Healthcare System in the Netherlands: everything you need to know

How does the healthcare system work in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. The system is regulated by the government through the Ministry of Health.

All citizens and residents working in the Netherlands are required to hire a health insurance plan with a private provider. Children under the age of 18 are covered by their parents' insurance. Standard insurance provides coverage for medical appointments and prescription drugs. However, everyone must be registered with a general practitioner before they can visit any other doctor.  

The monthly payment for health services is determined based on income, and those with lesser resources can receive government subsidies for medical care regardless of their ability to pay.

Individuals who do not enroll in the mandatory health care system can be fined. The only way to opt out of the system is to show evidence of a dedicated health savings fund. Members of the armed forces do not have to pay for health since the Ministry of Defense covers the cost.

Each basic health insurance has a specific list of doctors. If you visit a doctor who is not on the list, you will have to pay almost the entire cost of care.

About 84% of the population also has private health insurance in addition to the basic plan. These offer additional coverage for high-cost treatments, dental care, medicines, psychiatric treatment, among others. 

How does the system work for foreigners?

Anyone living permanently in the Netherlands is required to hire health insurance. If you do not have insurance, apart from risking a fine, you will have to pay in full for any health services you use.

The only people who are not required to take out local insurance are tourists who are in the country for a maximum of 4 months, and international students who may use private health insurance, but are not required to join the local system.

If you are traveling for tourism, you must have health insurance for your stay. If you have an accident or get sick, you will be reimbursed for any services you use.  

To get the best insurance, visit InternationalHealth.com where you can find travel insurance with coverage not only in the Netherlands, but throughout the Schengen area. You can compare and quote the entire insurance market and sign up today, at no additional cost and 100% online. 

How do pharmacies work in the Netherlands?

All residents must register with their local pharmacy. This way they will hold your medical records and will know which medications you take frequently. This also makes it easy for your doctor to simply email them your prescriptions so that you can then claim them.

Prescription drugs are usually included in local insurance plans, however, depending on the drug and the terms of your insurance you may have to pay a fee.

Local hospitals also have pharmacies where you can claim your medication after you leave a doctor's appointment.

In some cases you can use foreign prescriptions at pharmacies, however this depends on the medication. The best thing to do is to ask your doctor directly if you will be able to buy your medicine in the Netherlands.

If not, you can bring the medication with you on your trip. You can bring as much medicine as you need for your visit, even a little extra in case you decide to extend your stay.

In the following link you will find all the restrictions and rules for bringing medication into the Netherlands. 

What do I do if I have an emergency?

The emergency number in the Netherlands is 112, as in the rest of Europe. All emergency services operate through this number only.

If you need to be transported to the hospital by ambulance, the cost could be up to 700 Euros. On the other hand, if you are treated directly on the spot without transport, there is no cost at all. However, costs can increase rapidly, so it is very important to always travel with travel insurance. 

Entry Requirements

There are no restrictions to enter the Netherlands because of Covid-19.

Remember that it is an EU country, therefore the restrictions are the same as in the other member countries, find out if your country of nationality requires a visa to enter.