Dutch healthcare system
Everyone living or working in the Netherlands is required by law to have basic health insurance. Are you coming to the Netherlands as an expat, a student, or plan to reside here permanently? This is what you need to know about the Dutch healthcare system.
If you are planning on moving to the Netherlands, in most cases, you are required to apply for a basic health-care plan. This depends on your specific situation: whether you are living, working or studying in the Netherlands or are working here as a highly skilled migrant.
How does the Dutch healthcare system work?
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The Netherlands has a healthcare system that is based on care that is accessible, affordable and of good quality. Everyone residing or paying income tax in the Netherlands is required by law to have basic health insurance. They are free to choose their own insurer.
The central government determines which reimbursements are included in the compulsory Dutch basic health insurance. It covers the most essential medical care. For example GP visits, hospital stays and specialist appointments. No premium has to be paid for children under 18 years of age. ONVZ offers two basic health-care plans: ONVZ Vrije Keuze and ONVZ Bewuste Keuze.
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In addition, people can opt for supplementary packages that offer reimbursement for healthcare costs not covered by the basic insurance. Such as physiotherapy, alternative medicine, glasses/contact lenses, dental care and orthodontics.
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All insured persons together contribute to the total costs of all care. In addition to the premium, they pay a compulsory excess (eigen risico) of €385 out of pocket before any costs are reimbursed under the basic health-care plan. Each year, the government determines the amount of the compulsory excess. Only persons
aged 18 and older pay excess. -
Download brochure
Do you want to know more about the Dutch healthcare system? Download our brochure or watch the video below.
Video: the Dutch healthcare system explained
Studying in the Netherlands
You cannot apply for a basic health-care plan in the Netherlands, unless you are working here during your study. We will explain the possibilities.
Working in the Netherlands
You have to apply for Dutch health insurance. Would you like to apply for the basic health-care plan with ONVZ?
Highly skilled migrant
As a highly skilled migrant, you are eligible for a basic health-care plan if you are coming to work in the Netherlands.
Living in the Netherlands
It depends on your situation whether you can apply for Dutch health insurance. Let us explain more.
Please note
Are you not or no longer eligible for a Dutch basic health-care plan because, for example, you are a foreign student or receive income from outside The Netherlands? We would like to offer you a fitting solution with our International health-care plans. Please read more about our international insurance: Health Basic and Health Premium.
Coming to the Netherlands
