The Netherlands for Expats: Jobs & Health Care

Renowned for its picturesque landscapes, iconic canals, vibrant culture, and relaxed atmosphere, the Netherlands remains a perennial favorite among expatriates. In 2025, the country’s appeal is further enhanced by a robust job market: with a population of just over 17 million, the Netherlands continues to experience more job vacancies than it can fill. Recent data shows that expats occupy over 800,000 positions out of more than 10 million jobs, and the labor market remains dynamic, with hundreds of thousands of vacancies each quarter. This abundance of opportunity, combined with a high quality of life, makes the Netherlands a top destination for international talent.¹

Health Care in the Netherlands: An Overview

The Dutch health care system is consistently ranked among the best in Europe. According to the most recent Euro Health Consumer Index, the Netherlands holds one of the highest scores in Europe, reflecting its accessibility, quality, and patient satisfaction.² Health care is funded through a system of mandatory insurance, with all residents—including expats—required to obtain basic Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering) within four months of arrival or employment. The average monthly premium for 2025 is approximately €159 (about $173 USD), with a mandatory annual deductible (eigen risico) of €385 (about $420 USD). Some services, such as GP visits and maternity care, are exempt from the deductible.³

Health Insurance Requirements for Expats

All expats working in the Netherlands must enroll in a Dutch health insurance plan within four months of their arrival or employment start date. EU/EEA and Swiss nationals may use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) temporarily, but must switch to Dutch insurance if they remain employed. Failure to obtain insurance within the statutory period can result in fines, which increase if non-compliance continues. Students who are not employed may rely on their EHIC or private insurance from their home country, but should ensure adequate coverage for medical costs.⁴

1. “Netherlands: Country Health Profile 2025,” European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, December 2025, Accessed December 19, 2025. https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/publications/m/netherlands-country-health-profile-2025; “Healthcare sector in the Netherlands - Statistics & Facts,” Statista, February 12, 2024, https://www.statista.com/topics/9184/health-sector-in-the-netherlands/.
2. “Euro Health Consumer Index by Country 2025,” World Population Review, Accessed December 19, 2025. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/euro-health-consumer-index-by-country.
3. “Dutch Health Insurance in 2025,” Pararius, December 16, 2024, https://www.pararius.com/expat-guide/dutch-health-insurance-updates-2025; “Dutch health insurance in 2025: What’s new?” DutchReview, November 13, 2024, Accessed December 19, 2025. https://dutchreview.com/expat/dutch-health-insurance-changes-2025/.
4. “Are Netherlands Expats Required To Have Dutch Health Insurance,” Insurance Informant, October 31, 2025, https://insuranceinformant.com/are-netherlands-expats-required-to-have-dutch.html; “Getting health insurance in the Netherlands in 2025,” Expatica, Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.expatica.com/nl/healthcare/healthcare-basics/a-guide-to-health-insurance-in-the-netherlands-109293/.