Health Insurance in the Netherlands — What Expats Need to Know
- Mandatory
- Yes, all residents
- Cost
- €130–160/month
- Deductible
- €385/year (eigen risico)
- Deadline
- Within 4 months of BSN
Dutch health insurance is compulsory for everyone who lives and works in the Netherlands — regardless of nationality. You must arrange it within 4 months of getting your BSN. Miss that deadline and you are not covered for the gap: you pay your own medical costs for that period, and your premium starts only from the day you take the policy out. This guide explains the system, costs, and how to choose a provider.
How the Dutch health system works
The Netherlands uses a regulated private insurance model. The government sets a standard package of covered care (the basisverzekering), and private insurers compete to offer it. All insurers must accept everyone regardless of health history — they cannot refuse you or charge you more because of a pre-existing condition.
The basic package covers:
- GP (huisarts) visits — free at point of use, does not count toward your deductible
- Hospital care and specialist referrals
- Prescription medication (most common medications)
- Mental health care (basic sessions)
- Emergency care
- Maternity and obstetric care
- Some physiotherapy for specific conditions
Not covered in the basic package: routine dental care for adults, glasses and contact lenses, most physiotherapy, and cosmetic procedures.
What it costs
| Cost | Amount (2026) |
|---|---|
| Monthly premium | €130–160/month |
| Annual own risk (eigen risico) | €385 |
| Healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) | Income-dependent — see below |
The zorgtoeslag is a government subsidy to help lower-income residents pay for health insurance. For 2026 you can claim it if your taxable income is under €40,857 on your own, or €51,142 with a partner. The amount you get depends on your income — check what you would receive and apply at belastingdienst.nl.
Choosing a provider
All basic packages cover the same things by law. The differences between providers:
- Premium price — shop around via zorgwijzer.nl which compares all providers
- Preferred providers (naturapolis vs. restitutiepolis) — a naturapolis means insurance only fully covers care at contracted providers. A restitutiepolis covers any provider in the Netherlands. Expats unfamiliar with the system often prefer restitutiepolis for flexibility.
- Customer service language — some providers offer English-language support; CZ and Zilveren Kruis are noted for this
Recommended for expats:
- CZ — strong English-language support, widely used by expats
- Zilveren Kruis — large network, good for families
- Menzis — competitive pricing
How to sign up
- Compare plans at zorgwijzer.nl or go directly to a provider's website
- Sign up online — you will need your BSN
- Sign up as soon as you have your BSN — inside the four months, your cover runs from the date your obligation started, and you pay premium for those months too
- Check your eligibility for zorgtoeslag immediately after signing up
Frequently Asked Questions
Is health insurance mandatory in the Netherlands?
Yes. Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands is legally required to take out Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) within 4 months of registering. If you don't, the CAK writes to you, gives you three months to arrange it, and then fines you — €529.74 in 2026.
How much does Dutch health insurance cost?
The basic premium is around €130–160/month depending on provider. On top of this, there is a mandatory own risk (eigen risico) of €385/year (2026) — you pay this amount yourself before insurance covers costs.
Can I keep my home country health insurance?
Generally no. If you are registered in the Netherlands and living here, you are required to have Dutch health insurance. Your home country policy will not satisfy the legal requirement.
What does basic health insurance cover?
GP visits, hospital care, prescription medication, mental health care (basic), emergency care, and maternity care. Dental care for adults, physiotherapy, and glasses are generally not covered in the basic package.
What is the eigen risico?
The eigen risico (own risk / deductible) is the amount you pay per year before insurance covers costs. In 2026 it is €385. GP visits are exempt — you do not pay the eigen risico for visits to your huisarts.
When do I need to arrange health insurance?
Within 4 months of registering in the Netherlands (getting your BSN). Sign up inside that window and your cover runs from the date your obligation started, so you pay premium for those months too. Miss the deadline and you are simply uninsured for the gap: you pay your own medical costs for that period, and your premium only starts from the day you take the policy out. You do not owe backdated premiums, but you get nothing back for care you needed in the meantime.
- Government.nl — Standard (basic) health insurancegovernment.nl
- Rijksoverheid — must I take out health insurance if I come to work in the Netherlands? (the 4-month rule)rijksoverheid.nl
- Rijksoverheid — what happens if you are uninsured (no backdated premium; the CAK and the fine)rijksoverheid.nl
- Rijksoverheid — the compulsory excess (eigen risico) for 2026rijksoverheid.nl
- Belastingdienst — maximum income for the healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag), 2026belastingdienst.nl
- Zorginstituut Nederland — What is in the basic package (basispakket)zorginstituutnederland.nl