Full guide
Process, exceptions, and official sources
Every step in order, with exceptions, special cases and official sources.
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?
| Situation | Typical coverage | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA, study only, no NL work | EHIC/TEAM + possible university top-up | Necessary care during temporary stay |
| Non-EU, study only, no NL work | International student policy (Aon, OOM, etc.) | Must meet IND/university requirements |
| Any nationality with Dutch payroll | Mandatory basisverzekering | Within 4 months of starting work/insurable residence |
| DigiD + zorgtoeslag | Premium subsidy if low income | Only with active basic insurance |
Indicative basic insurance costs (2026)
| Item | Indicative amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Adult base premium | approx. €130–150/month | Varies by insurer and deductible |
| Eigen risico (annual deductible) | approx. €385 (legal amount 2026) | First amount you pay each year |
| Zorgtoeslag | Up to hundreds €/year | If income below threshold — apply with DigiD |
Last updated: May 2026 — Rijksoverheid — Zorgverzekering
How to activate basic insurance (if mandatory)
- Compare plans on official portals or Independer (independent comparison).
- Choose insurer — All must offer the same basic package by law; differences in add-on services.
- Enrol online with BSN, Dutch IBAN, registered address.
- Apply for zorgtoeslag on Belastingdienst if eligible.
- 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- If you start working: switch to basisverzekering — do not rely only on student policy if no longer valid.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.
- Find huisarts with availability in your neighbourhood.
- Complete registration form (online or in person).
- Wait for written confirmation — keep it.
- 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
| Service | Number / access |
|---|---|
| General emergency | 112 |
| Spoedeisende hulp (A&E) | Hospital — no referral in true emergency |
| Huisarts out of hours | On-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.
Sources
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.
How healthcare works
Access
Choose huisarts near home. Specialists only with referrals. Pharmacy (apotheek) for recipes.
Mandatory insurance
Zorgverzekering
Compare basic + optional dental premium. Students without work: check exemptions or international policy accepted by the university.
Mental health
Student psychologist university. GGZ for therapy — long lists. English available in large cities.
Student support
Campus
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.
This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.
Official sources and verification
5 HTTPS sources are already linked where they are used in the guide.