Netherlands – Complementary and Alternative Medicine

What types of complementary and alternative medicine are available in the Netherlands?

Complementary and alternative medicine has grown steadily in popularity across the Netherlands, with a significant portion of the population turning to these approaches either alongside or instead of conventional treatments. A broad spectrum of CAM disciplines is on offer, encompassing acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal medicine, chiropractic care, and naturopathy, among others. These services are delivered through dedicated private clinics, integrative practices operating alongside general practitioners, and occasionally within hospital environments.

Acupuncture is widely available throughout the Netherlands, and the primary professional body for acupuncturists is the Dutch Acupuncture Association (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Acupunctuur, or NVA). Their website at acupunctuur.nl offers general information about acupuncture, a searchable directory of registered practitioners, and guidance for those seeking treatment in their area. Acupuncture is frequently delivered as part of a broader Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach.

Unlike several other European nations — including Austria, France, Spain, and Italy, where only medically trained physicians may perform acupuncture — the Netherlands permits non-medically qualified practitioners to provide acupuncture treatment. This gives the Dutch CAM environment a notably open and accessible character compared to many of its neighbours.

The Dutch Association of Homeopathic Doctors (Nederlandse Vereniging van Artsen voor Homeopathie, or NVKH) represents medical professionals who practise homeopathy. Homeopathy has deep cultural roots in Dutch society, and anthroposophic medicine — a discipline founded by Rudolf Steiner that blends natural substances, spiritual perspectives, and elements of conventional care — maintains a meaningful institutional presence, with dedicated practices and specialised facilities providing anthroposophic treatment.

Chiropractic care, which addresses musculoskeletal conditions — particularly those affecting the spine — through manual manipulation and related techniques, is overseen professionally by the Dutch Chiropractic Federation (Nederlandse Chiropractoren Associatie, or NCA), the country’s main body for chiropractic practitioners.

Naturopathy, which takes a holistic view of health and draws on natural interventions such as nutrition counselling, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modification, is represented professionally by the Dutch Association of Naturopathic Doctors (Nederlandse Vereniging van Natuurgeneeskundig Therapeuten, or NVNT). Their website at nvnt.nl includes a practitioner directory and a location-based search tool.

Herbal medicine practitioners are also found in abundance across the Netherlands. The Dutch Association of Herbal Medicine Practitioners (Nederlandse Vereniging van Natuurgeneeskundig Werkende Therapeuten, NVNW) serves as the primary professional organisation in this field, and their website at nvnwt.nl provides relevant information, a list of registered practitioners, and a search function.

A number of disciplines — including chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy, and osteopathy — are classified as alternative care in the Netherlands, partly because no official university programme exists for them domestically. Chiropractors working in the Netherlands, for instance, typically completed their training abroad. Beyond these core disciplines, therapies such as reflexology, craniosacral therapy, Ayurveda, mindfulness-based approaches, and various energy healing practices can be found throughout the country, especially in the larger urban centres of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Den Haag.

Is complementary and alternative medicine regulated in the Netherlands?

CAM in the Netherlands does not fall under the same regulatory framework as conventional medicine. Nonetheless, a considerable number of CAM practitioners are members of professional associations that have developed their own standards and training requirements, providing a degree of quality assurance even in the absence of formal state licensing. This voluntary self-regulation model is broadly comparable to approaches found in many other countries, though it stands in contrast to the statutory regulation that applies to professions such as medicine, nursing, and physiotherapy.

The overarching legal framework that applies to all healthcare providers — including those offering CAM — is the Wet kwaliteit, klachten en geschillen zorg (WKKGZ), the Quality, Complaints, and Disputes in Healthcare Act. Since November 2021, acupuncturists have been formally recognised as being subject to this legislation, alongside existing requirements governing medical treatment agreements and data protection. Under WKKGZ, CAM practitioners must uphold defined quality standards, operate an accessible complaints procedure, and be registered with an approved disputes body — obligations that share a broadly similar spirit to accreditation schemes for CAM practitioners in countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom, though the Netherlands has no equivalent of the UK’s statutory Healthcare Professions Council (HCPC) register for complementary therapists.

Since 1 January 2022, newly established acupuncture practices have been required to notify the Inspectorate for Healthcare and Youth (IGJ, Inspectie Gezondheidszorg en Jeugd) of their operations. The IGJ is the principal government authority responsible for supervising healthcare quality and safety, with powers extending to investigations of complaints and unsafe conduct across both conventional and complementary sectors.

The Dutch government has introduced specific requirements for CAM therapies involving invasive procedures, such as acupuncture and chiropractic. These require practitioners to satisfy certain educational thresholds and to adhere to defined hygiene and safety protocols.

Both medically qualified doctors and practitioners without formal medical credentials are permitted to deliver CAM therapies, including homeopathy, in the Netherlands. However, no dedicated state regulatory scheme governs homeopathic practice specifically. The BIG Register (Beroepen in de Individuele Gezondheidszorg) is the government’s official record of regulated healthcare professionals, covering doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and equivalent conventional practitioners. Most CAM practitioners are not listed on the BIG Register unless they simultaneously hold a qualification in a regulated profession. The register can be searched at bigregister.nl.

For the most current regulatory requirements and any recent legislative changes, consult the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) and the IGJ website. Regulations in this area are subject to change, and it is advisable to review the latest guidance before selecting a practitioner or establishing a practice.

Is CAM covered by health insurance or the public healthcare system in the Netherlands?

The mandatory basic health insurance plan (basisverzekering) in the Netherlands does not cover the majority of CAM services. That said, a number of health insurers provide supplementary policies (aanvullende verzekering) — taken out at an additional premium on an entirely voluntary basis — that extend coverage to selected complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and chiropractic.

Voluntary supplementary health insurance plans can provide coverage for alternative medicine in addition to services like adult dental care, physiotherapy, spectacles, orthodontic treatment, contraceptives, and preventive health programmes. The scope of CAM coverage differs considerably across policy tiers — basic, silver, and gold levels typically provide varying degrees of reimbursement. This structure broadly mirrors the way optional “extras” cover functions within Australia’s private health insurance market, where a separate tier of cover is required for non-hospital therapies. Always confirm the specific conditions of any policy directly with the insurer, as the details are reviewed and updated each year. Supplementary plans can be compared at Zorgwijzer.

Supplementary policies may cover the costs of treatments including anthroposophic medicine, acupuncture, and homeopathy. The precise annual reimbursement ceiling and the therapies included vary by insurer and plan level. Always verify the current terms with your insurer before beginning a course of treatment.

Some insurers recognise both acupuncture and homeopathy as eligible alternative therapies. Medicines that sit outside standard medical care — including anthroposophic and homeopathic preparations — may be reimbursable where they appear in the G-standard formulary, and a prescription from a physician or recognised alternative care provider is typically required. The alternative care provider must also meet the conditions specified in the insurer’s approved provider list.

As of 2024, the mandatory annual deductible (eigen risico) stands at €385, applying to most non-GP healthcare costs within the basic package. CAM obtained through supplementary insurance is generally not subject to this deductible, though individual policy terms vary. Check with your insurer or visit the Dutch government’s official website for the most up-to-date figures, as thresholds are subject to annual revision.

How much does complementary and alternative medicine cost in the Netherlands?

The cost of CAM treatment in the Netherlands depends on the therapy in question, the practitioner’s level of experience, and the location of the practice. As a general rule, initial consultations attract a higher fee than follow-up appointments, and practices in city-centre locations in Amsterdam or Rotterdam may charge more than those in smaller towns or rural settings. The figures below are indicative for 2024–2025; always confirm current pricing directly with individual practitioners or their professional associations before booking.

• Acupuncture: A standard treatment session typically costs €60–€90; initial consultations that include detailed case-taking may range from €80–€110.
• Homeopathy: First appointments commonly fall between €80–€120, while shorter follow-up visits tend to cost €40–€70.
• Chiropractic: Initial appointments are generally €70–€100; subsequent sessions usually €50–€80.
• Naturopathy: Initial consultations typically run €80–€120, with follow-ups at €50–€80.
• Osteopathy: Most sessions are priced at €70–€100.
• Herbal medicine: Consultation fees are broadly similar to naturopathy; additional costs may arise for any herbal preparations prescribed.

Many Dutch health insurers will reimburse acupuncture treatments through supplementary cover, provided the practitioner is affiliated with a recognised professional body such as the NWP Beroepsvereniging. Professional registration therefore carries practical financial significance beyond quality assurance, as insurer reimbursement is frequently conditional on it. Always confirm eligibility with your insurer before beginning a course of treatment.

Some practitioners offer discounted package rates for multiple sessions booked in advance, and sliding-scale fees may be available at community-oriented or integrative clinics. For reliable price guidance, contact the relevant professional association — such as the NVA for acupuncture or the NCA for chiropractic — or request a written fee schedule from the practitioner before committing to treatment.

How do I find a qualified CAM practitioner in the Netherlands?

The majority of CAM practitioners in the Netherlands belong to professional bodies that have developed their own training standards, codes of conduct, and quality requirements. Using these associations as a starting point when searching for a practitioner is the most dependable approach, as members are generally required to hold recognised qualifications, undertake continuing professional development, and observe a formal complaints procedure.

1. Search official professional association registers. Key bodies include the Dutch Acupuncture Association (NVA) at acupunctuur.nl, the Dutch Chiropractic Federation (NCA), the NVNT for naturopathy at nvnt.nl, and the NVNW for herbal medicine at nvnwt.nl. Most of these associations maintain searchable online member directories.
2. Check the Artsenvereniging voor Integrale Geneeskunde (AVIG), the Medical Association for Integrated Medicine at avig.nl, which lists medical doctors who have undertaken additional training in homeopathy and integrative medicine.
3. Verify WKKGZ compliance. Every CAM practitioner operating in the Netherlands is legally obliged to comply with WKKGZ. Ask prospective practitioners which WKKGZ-recognised disputes body (geschilleninstantie) they are affiliated with — this registration is a legal requirement and provides a consumer protection mechanism broadly comparable to the complaints systems required of CAM practitioners in countries such as Canada and New Zealand.
4. Ask your GP (huisarts) for a referral. Some Dutch GPs maintain connections with trusted complementary practitioners and may be able to point you in the right direction, especially if your interest in CAM is linked to a condition they are also treating conventionally.
5. Check the BIG Register at bigregister.nl to establish whether your practitioner holds a formally government-registered conventional healthcare qualification.
6. Look for practitioners registered with the RBCZ or SBN — umbrella quality registers for complementary therapists in the Netherlands. The RBCZ (Register Beroepsbeoefenaren Complementaire Zorg) sets cross-disciplinary quality standards and its members can be found at rbcz.nu.

When selecting a practitioner, exercise caution if anyone claims to cure serious medical conditions through CAM alone, actively discourages you from seeking conventional medical advice, or is unable to furnish evidence of qualifications and professional membership. The Dutch Healthcare Inspectorate has previously noted that the country’s regulatory framework does not “sufficiently guarantee the protection of the citizen against malpractice by alternative carers” — which makes thorough personal due diligence all the more important. Any concerns about a CAM practitioner can be reported to the IGJ at igj.nl.

Are there traditional or indigenous medicine systems practised in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands does not have a deeply embedded indigenous healing tradition comparable to those found in countries such as China, India, or among indigenous communities across Australia or the Americas. Historically, Dutch folk medicine incorporated locally gathered herbs and household remedies, but these practices have largely been absorbed into modern herbal medicine and naturopathy rather than surviving as formally distinct healing systems.

The country’s colonial history and the diversity brought by successive waves of migration have, however, introduced a range of traditional medicine systems. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) — encompassing acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and practices such as Qi Gong — is firmly established throughout the Netherlands. The founding of the Anglo-Dutch College of Acupuncture by the Dutch Working Group of Naturopathic Practitioners in 1972, with TCM philosophy at its core, gave traditional Chinese medicine enduring institutional roots within Dutch CAM culture.

Ayurvedic medicine, which originates from the Indian subcontinent, is practised in several Dutch cities — particularly within communities of South Asian heritage — and Ayurvedic wellness centres and individual practitioners can be found in major urban areas, though Ayurveda carries no formal regulatory status within the Netherlands.

Anthroposophic medicine warrants particular attention as a system with exceptionally strong cultural and institutional foundations in the Netherlands. Drawing on the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, it brings together natural therapies and a holistic spiritual worldview alongside elements of conventional medicine. The Netherlands is home to a number of anthroposophic healthcare institutions, including specialist clinics and residential care facilities. Many supplementary insurance policies include anthroposophic medicine among their covered CAM therapies alongside acupuncture and homeopathy. The relevant professional body is the NVAZ (Nederlandse Vereniging van Antroposofische Zorgaanbieders).

None of these traditional or culturally embedded systems benefit from formal state recognition or statutory regulation equivalent to that applied to conventional medicine in the Netherlands. They coexist alongside mainstream healthcare in an environment that is broadly permissive but largely unregulated beyond the WKKGZ requirements and voluntary professional standards.

What should expats know about using CAM alongside conventional medicine in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands has a longstanding tradition of treating CAM and conventional medicine as compatible rather than competing, and CAM services are available within many hospitals and healthcare facilities alongside standard medical treatment. This integrative orientation is more culturally ingrained in the Netherlands than in a number of other European countries, making it relatively straightforward to access both forms of care without feeling compelled to choose one over the other.

It is nonetheless important to recognise that many Dutch GPs do not proactively raise the subject of CAM with their patients and tend to avoid prescribing or making referrals in this area. The Dutch Minister of Health has signalled that stricter consequences will follow for practitioners who cause harm — whether by applying unsafe therapies or by delaying access to necessary conventional treatment. In practice, this means that patients who wish to discuss CAM must usually initiate that conversation themselves with their GP.

A national academic consortium dedicated to integrative medicine was established in the Netherlands in 2018, signalling growing institutional interest in evidence-based integration of CAM within the broader healthcare system. Integrative psychiatry is one field where formalisation has advanced — the Centre for Integrative Psychiatry (CIP) of Lentis in the Netherlands provides carefully selected CAM therapies under strictly defined conditions, delivered in parallel with conventional psychiatric care.

Safety is a central consideration when combining CAM with conventional treatment. Interactions between herbal products and pharmaceutical drugs are a genuine clinical concern — St John’s Wort, for example, which is widely used in herbal medicine for low mood, can substantially reduce the efficacy of anticoagulants, hormonal contraceptives, and certain HIV medications. It is essential to disclose all treatments, supplements, and herbal preparations to both your GP and your CAM practitioner. The Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas and the medicines regulatory authority CBG-MEB (College ter Beoordeling van Geneesmiddelen) publish guidance on the safety of medicinal products, including herbal preparations.

People in the Netherlands are generally encouraged to take an active and informed role in managing their own health, including exploring CAM options. The Dutch Knowledge Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (Kenniscentrum Complementaire Zorg, or KCZ) provides accessible information on CAM practices and their relationship with conventional healthcare — a resource that may be particularly useful for newly arrived expats seeking to understand how complementary approaches are viewed within Dutch healthcare culture.

If you are considering CAM as part of managing a serious or chronic condition, it is strongly recommended that you speak openly about this with your huisarts (GP). While individual GPs vary in their familiarity with specific therapies, most will be able to advise on whether a particular approach is likely to conflict with any ongoing conventional treatment, and some may be able to direct you to integrative clinics where both forms of care are coordinated. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport is the authoritative government reference point for policy on CAM and health safety in the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions

Can I find CAM practitioners in the Netherlands who consult in languages other than Dutch?

Yes, especially in major cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Den Haag, it is common to encounter CAM practitioners who offer consultations in English and sometimes in other languages. Given the large international population living in the Netherlands, many practitioners are well accustomed to working with expat clients. When browsing practitioner directories on professional association websites, you can often reach out directly to a practitioner beforehand to confirm which languages they work in before making an appointment.

Is acupuncture legal in the Netherlands?

Yes, acupuncture is fully legal in the Netherlands and is practised by both medically trained physicians and practitioners without a conventional medical background. Acupuncturists are required to comply with applicable legislation, including the WKKGZ (the Act for quality, complaints, and conflicts in healthcare), as well as regulations governing medical treatment agreements and data protection. There is no legal impediment to either providing or receiving acupuncture treatment in the Netherlands.

How do I check a CAM practitioner’s credentials in the Netherlands?

Begin by consulting the member register of the appropriate professional association — for example, the NVA for acupuncture, the NCA for chiropractic, or the RBCZ umbrella register at rbcz.nu. You may also search the BIG Register at bigregister.nl to determine whether the practitioner holds any government-regulated healthcare qualification. In addition, since all CAM practitioners must comply with WKKGZ, you are entitled to ask them directly which recognised disputes body (geschilleninstantie) they are affiliated with as confirmation of their legal compliance.

Will my supplementary health insurance cover CAM treatment in the Netherlands?

Standard basic health insurance policies do not cover alternative medicine or complementary care. If you wish to consult a chiropractor or another CAM specialist, you will need to add alternative care coverage through a supplementary insurance plan. The scope of coverage, annual reimbursement limits, and the range of recognised therapies differ substantially across insurers and policy tiers, so it is worth comparing policies carefully at sites such as Zorgwijzer and confirming the details with your insurer before you begin treatment.

Is homeopathy widely accepted in the Netherlands?

Homeopathy has a long-established presence in the Netherlands and continues to attract a relatively strong following compared to several neighbouring countries. Both medically qualified doctors and practitioners without a conventional medical background are permitted to offer homeopathic treatment, although no dedicated state regulatory framework specifically governs homeopathic practice. Some supplementary insurance plans offer partial reimbursement for homeopathic consultations, and homeopathic medicines may qualify for reimbursement if they appear in the G-standard formulary.

Are CAM products and herbal medicines regulated in the Netherlands?

Homeopathic medicinal products fall under the Dutch Medicines Act (Geneesmiddelenwet of 2007), which implements the relevant EU Directive covering medicinal products including homeopathic preparations. Herbal and other CAM products marketed as medicines must receive authorisation from the CBG-MEB, the Dutch medicines regulatory authority. However, a substantial proportion of herbal products are sold as food supplements rather than medicines, and this category is not subject to pre-market authorisation requirements. As a result, quality and safety standards for supplements can vary considerably — always buy from reputable sources and ensure that both your GP and your CAM practitioner are aware of everything you are taking.

Are there integrative clinics in the Netherlands where CAM and conventional medicine are offered together?

The Dutch healthcare system has a long tradition of bringing CAM and conventional medicine together, and a number of hospitals and healthcare centres deliver complementary therapies alongside standard medical treatment. Anthroposophic healthcare institutions represent one of the most developed examples of this integrative approach. The Centre for Integrative Psychiatry (CIP) of Lentis in Groningen is a notable example where carefully selected CAM therapies are provided under strict conditions in conjunction with conventional psychiatric care. Searching online for “integratieve geneeskunde” (integrative medicine) will help you identify comparable facilities in your area.

What should I do if I have a complaint about a CAM practitioner in the Netherlands?

Under the WKKGZ, every CAM practitioner working in the Netherlands is legally obliged to maintain a complaints procedure and to be registered with a recognised disputes body (geschilleninstantie). The recommended first step is to raise your concerns directly with the practitioner or their clinic. Should this fail to produce a satisfactory outcome, you may escalate the matter to the practitioner’s professional association or their registered disputes body. For serious concerns relating to patient safety, complaints can be submitted directly to the Dutch Healthcare and Youth Inspectorate (IGJ) at igj.nl.