Netherlands – Doctors

How does the healthcare system in Netherlands work, and does it cover expats?

The Dutch healthcare system is structured as a regulated social insurance model. Rather than relying on a fully public framework — such as the NHS in the UK, where government both finances and directly delivers services — the Netherlands channels care delivery through competing private insurers, all of which are required to offer a uniform, government-defined package to every applicant. A key distinction from many other European nations is that while the Dutch government is responsible for ensuring that care remains accessible and of high quality, it does not manage the system directly.

Universal health coverage in the Netherlands is delivered through three distinct mechanisms: private health insurers administer curative care — encompassing specialist treatment, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, mental health services, and community nursing; a single-payer social insurance scheme covers long-term care needs; and a tax-financed social care arrangement is administered by the country’s approximately 400 municipalities.

Holding health insurance in the Netherlands is a legal requirement. Two statutory forms of coverage underpin the system: the Zorgverzekeringswet (Zvw), generally referred to as “basic insurance,” covers everyday medical needs; while the Wet langdurige zorg (Wlz) addresses long-term nursing and residential care. Funding for the Wlz comes through payroll contributions, whereas the Zvw requires every eligible resident to purchase an individual policy from an approved insurer.

The government determines the content of the standard coverage package, which all insurers must provide without exception. Insurers are required to accept any applicant for the standard package and must charge every policyholder the same premium irrespective of their age or health status. This stands in marked contrast to purely commercial insurance markets in other countries, where applicants can be refused or charged higher premiums due to health conditions.

Anyone who moves to the Netherlands to live or work must arrange Dutch health insurance as soon as possible — and certainly within four months of arrival. This obligation applies even if you already hold a medical insurance policy from another country. EU and EEA nationals employed in the Netherlands must register within four months of completing their city hall registration, while nationals from countries outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland must take out Dutch coverage within four months of receiving their residence permit.

Expats can also use the assessment tool provided by the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) to determine whether they fall under the Dutch Wlz scheme and are therefore required to take out Dutch health insurance. The SVB website is available in English. For authoritative guidance on eligibility, visit government.nl/topics/health-insurance or the SVB website.

Children below the age of 18 are covered at no charge. To assist those on lower incomes, the Dutch government provides the healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag), a regular subsidy towards monthly insurance premiums. For 2025, the gross income ceiling for individuals is €39,719 per year; for those with a fiscal partner, the combined household income must remain below €47,368 per year.

How do you find and register with a doctor in Netherlands?

The starting point for healthcare in the Netherlands is a general practitioner, referred to locally as a huisarts. The GP occupies a central position in the Dutch system — whether your concerns relate to physical or mental health, your huisarts is the person to approach first, and virtually all pathways to specialist treatment run through them.

Unlike in some countries, you cannot simply walk into any clinic when you feel unwell. In the Netherlands, you must first formally enrol with a specific GP practice. These primary care providers can direct patients towards specialist services in hospitals or other settings, and without such a referral, most health insurance plans will not cover access to secondary care.

One important consideration when choosing a practice is geography. GPs in the Netherlands generally only accept patients who live within their designated service area, since they are expected to be able to reach a patient’s home within 15 minutes in an emergency. It is therefore essential to confirm your home address before selecting a practice.

Here is how to find and register with a GP in the Netherlands:

1. Get your BSN: Upon arriving in the Netherlands, your first administrative task is to register with your gemeente (local municipal authority or city hall). This will result in the issue of your Citizen Service Number (BSN) — the personal identifier used for healthcare, taxation, banking, and a wide range of other purposes. You cannot apply for basic health insurance without a BSN.
2. Take out health insurance: Enrolling with a Dutch GP requires you to hold a valid Dutch health insurance policy, which is also a legal obligation. Once your BSN is in hand, choose a basic insurance policy (basisverzekering) from any approved insurer and complete your application.
3. Search for a local practice: You will not be automatically assigned a GP on arrival. It is wise to start researching local practices early. The ZorgkaartNederland portal allows you to search for GPs by entering your address or postcode. The primary national directory is found at zorgkaartnederland.nl.
4. Check whether the practice is accepting patients: Not every practice will have capacity for new registrations, particularly in major cities. On practice websites, look for the phrase “Open voor nieuwe patiënten” (Open for new patients) or “Gesloten voor nieuwe patiënten” (Closed for new patients). Some practices include a postcode checker on their site.
5. Contact the practice and make an intake appointment: You can reach a GP practice by phone or in person. A doctor’s assistant will help you arrange an intake appointment. When attending, bring your BSN, proof of address, residence permit, and your health insurance details.
6. Register with a pharmacy: Alongside registering with your GP, it is advisable to enrol with a local pharmacy (apotheek). Once registered, your GP can send prescriptions electronically to your chosen pharmacy, making it straightforward to collect any medication you are prescribed.

If you are struggling to find a practice with available capacity, your health insurance company has a legal duty to assist you in locating a GP. The expat centre at your local municipality may also hold updated lists of practices currently accepting new patients.

How do you pay for a doctor’s appointment in Netherlands?

Consultations with your huisarts are covered by basic health insurance and are specifically excluded from the annual deductible. This means that seeing your GP does not cost you anything out of pocket at the time of the visit — a meaningful advantage compared with systems that require patients to make a co-payment for every primary care appointment.

Beyond the monthly premium (premie), the other key cost to be aware of is the eigen risico — the annual out-of-pocket amount you must contribute before your insurer meets the full cost of certain treatments and medications. In 2025, the mandatory eigen risico is set at a maximum of €385, and this amount resets at the beginning of every calendar year.

The government reviews the deductible level each year. It is also possible to voluntarily raise your deductible to a maximum of €885 in exchange for a reduced monthly premium. Opting for a higher deductible can be financially advantageous for those who are generally healthy, but it does mean bearing greater costs if non-GP treatment becomes necessary.

An important characteristic of the Dutch system is that premiums cannot be adjusted based on health status or age. For 2025, the legally required monthly premium for basic insurance coverage is €158.72. Premiums differ slightly from one insurer to another; comparison platforms such as Zorgwijzer.nl or Independer.nl can help you compare current rates.

Some insurance plans restrict full coverage to healthcare providers that hold a contract with the insurer. If you wish to visit a specialist who falls outside your insurer’s contracted network, you may be required to pay a larger share of the fee than would apply to an in-network provider.

Expats pay on exactly the same basis as other residents — there is no separate pricing structure for foreign nationals once they are enrolled in the Dutch system. Always refer to government.nl or your insurer’s policy documents for up-to-date figures, since the deductible and premium amounts are subject to annual revision.

Do you need private health insurance to see a doctor in Netherlands?

Every person living in the Netherlands is legally required to hold standard health insurance covering GP consultations, hospital treatment, dental care, and prescription medicines. For most expats residing and working in the country, this compulsory Dutch basic insurance (basisverzekering) effectively fulfils the role that separate private health insurance might play elsewhere.

That said, there are circumstances in which private or international health insurance is either necessary or strongly advisable. Even if you intend to enrol in Dutch basic insurance, you will not be eligible to do so until you hold a valid residence permit — or documentary evidence that your application is in progress. During this transitional period, Dutch insurers will be unable to accept your application, making expat health insurance a practical necessity until your status is formalised.

Certain expats will fall outside the scope of Dutch statutory insurance altogether — for instance, those who are taxed in another country. This category commonly includes digital nomads, remote workers employed by overseas companies, and individuals on particular short-term assignments. In these situations, private expat health insurance may be the appropriate solution.

In addition to the mandatory basic package, supplemental private health insurance (aanvullende verzekering) is widely available. Around 84% of the Dutch population opts for this additional layer of cover. While the basic package addresses core services — GP visits, hospital care, prescription medication, and maternity services — supplemental policies extend coverage to items such as adult dental treatment, hearing aids, and certain therapies not included in the statutory package.

As an expat, you also have the option of combining your compulsory basic insurance with an international health insurance plan. With sufficient coverage, such a policy would not only supplement your Dutch cover but also provide protection in your home country and during travel elsewhere.

For immigration and visa purposes, applicants for a Dutch residence permit are generally expected to demonstrate that they will have adequate health insurance in place upon arrival. Check the latest requirements with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) at ind.nl. Expats can also complete an SVB assessment to establish whether they fall under the Dutch Wlz scheme.

How do you transfer your medical records to a doctor in Netherlands?

When enrolling with a new GP in the Netherlands, it is strongly recommended to bring a summary of your medical history, particularly if you have ongoing conditions, take regular medication, or have undergone significant procedures in the past. It is possible to arrange a preliminary meeting with a GP to discuss your personal health needs before formally registering — having your medical records to hand at such a meeting is always helpful.

Before departing your previous country of residence, request a GP summary or patient record from your current doctor. This document is referred to in various healthcare systems as a referral letter or patient summary. Ideally, it should be translated into Dutch or at least into English, as these are the languages your new huisarts is most likely to be able to read. There is no formal legal requirement for translated records, but providing them in Dutch or English will allow your new GP to gain a clear picture of your health background without delay.

Once you have registered with a new GP, whether moving from a practice abroad or from within the Netherlands, ask your former doctor to forward your medical file to the new practice. In practice, international record transfers are handled informally — typically via email or PDF attachment — since the Netherlands’ digital health record infrastructure does not yet interface with systems in other countries.

Within the Netherlands, GPs use electronic patient record (EPD) systems to store and exchange patient information. The national health data exchange infrastructure is managed by the VZVZ (Association of Healthcare Communication), which oversees secure digital messaging between healthcare providers. Through this network, your GP can share records electronically with Dutch specialists, hospitals, and pharmacies. For information about patient data rights and access to health records, consult the Dutch government’s health pages or the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS).

Patients in the Netherlands also have the right to view their own records through secure patient portals. Many GP practices and hospitals provide these online access tools — ask your specific practice whether a portal is available, and what login credentials are required, as access is typically linked to your DigiD digital identity.

What should expats know about language barriers and finding an English-speaking doctor in Netherlands?

The majority of GPs (huisartsen) practising in the Netherlands are Dutch, but a good command of English is common among them. In areas with a significant international population, dedicated healthcare centres have emerged to serve expatriate communities, making the Netherlands comparatively straightforward to navigate for those who have not yet acquired Dutch language skills.

Many healthcare professionals — especially in the larger cities — are fluent in English, and the system as a whole is well equipped to care for international patients. Expats searching for suitable doctors and health services can make use of online directories and resources aimed at internationals, including H4i (Healthcare for Internationals) and Zorgkaartnederland.

Several major cities — including The Hague, Amsterdam, and Eindhoven — host dedicated health centres that are specifically set up for the international community. These facilities typically employ multilingual staff, have experience dealing with expat-specific health concerns, and may operate broader catchment areas than standard local practices. Notable examples include the International Health Centre The Hague and SGE International in Eindhoven.

Even if a GP speaks excellent English, it is worth confirming that other members of the practice team — such as assistants who handle calls and administrative queries — are equally comfortable in English. Most practice websites will list the languages spoken. When making initial contact, it is helpful to mention straightaway that you are a non-Dutch speaker.

In rural areas and smaller towns, English proficiency among medical staff can be less consistent, though it remains high relative to European norms. If you are settling outside a major urban centre, allow additional time to identify a practice that is genuinely able to conduct consultations in your preferred language.

All doctors have the option, during a patient consultation, to call upon the tolkentelefoon (telephone interpreting service). This service, provided by Global Talk, connects medical professionals and patients with interpreters working in more than 200 languages. In addition to document translation, interpreters can support doctors and specialists throughout live consultations, ensuring that language difficulties need not impede access to care.

Expat support organisations such as ACCESS NL and Healthcare for Internationals (H4i) maintain directories of international-friendly providers and offer practical advice tailored to newcomers seeking healthcare in the Netherlands.

What do expats need to know about prescriptions and medication in Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, prescriptions are issued electronically by your GP or specialist and transmitted directly to your registered pharmacy (apotheek). Once you have enrolled with a pharmacy, your doctor can send prescriptions straight there, meaning the medication will often be prepared and waiting for you when you arrive to collect it.

Prescribing practices in the Netherlands tend to be more conservative than in many other countries, particularly when it comes to antibiotics. GPs will often observe a waiting period before issuing a prescription, with the aim of reducing the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections. The system is also more restrictive than in some countries regarding medicines that can be purchased over the counter elsewhere — a consultation may be required before certain products can be dispensed. If you regularly rely on a medication you previously obtained without a prescription, be prepared to book an appointment with your GP before you can access it here.

Medications brought from abroad cannot be continued without review — your new GP will need to assess your existing prescriptions and re-issue them within the Dutch system. Bring clear documentation of your current medicines to your intake appointment, including generic drug names, dosages, and the original prescription where possible. Using international non-proprietary (INN) names rather than brand names is advisable, as product names frequently differ between countries.

Prescription costs are included within your basic health insurance coverage, but they do count towards your annual eigen risico (deductible). In 2025, the mandatory deductible stands at €385, meaning you will meet the first €385 of eligible healthcare expenses — excluding GP visits, maternity care, and certain other services — yourself. Once this threshold has been reached, your insurer picks up the remaining prescription costs for the rest of the year.

The Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board (CBG-MEB) serves as the national medicines regulator. The National Health Care Institute (Zorginstituut Nederland, zorginstituutnederland.nl) maintains the list of medicines reimbursable under the basic insurance package. As this list is updated regularly, it is worth consulting these sources for current coverage and reimbursement rules. Your pharmacist can also advise on whether a specific medicine is covered under your policy.

Your registered pharmacy will maintain a record of all medications dispensed to you, which helps identify and prevent potentially harmful drug interactions. Enrolling with a single pharmacy and keeping the team there informed of everything you take — including any supplements or remedies purchased abroad — is a sensible precaution for your ongoing safety.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do in a medical emergency in the Netherlands?

If you are faced with an accident or a serious medical emergency, go directly to the accident and emergency department of the nearest hospital or call 112 for an ambulance. When your GP is unavailable — for example, during evenings or weekends — urgent but non-life-threatening matters can be handled at a huisartsenpost, a dedicated out-of-hours GP surgery often located at or near a hospital.

Will my pre-existing conditions be covered by Dutch health insurance?

Insurers are obliged to provide the universal package to all applicants over the age of 18, regardless of their age or health status — it is generally unlawful for them to decline an application or attach special conditions to coverage. This means pre-existing conditions fall within the scope of the basic package. Be aware, however, that supplemental (aanvullende) insurance covering extras such as physiotherapy or specialist dental treatment may include waiting periods or exclusions for particular conditions — always review your insurer’s terms carefully before committing.

How long does it take to register with a GP?

Once you have identified a GP whose service area includes your home address, you will need to confirm that the practice has capacity for new patients. The number of GPs in the Netherlands is finite, and many practices — particularly in urban areas — fill up quickly, especially towards the end of summer. For this reason, it is important to register as early as possible after arriving. Once a practice agrees to accept you, the administrative process is usually completed within a matter of days.

What happens to my healthcare if I lose my job or change employment status?

The obligation to hold Dutch health insurance persists regardless of your employment situation, for as long as you remain a resident in the Netherlands. When you are employed, your employer contributes an income-related premium alongside your personal monthly payment. If you become self-employed or find yourself unemployed, the responsibility for covering the full monthly premium falls to you. Lower-income residents, including expats, may qualify for the healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) — check your eligibility and apply via the Dutch tax office (Belastingdienst).

Can I keep my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) instead of taking out Dutch insurance?

The EHIC cannot substitute for Dutch health insurance when you are living or working in the Netherlands — it is designed for temporary visits and emergencies while travelling in other EU member states. Dutch law obliges all residents to hold local basic insurance (basisverzekering) within four months of registration, regardless of whether they hold an EHIC. Once you are a Dutch resident, however, your EHIC remains valid for accessing healthcare during trips to other EU countries.

Are my children covered under my Dutch health insurance?

Children under the age of 18 receive cover at no extra cost to their families, as the insurer is reimbursed for this through the regulatory fund. You will still need to register your children with a GP, but you will not be required to pay a separate monthly premium for them.

Can I switch health insurers if I am unhappy with my provider?

Residents and expats in the Netherlands who are subject to the mandatory insurance requirement have the opportunity to change insurers once a year. Insurers are required to publish their premiums for the following year ahead of the open enrolment window. Each year, policyholders have until 31 December to switch to a different insurer or cancel their current policy. In most cases, your new insurer will arrange the cancellation of your existing policy on your behalf.

What if I cannot find a GP practice that is accepting new patients in my area?

Should you encounter difficulty registering with a local practice, contact your health insurer first — they are legally obliged to assist you in finding a GP. Your local municipality’s expat centre is another useful resource, as it often holds current information about practices with availability. Where no suitable practice exists immediately nearby, a practice with a wider catchment area — or one of the international health centres operating in the major cities — may be in a position to take you on.