Dutch healthcare essentials: A guide for expats

Moving to the Netherlands as an expat comes with many adjustments. An important aspect to understand is the Dutch healthcare system. The Netherlands is known for its well-structured and high-quality healthcare, but it operates differently than systems in other (European) countries. At IQ Staffing, we’ve put together an overview of the key aspects you need to know to navigate healthcare in the Netherlands as you settle into your new life and work here.

How the Dutch healthcare system works

The Dutch healthcare system is based on a combination of public and private elements. It is mandatory for all residents to have health insurance, ensuring equal access to medical services. The system is built on three main pillars:

Basic Health Insurance (Basisverzekering): Basic insurance s is mandatory for all residents and covers essential healthcare services, such as visits to a general practitioner (GP), hospital care, emergency services, and prescribed medication. You can choose your own insurance company, and pay a fixed monthly fee (around €140-€180 in 2025) for basic insurance.
Supplementary Insurance (Aanvullende Verzekering): While the basic insurance covers essential healthcare services, supplementary insurance can help cover extra costs not included in the standard package. This can include services like dental care, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments, alternative medicine (such as acupuncture or homeopathy), and even some forms of mental health care. The coverage and premiums vary depending on the provider and the package you choose, so it’s important to assess your healthcare needs to determine if supplementary insurance is right for you.
Long-term Care (Wet langdurige zorg – Wlz): The Wlz is a program designed for individuals who require continuous and intensive care, typically due to chronic illness, disability, or old age. It covers long-term care needs for those who are no longer able to live independently and need support with daily activities. This care can be provided at home or in specialized institutions such as nursing homes or care centers. The Wlz ensures that people who need this level of care receive financial support, either through government funding or contributions from health insurers.

”Basic insurance s is mandatory for all residents and covers essential healthcare services.”

Choosing your health insurance

As an expat starting work in the Netherlands, you must arrange basic health insurance within four months of registering with your municipality (gemeente). Things to keep into account when choosing your ensurance provider and coverage:

Check for extra coverage: Consider whether you need supplementary insurance for services like dental care, physiotherapy, or alternative treatments. This is optional but can be helpful depending on your personal needs.
Compare monthly premiums: the monthly premium varies between providers. You can compare providers via independent websites like Independer and Zorgkiezer.
Eigen Risico (own risk) is the deductible amount you must pay for certain medical expenses before your health insurance covers the costs. In 2025, this amount is set at €385. Once you’ve paid this amount, your insurance will cover the remaining costs, depending on your policy. You can also choose a higher own risk, which often means a lower monthly premium.
Check the provider network: Check if your preferred doctors and hospitals are included in the insurer’s network. Some insurers have broader networks than others, and this could affect where you can receive care. Most health insurance companies list their provider networks on their official websites. Look for sections like “zorgverleners” (healthcare providers) or “zorgkeuze” (care options). These lists will show the hospitals, doctors, clinics, and specialists within their network.
Employer contribution: Some employers offer health insurance benefits or compensation, so don’t forget to check this with your HR department.

Registering with a General Practitioner (GP)

The GP (‘’huisarts’’) is your first point of contact for non-emergency healthcare in the Netherlands. They handle diagnoses, prescriptions, and referrals to specialists. You can find a local GP through your insurer’s website or by asking neighbors or others in the area. Usually, you can register with the practice online.

Accessing other medical care in the Netherlands

Emergency care: For life-threatening emergencies, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital’s emergency room (‘’Spoedeisende Hulp’’).
Out-of-hours care (Huisartsenpost): If you need urgent medical care outside GP office hours, contact the huisartsenpost.
Pharmacies (Apotheek): Prescriptions are filled at pharmacies, and many over-the-counter medications are only available through them.
Maternity and childcare: Pregnancy and childbirth care is well-covered under basic insurance, including midwife services and hospital stays if medically necessary.
Child healthcare: Vaccinations and regular check-ups for children up to age four are provided for free at the ‘’consultatiebureau’’.

Relocating with IQ Staffing

We hope this information has helped you to arrange your health insurance and understand how the Dutch healthcare system works, so you can access quality care when needed.

When relocating with IQ Staffing, our dedicated relocation agents assist with all the practical details, from securing housing and managing documentation to organizing your healthcare. Learn more about our relocation services, or get in touch for personalized support.

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