The Dutch Healthcare System
Health insurance Information for new arrivals in Holland.
There are two different insurance policies that the Dutch health insurance companies offer: the "restitutie polis" which means that you can select your own healthcare provider, and the "natura polis" where the insurance company can direct you to providers (Doctors, pharmacies, etc) of their choice. In case you visit a provider that is not contracted with the insurance company, you will not be reimbursed (in full) for the costs. Therefore, we strongly advise you to select the slightly more expensive "restitutie" policy, as you most probably will want to be free in the choice of your healthcare provider.
Furthermore you have the choice to take out "basis" insurance, which is the legal minimum, or to top it up with an "aanvullende" insurance, which offers different extra coverage at an additional cost. Ever coverage offers differ amongst the insurance companies.
If you have Dutch insurance, you have the option to change your coverage or provider once a year. You have to notify your insurance in December that you will not take out insurance with them the next year, and at the latest in January you have to change to another company. All companies are obliged to accept everybody for the "basis" insurance, but they are not required to accept everybody for the "aanvullende" insurance.
Our preferred Dutch insurance providers are: ONVZ, ACHMEA Group (AGIS), CZ Group. Our preferred Foreign insurance providers are: Vanbreda International, Tricare, International SOS, BUPA and Allianz based on their customer friendliness and ease of cooperation and contracting. Please take care that if you are employed under a Dutch contract then you will be obliged to take a policy with a Dutch insurance provider; carrying insurance with a foreign provider will not satisfy your legal obligation under the terms of your residency or employment status.
For more information, please visit the The Hague municipality website which offers a good overview of the Dutch healthcare system or the ACCESS Healthcare guide for specific information.
Quicklinks
Dutch Health Care System
For more detailed information regarding the Dutch Health Care System:
dutch ministry of foreign affairs