Expat Guide: Dutch Health Insurance

Registering for Health Insurance

To access Dutch health care, expats must first register at their local town hall to obtain a citizen service number (BSN). With a BSN, proof of employment, and a Dutch address, individuals can select and register with a health insurer. Upon registration, a health insurance card is issued, which is required for accessing care. It is advisable to register with a local general practitioner (huisarts) as soon as possible, as General Practitioners (GPs) serve as gatekeepers to specialist and hospital care.¹

Coverage and Types of Insurance

The basic health insurance package covers a comprehensive range of services, including GP visits, hospital care, prescriptions, maternity care, emergency services, and mental health support. Children under 18 are covered for free under their parents’ policy. Expats can choose between different types of policies: the natura polis (care at contracted providers), restitutie polis (freedom to choose providers), or a combination policy. Supplemental insurance (aanvullende verzekering) is available for services not included in the basic package, such as adult dental care, alternative therapies, and additional maternity care.²

Health Insurance Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)

Expats with lower incomes may be eligible for a health insurance allowance (zorgtoeslag) to help offset premium costs. In 2025, singles with an income up to €39,719 (about $43,294 USD) and couples with a combined income up to €50,206 (about $54,725 USD) may qualify, with the maximum monthly allowance reaching €131 (about $143 USD) for individuals and €250 (about $273 USD) for couples. Applications are made through the Dutch tax authority’s website.³

Hospitals, Medical Services, and More

Dutch hospitals are modern and well-equipped, with three main types: general hospitals, academic hospitals (linked to universities), and teaching hospitals. Access to specialist care typically requires a GP referral. Emergency services are available via the national emergency number (112), and pharmacies (apotheken) are widely accessible for prescriptions and advice.⁴

Mental Health and Vaccinations

Mental health care is integrated into the basic insurance package, with GPs able to refer patients to psychologists or psychiatrists as needed. The Netherlands also maintains a comprehensive national immunization program, offering free vaccinations for children and high-risk groups against a range of infectious diseases.⁵

1. “A Guide to Hospitals and Clinics in the Netherlands for Expats,” Dutchpat, May 6, 2025, Accessed December 19, 2025. https://dutchpat.nl/health-wellbeing/dutch-healthcare-system/dutch-hospitals-and-clinics-guide/.
2. “Dutch health insurance & healthcare in the Netherlands (2026),” Feather, December 8, 2025, Accessed December 19, 2025. https://feather-insurance.com/en-nl/blog/health-insurance-netherlands-guide.
3. “Healthcare allowance Netherlands (2025) - Zorgwijzer,” https://www.zorgwijzer.nl/faq/healthcare-allowance; “Applying for healthcare benefit,” Government.nl, June 27, 2025, Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.government.nl/topics/health-insurance/applying-for-healthcare-benefit.
4. “Hospitals in the Netherlands: An In-Depth Guide to Healthcare Services,” My Hospital Now, June 19, 2025, Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.myhospitalnow.com/blog/hospitals-in-the-netherlands-an-in-depth-guide-to-healthcare-services/.
5. “Navigating Dutch Mental Healthcare: A Guide for Expats,” AntiLoneliness, November 6, 2025, https://antiloneliness.com/post/dutch-mental-healthcare-guide-for-expats; “Vaccinations | Rijksvaccinatieprogramma.nl,” January 8, 2025, Accessed December 19, 2025. https://rijksvaccinatieprogramma.nl/en/vaccinations.