Healthcare
The Dutch healthcare system is well-organised
and gives access to good medical care. But some things may work differently than in your home country. For example, the general practitioner (GP), called huisarts in Dutch, plays a central role. You always visit the GP first for health problems, not the hospital.
About medical care in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the ‘huisarts’ (doctor, general practitioner, GP) provides full medical assistance in accordance with the standards designated for the practice of medicine by medical professionals in the Netherlands. We strongly recommend that you register yourself with a GP in your area as soon as possible after your arrival in the Netherlands. The most practical thing to do is to register with a GP who operates a practice as close to your home address as possible. If you need to visit your GP, you will usually need to make an appointment in advance.
In each city, you will find at least one ‘ziekenhuis’ (hospital). The Accident & Emergency Department is called the ‘Eerste Hulp Bij Ongelukken’, or ‘EHBO’ in Dutch and the telephone number for all emergency services in Holland is 112. For hospital admission for non-emergency treatment, you will need to keep your insurance company informed and check your policy for your level of cover. Your insurer will require a referral letter from your GP. If you need to see a specialist at the hospital, you will need to make the appointment yourself.
If you need to see a ‘tandarts’ (dentist), you will need to make an appointment by telephone, by calling between the hours of 09:00 and 10:00. Remember to check your insurance cover, as free dental services are not available in the Netherlands.
Medicines prescribed by a GP can be collected from an ‘apotheek’ (pharmacy, chemist). Generally, pharmacies are open on weekdays from 08:30 to 17:30. Outside these hours, you can call an emergency number, but only in urgent cases. Most pharmacies are closed during weekends.
Health insurance in the Netherlands
By law, you must have health insurance while living in the Netherlands. The type of insurance you need depends on your personal situation. Different rules apply to different situations.
On the website Study in NL you will find a detailed explanation of when you will need Dutch Healthcare insurance.
Go to Study in NL
Frequently asked questions about healthcare in the Netherlands
That depends on your situation.
- If you only study in the Netherlands, you may not need Dutch insurance.
- If you have a paid job or internship, or if you are 30 or older, you must get Dutch public health insurance.
Go to Studyinnl.org for more information about Dutch healthcare insurance
Yes, if you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you can use your EHIC card for temporary healthcare.But it may not cover all medical costs, and it is not valid if you get a job or internship.
InsureToStudy is a private insurance for international students. It covers health care, accidents, liability, and more. Fontys recommends this insurance and offers a student discount.
You must first go to a general practitioner (GP), called huisarts in Dutch. The GP helps you with most health problems and can refer you to a specialist if needed.
Always make an appointment first.
In an emergency, call 112 for an ambulance, police, or fire department. If it is not urgent, contact your GP or an after-hours clinic (huisartsenpost).