Last updated: 2025-05-01
Health Insurance in the Netherlands — What Expats Need to Know
Dutch health insurance is compulsory for everyone registered in the Netherlands — regardless of nationality. You must arrange it within 4 months of getting your BSN, and coverage is backdated, meaning you owe premiums from your registration date even if you sign up late. 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 (2025) | |---|---| | Monthly premium | €130–160/month | | Annual own risk (eigen risico) | €385 | | Healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) | Up to €137/month if income-eligible |
The zorgtoeslag is a government subsidy to help lower-income residents pay for health insurance. If your income is below roughly €38,000/year (single person), you may be eligible. Apply via mijntoeslagen.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
- Coverage starts from your date of registration in the Netherlands (backdated)
- 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. Failure to do so results in a fine and backdated premiums.
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 (2025) — 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 2025 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). Coverage is backdated to your registration date, so any gap means you still owe premiums for that period.