The Netherlands is known for its versatile and excellent level of health care and is regularly rated as one of the best health care systems in the world. This is great news for those who want to move permanently or undergo treatment abroad. The Netherlands has a universal health care system. It is run by the state and supplemented by private insurance companies.

  Anyone who lives or works in the Netherlands must obtain basic health insurance from a Dutch healthcare provider. Those under 18 years of age are automatically covered by their parent's insurance, and there are health benefits for those with the lowest income to enable them to access compulsory insurance.

What do I need for treatment or a medical examination in the Netherlands?

  All residents and visitors to the Netherlands can access health care if they have health insurance. There is a mandatory requirement for basic medical insurance for all residents of the Netherlands. Temporary visitors from the EU/EEA/Switzerland can get health insurance through their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

  Temporary visitors from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, need to purchase private health insurance. Those who refuse medical insurance for reasons of conscience can apply for an exemption from the Social Security Bank (SVB). You can apply for a health benefit from the Dutch tax office if your income is below a certain threshold. In 2022, these thresholds were set at 29,562 thousand euros for individuals and 37,885 thousand euros for couples.

  Medical services in Holland are paid for by foreign patients. Therefore, it is recommended to take care of appropriate health insurance. It is advisable to use only trusted insurance companies. If you need expert help, ask the specialists on our website who will competently choose a safe and suitable insurance plan.

What are the conditions?

  Citizens of EU/EEA member states or visa-free countries, as well as foreign tourists with short-term visas, can stay in the country for up to 90 days. However, if you plan a long-term medical treatment of more than 90 days and do not have a European Insurance Card, you have to apply in advance for a residence permit. To do so, the following requirements must be met:

• obtain local insurance;

• pay the registration fee;

• receive a proposal for treatment from the medical center;

• pay for the treatment;

• have a confirmation from the local hospital that the treatment will not lead to a deterioration in medical care;

  There are two main forms of compulsory health insurance in the Netherlands:

- Zorgverzekeringswet (Zvw) - basic insurance, covers regular health care;

- Wet langdurige zorg (Wlz) - covers long-term care and nursing care.

  The basic Dutch insurance package covers all expenses for the most common medical care. This includes general practitioners and specialists, medicines, and most maternity care. A complete list of included health services can be found on the government's website. All insurance companies offer the same basic package. You need additional insurance if you want to cover extensive dental treatment, physical therapy, or anything else the government considers your responsibility; these are the additional areas where companies compete.

What documents do I need to get insurance for foreigners?

  To register for health care in the Netherlands, you first need to get your Citizens' Service Number. You can apply for this at your local municipal office. Once you have done this, you can register for health insurance and choose which insurance company you want to provide coverage. To do this, you will need to provide:

• your passport or ID card;

• proof of address;

• your BSN (Dutch National Identification Number);

• letter from your employer confirming your employment, if you work in the Netherlands;

  Once you have taken out health insurance, you can register with a Dutch doctor. You must get a health insurance chip card, which you will need to show when using any medical services in the Netherlands.

  Medical tourists must add the following certificates:

• local medical certificate;

• medical certificate from a hospital or doctor in Norway confirming the date of your appointment and your health status;

• receipt of payment for medical services;

  Before applying, be sure to check with the embassy for all necessary information, as well as consult with experts on the peculiarities of treatment abroad.

Cost of treatment

  In the Netherlands there is universal health care, the basic plan will cost €100-120. If you work, your employer will also pay a small percentage for health insurance. Children under 18 do not pay for health insurance. The basic plan covers basic standard services, such as visits to the general practitioner and hospital. Many people also choose to get higher-level coverage for an additional fee that compensates for other treatments not covered by the basic insurance package.