How to Register with a GP (Huisarts) in Amsterdam

In the Netherlands, you cannot walk into a GP practice and be seen — you must be registered with a specific practice first. In Amsterdam, most practices have waiting lists, and finding a GP that is still accepting new patients takes effort. Register as soon as you arrive, not when you are ill.

Why you must register before you need a GP

Dutch primary care works through a list system. Your GP (huisarts) is your single point of entry to the healthcare system — they refer you to specialists, coordinate your care, and handle all non-emergency health issues. You can only be treated at the practice where you are registered.

The practical consequence: if you fall ill before registering, your only options are the Huisartsenpost (out-of-hours emergency GP service) or the emergency room (Spoedeisende Hulp) at a hospital — both of which are slower and more stressful than your own GP.

How to find a GP in Amsterdam

The amsterdam.nl GP finder: Go to amsterdam.nl and search by postcode. This shows practices near you and whether they are accepting new patients.

SKGE (skge.nl): The Amsterdam GP association website lists all registered practices. You can filter by language spoken.

The International Health Centre Amsterdam (IHCA): Located in the city centre, the IHCA specialises in expat patients and has English-speaking staff across all roles. A good option if you want certainty about language.

Ask your employer or housing provider: Many relocation companies and larger employers maintain a list of English-speaking practices near common expat neighbourhoods.

What to bring when registering

• Your BSN (citizen service number)
• Your Dutch health insurance policy number — you receive this when you sign up with an insurer
• Proof of address — a utility bill, rental contract, or municipality registration confirmation
• Some practices also ask for a copy of your passport or ID card

Registration is usually done by completing a form online or at the reception desk. It takes 5–10 minutes.

What to do when lists are full

Waiting lists in Amsterdam are real. Some practices in popular areas (De Pijp, Jordaan, Oud-Zuid) are closed to new patients for months at a time.

Strategies that work:

• Try practices in adjacent neighbourhoods — a 15-minute bike ride is manageable
• Check the amsterdam.nl finder weekly — practices open to new patients changes frequently
• Register with the IHCA as a temporary measure while you find a permanent practice closer to home
• Contact the Huisartsenpost Amsterdam (020 592 3434) — they can sometimes advise on which practices have capacity

How a GP referral works

To see a specialist — physiotherapist, dermatologist, ophthalmologist, or any medical specialist — you almost always need a referral letter from your GP first. Dutch health insurance only reimburses specialist visits if you have a GP referral. Walk-ins to specialist clinics are not covered.

This is different from many countries where you can self-refer to specialists. Plan around it: if you have a recurring issue that normally requires a specialist, register with a GP first, then book an appointment before the issue becomes acute.

The Huisartsenpost — out-of-hours GP

If you need a GP outside normal hours (evenings, weekends, or public holidays), the Huisartsenpost is the correct service — not the emergency room. Amsterdam has several locations. Call 020 592 3434 to reach the triage nurse; they will determine if you need to come in.

The Huisartsenpost is for urgent but not life-threatening issues. It does count toward your eigen risico (annual deductible) in some cases, unlike your regular GP. For true emergencies, call 112.

Official sources: amsterdam.nl, IHCA