Healthcare in the Netherlands
Are you new to the Netherlands? If so, the healthcare system may work differently to what you’re used to. On this page, you can find out how healthcare is organised in the Netherlands and what to expect.
How does the Dutch healthcare system differ from that in many other countries?
The Dutch healthcare system works differently to that in many other countries. In some countries, for example, you can go straight to a specialist or hospital if you have any symptoms. In the Netherlands, medical care usually starts with your GP. Your GP is your regular point of contact for health-related questions and will assess what care is needed. Often, your GP can help you directly. You will only be referred to a specialist at a hospital if necessary.
Taking out health insurance
Anyone who lives or works in the Netherlands is required to take out health insurance. With health insurance, you contribute towards the healthcare costs for yourself and others. You take out health insurance yourself with a health insurer. You pay a monthly premium for this. Children under the age of 18 must also be insured, but you do not pay a premium for them.
What is covered by the basic health insurance?
Everyone with health insurance has basic cover. The government decides each year which healthcare services are included in this cover.
Basic health insurance covers, amongst other things:
- General practice
- Hospital care
- A&E
- Anticipatory care and postnatal care
- Mental health care (GGZ)
- Most medicines
As a result, everyone in the Netherlands has access to essential medical care.
What is the excess?
For some healthcare covered by basic insurance, you first pay part of the costs yourself. This is known as the excess. Only once your costs exceed your excess will your insurance cover the additional amount.
A visit to your GP is not subject to the excess. You can therefore contact your GP at no extra cost.
The excess may apply to hospital treatment, certain medicines or medical tests.
Supplementary insurance
Some healthcare is not fully covered by basic insurance. That is why you can opt for supplementary insurance.
With supplementary insurance, you can, for example, receive additional reimbursements for:
- Dental care
- Physiotherapy
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Other forms of care
Supplementary insurance is not compulsory.
Frequently asked questions about the Dutch healthcare system
Why don’t I always get a referral straight away?
In some countries, you can book an appointment with a specialist or hospital yourself. In the Netherlands, you usually need to be assessed by your GP first.
Your GP will assess which type of care is best suited to your situation. Many conditions can be treated effectively at the GP’s surgery. If specialist care is required, you will be referred.
In this way, we try to ensure that everyone receives the right care at the right time.
Can I choose my own specialist or hospital?
In many cases, you can decide, together with your GP, which hospital or specialist you’d like to be referred to. It’s a good idea to check in advance whether your health insurer has an agreement with that healthcare provider.
Why don’t GPs always prescribe medication?
In the Netherlands, a GP first assesses whether medication is really necessary. Sometimes, rest, a wait-and-see approach or a different treatment is a better solution.
Why don’t I always have a blood test, scan or X-ray?
The GP only requests tests if they are necessary for diagnosis or treatment. Additional tests do not always provide more information and can sometimes even lead to unnecessary worries or treatments.
How does a pharmacy work?
You usually collect your medicines from a pharmacy. Your GP often sends the prescription electronically to the pharmacy of your choice.
How do antenatal and postnatal care work in the Netherlands?
During pregnancy, you are usually looked after by a midwife. After the birth, you can receive maternity care: a care provider who supports you and your baby at home during the first few days after the birth.
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