Mandatory Health Insurance

In the Netherlands, health insurance is mandatory for everyone who lives or works in the country, including expats. You are required to have a basic health insurance policy, known as “basisverzekering,” which covers essential medical care, such as general practitioner (GP) visits, hospitalization, and prescription medications.

Basic Coverage

The basic health insurance policy in the Netherlands covers a standard package of medical care determined by the government, which includes most essential healthcare services. However, it may not cover all services, such as dental care for adults, cosmetic procedures, and some medications. You can choose to add supplementary insurance for additional coverage.

Health Insurance Providers

There are many health insurance providers in the Netherlands, both public and private. It’s important to compare different insurance providers and their policies to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. You can choose any insurance provider you want, and they are required by law to accept your application for basic coverage.

Monthly Premiums

Health insurance premiums in the Netherlands are typically paid on a monthly basis. The cost of premiums varies depending on the coverage, deductible, and insurance provider you choose. You may also be eligible for healthcare allowance (“zorgtoeslag”), a government subsidy to help offset the cost of health insurance premiums, based on your income.

Deductible and Out-of-Pocket Costs

The basic health insurance policy in the Netherlands has a deductible (“eigen risico”), which is the amount you need to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. The deductible amount is determined annually by the government and may vary from year to year.

In addition to the deductible, you may also have to pay out-of-pocket costs for certain healthcare services, such as GP visits or prescription medications, depending on your insurance policy.