Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands — and unlike in many countries, you arrange it yourself, not through your employer. You have 4 months after registering to get it sorted. Miss that window and you'll get fined. Here's everything you need to know.
Yes. If you live and work in the Netherlands, you're legally required to take out Dutch basic health insurance (zorgverzekering). This applies to almost everyone who registers at a gemeente — including expats, international professionals, and EU citizens working here.
The only exceptions are people covered by a foreign insurance scheme (for example, some EU civil servants or people on short-term postings covered by their home country's system). When in doubt, assume you need it.
You have 4 months from the date you register in the Netherlands (your first gemeente registration) to take out basic health insurance. If you take it out within this window, it's backdated to your registration date — so you're covered from day one.
Miss the 4-month deadline and the CAK (the government body that enforces this) will send you a reminder, then a fine, and eventually arrange compulsory insurance for you at a higher rate. Don't let it get to that point.
The basic package (basisverzekering) is set by the government and is identical across all insurers. It covers:
What's not covered in the basic package: dental care for adults, most physiotherapy beyond the basic limit, glasses and contact lenses, and some specialist care. These can be added via supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering).
The monthly premium varies by insurer — in 2024 it ranged from roughly €130 to €175 per month for basic coverage. You pay this directly to your insurer; your employer doesn't contribute (unlike pension).
On top of the monthly premium, there's an annual deductible (eigen risico) of €385 (2024). This means the first €385 of care each year (except GP visits, which are exempt) you pay yourself. You can choose a higher voluntary deductible (up to €885) in exchange for a lower monthly premium.
If your income is low enough, you may be entitled to a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) from the government — worth checking via the Belastingdienst.
The basic package is the same everywhere, so the main differences are price and service quality. A few things to consider:
Go directly to the insurer's website and sign up online. You'll need:
The process takes about 10 minutes. You'll receive a policy number and insurance card by post within a few days.
Health insurance gets you access to the system, but you also need to register with a local GP (huisarts). In the Netherlands, you can't go directly to a specialist — your GP is the gatekeeper. Most GP practices have a patient limit, so register as soon as you arrive, even if you're healthy.
Search for a GP near your home on zorgkaartnederland.nl. Call or email to ask if they're accepting new patients. Many practices in busy cities have waiting lists.
Does my employer arrange health insurance for me?
No. In the Netherlands, health insurance is personal — you arrange it yourself. Some employers offer a contribution to the premium as a benefit, but the contract is always between you and the insurer.
Can I keep my home country's health insurance?
If you're registered in the Netherlands and working here, almost certainly not — you're legally required to take out Dutch insurance. Your home country's policy typically won't cover you for regular care in the Netherlands once you're a resident.
What about my family?
Each person aged 18+ needs their own policy. Children under 18 are covered for free under a parent's basic insurance. You can add a child via your own insurer.
What if I need a doctor urgently before I've registered?
Call the out-of-hours GP service (huisartsenpost) — they're obliged to see you even without registration. For emergencies, go to the ER (spoedeisende hulp) or call 112.
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