal amount 2026)First amount you pay each year
ZorgtoeslagUp to hundreds €/yearIf income below threshold — apply with DigiD

Last updated: May 2026 — Rijksoverheid — Zorgverzekering

How to activate basic insurance (if mandatory)

  1. Compare plans on official portals or Independer (independent comparison).
  2. Choose insurer — All must offer the same basic package by law; differences in add-on services.
  3. Enrol online with BSN, Dutch IBAN, registered address.
  4. Apply for zorgtoeslag on Belastingdienst if eligible.
  5. Register huisarts in your area (postcode).

Student insurance (no work in the Netherlands)

  • Many universities recommend ISO/Aon or equivalent IND-compliant policies.
  • Often covers emergencies, hospitalisation, repatriation — read exclusions (dental, pregnancy, pre-existing).
  • Keep PDF certificate for university registration and permit renewal.
  • If you start working: switch to basisverzekering — do not rely only on student policy if no longer valid.

Huisarts (GP)

  • First point of contact for non-urgent illness — without huisarts many specialist visits are not reimbursed.
  • Registration by postcode: find a practice accepting your postcode on ZorgkaartNederland.
  • Documents: BSN, polisblad (insurance certificate), passport/permit.
  • Appointments: often within 1–3 days; same-day urgency in the morning.
  1. Find huisarts with availability in your neighbourhood.
  2. Complete registration form (online or in person).
  3. Wait for written confirmation — keep it.
  4. For specialist: usually need referral from huisarts.

Pharmacy, prescriptions and dentist

  • Apotheek — Prescription and OTC medicines; show insurance.
  • Dentist — Often not included in basic package; optional separate dental insurance.
  • Contraception and GGD — Low-cost youth sexual health services at municipal GGD.

Emergencies

ServiceNumber / access
General emergency112
Spoedeisende hulp (A&E)Hospital — no referral in true emergency
Huisarts out of hoursOn-call GP centre — number on huisarts website
AVICENNA (international students)Some cities — dedicated university clinic

Mental health

  • University counselling: often free or low-cost — book at start of semester.
  • Contracted psychologist: partially reimbursed after referral and deductible.
  • Crisis: 113 Zelfmoordpreventie (Dutch phone/chat) — some services also in English.
Risky Eigen

First annual payment from you up to the ceiling — set aside.

Quick reference

Mixed system: regulated compulsory private insurance, general practitioner (huisarts) as gateway. First aid (spoedeisende hulp) for emergencies.

  • Huisarts recording after BSN
  • Annual risk allowance (deductible).
  • 112 emergency
  • 0900 spoedlijn for advice

How healthcare works

Access

Good for students

Choose huisarts near home. Specialists only with referrals. Pharmacy (apotheek) for recipes.

Mandatory insurance

Zorgverzekering

National rule

Compare basic + optional dental premium. Students without work: check exemptions or international policy accepted by the university.

Mental health

Moderate

Student psychologist university. GGZ for therapy — long lists. English available in large cities.

Student support

Campus

  • International desk BSN/IND
  • Study associations
  • Bike repair workshop student
Deep dive (optional)

Go deeper

Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.

Mandatory health insurance (Zvw)

Basic policy

You must take out a Dutch basic health-insurance policy with a private insurer; compare premiums and networks. An annual deductible (eigen risico) applies to many claims—verify the amount each year.

CAK

Premium contributions and special contribution letters are handled via CAK/Belastingdienst channels when applicable.

GP (huisarts) & referrals

Register with a practice

Your GP issues prescriptions and specialist referrals under the basic package rules.

EHIC / temporary EU stay

EU visitors on short stays may use EHIC; long-term residents need Dutch insurance.

Pharmacy & out-of-hours care

Apotheek

Medicines on prescription from your GP; night services vary by city.

112 & GP out-of-hours

112 for life-threatening emergencies; otherwise contact your city’s huisartsenpost (out-of-hours GP service).

Mental health

Routine mental-health care is usually arranged via the GP into GGZ services; for acute risk call 112 or the national crisis line—see official 113 resources for current numbers.

Note

This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.

Sources · Last verified: 2026-05

  • Zorgwijzer / university health (official link being updated)
Trusted sources we used for this content

Dutch and EU sources: Eurostat, the Dutch government, the Tax Administration, IND immigration, and Study in Holland. Always confirm on the official site.