Healthcare in Netherlands — Expat Guide

Every person legally residing in the Netherlands must take out mandatory basic health insurance (basisverzekering) within 4 months of registering. Insurance is purchased from private insurers but the benefit package is set by law. The standard premium is approximately €130–€160/month (2025). Employers do not cover this directly, but employees receive a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) from the government if their income is below a certain threshold. Annual deductible (eigen risico) is €385 (2025) — you pay the first €385 of non-GP healthcare costs per year.

How to register for healthcare

Every person legally residing in the Netherlands must take out mandatory basic health insurance (basisverzekering) within 4 months of registering. Insurance is purchased from private insurers but the benefit package is set by law. The standard premium is approximately €130–€160/month (2025). Employers do not cover this directly, but employees receive a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) from the government if their income is below a certain threshold. Annual deductible (eigen risico) is €385 (2025) — you pay the first €385 of non-GP healthcare costs per year.

Public health insurers

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Zilveren Kruis

largest insurer in the Netherlands, part of Achmea group

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CZ

strong in North Brabant and Limburg; competitive premiums

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VGZ

national coverage, several subsidiary brands (Univé, IZA, Zorgzaam)

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Menzis

popular in eastern Netherlands, good English digital services

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DSW

lower premiums, strong in South Holland region

💰 Cost information

Annual statutory deductible (eigen risico) is €385 (2025) — after paying this in any calendar year, all further basic-covered services are fully reimbursed. You can voluntarily raise the deductible by up to €500 for a premium discount. Prescription medicines, GP visits, and maternity care are always deductible-free.

Emergency Numbers

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112 (ambulance, fire, police — pan-EU)

Emergency

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0900-1010 — national out-of-hours GP service (huisartsenpost). Your GP (huisarts) is the first point of contact for all non-emergency healthcare. Register with a local huisarts immediately after arrival — without a registered GP you cannot easily access specialist care.

Health advice

Bridge insurance for new arrivals

There's often a gap between arriving in Netherlands and getting enrolled in the public health system. During this window, you need private cover.