Health insurance in the Netherlands operates as a mandatory social insurance system, where all residents are required to have basic coverage. The system is based on the principle of community-rated premiums, which means that everyone pays the same premium regardless of their age or health status.

The Dutch health insurance system is divided into two parts: basic insurance and supplementary insurance. Basic insurance covers a wide range of medical treatments, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. All residents are required to have basic insurance, and the cost of the coverage is shared between the individual and the government.

Supplementary insurance, also known as “aanvullende verzekering,” covers additional treatments and services not covered by basic insurance, such as dental care, physiotherapy, and alternative medicine. This insurance is optional and individuals can choose to purchase it to enhance their coverage.

Health insurance companies in the Netherlands are private and for-profit, but are regulated by the Dutch government to ensure they offer coverage to everyone who needs it. The government also regulates the cost of the premiums to ensure they remain affordable for everyone.

When you need medical treatment, you typically visit a doctor or hospital and present your health insurance card. The cost of the treatment will be covered by your insurance, and you may be responsible for paying a deductible or co-pay.

We wouldn’t recommend European Health Insurance if you stay longer than 2 months.

How can I apply for health insurance in the Netherlands?

To apply for health insurance in the Netherlands, you can follow these steps:

1. Determine if you are eligible for public health insurance, or if you need private health insurance.
2. Research and compare health insurance plans from different insurance companies.
3. Choose a plan that fits your needs and budget.
4. Submit your application and necessary documents, such as proof of residency and income, to the insurance company.
5. Wait for the insurance company to approve or reject your application.
6. Once approved, start paying your monthly premium.
7. Keep your insurance card with you and present it to healthcare providers when receiving medical treatment
8. Always look in December to see if you can get a better deal with another Health Insurance.

Compare Health Insurances in the Netherlands?

If you want to compare health insurances to fit what fit you best, there are several ways of doing this. We would recommend using the best comparing websites in the Netherlands to see which Health Insurance fits you best. The website will ask you for a short questionnaire to find out which one fits you best. The top 3 comparison website for Health Insurance in the Netherlands are:

1. Independer
2. Zorgkiezer
3. PriceWise

Change Health Insurance in the Netherlands

You can change your Health Insurance in the Netherlands from the beginning of December until January. You will see that Health Insurance companies in the Netherlands will start to aggressively advertise to make you convert and this is for good reason. At this moment you can go shopping for a good deal or negotiate a better deal with your current Health Insurance.
It’s almost always better to change from Health Insurance, because they have better deals than staying with your current health insurance.

Cost of Health Insurance in the Netherlands

Health insurance in the Netherlands typically ranges from 110 to 250 euros per month. As most people are healthy when they arrive in the country, it is not necessary to opt for an expensive package. However, it is crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions. For instance, certain treatments such as physiotherapy may have limitations on coverage, including session limits or specific partner requirements. The coverage for medicines and alternative healing methods also varies.

Coverage in the Netherlands

The extent of coverage depends on the specific health insurance plan. At a minimum, all health insurance plans cover visits to a general practitioner (known as “Huisarts” in Dutch), commonly used medicines, and emergency services. To learn more about the Base package, which is set by the government, refer to the relevant information on their website.

Paying Own Risk

It is common to have an own risk (deductible) of 385 euros associated with health insurance in the Netherlands. This means that you are responsible for covering expenses up to this amount before the health insurance kicks in. You have the option to choose an own risk between 0 and 885 euros. It is generally recommended to select either a 385 euro own risk or 0 euros if you can afford a more comprehensive health insurance plan that covers it. You can compare them on various websites.

Expat Health Insurance and Employer Involvement:

By law, it is prohibited for employers to directly pay for your health insurance in the Netherlands. However, some employers may assist by including health insurance benefits in your salary package. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure you have proper health insurance coverage. The taxes deducted from your salary are not health insurance premiums but rather contribute to a common insurance fund that covers medical or mental reasons for not being able to work, including a short-term salary loss.