Health insurance in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands you have two forms of health insurance. Zorgverzkeringwet (Zvw) is a basic insurance which covers common media care which is mandatory for Dutch residents.
Wet langdurige zorg (Wlz) is for long-term nursing and care which is covered by the government for all Dutch Residents.
Is it mandatory to have a health insurance in the Netherlands?
When you live or work in the Netherlands you are legally obliged to have a health insurance. To cover the cost of consulting a general practitioner (huisarts), hospital treatment and prescription medication. Additional health insurance like Dentist care is not compulsory.
What is covered by the basic health insurance?
The basic insurance package in the Netherlands covers all costs for common medical care services. The Dutch government decides annually the package and the health insurers are obliged to follow this package. Currently (2022), the basic health insurance package covers the following:
- Treatments from specialists and hospital care
- Consultations with your GP (huisarts)
- Medication
- Care from certain therapists, such as speech therapists
- Mental health services
- Anti-smoking programs
- Dietary advice
- Materinity care
How does health insurance work in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands you have two forms of health insurance. Zorgverzkeringwet (Zvw) is a basic insurance which covers common media care which is mandatory for Dutch residents.
Wet langdurige zorg (Wlz) is for long-term nursing and care which is covered by the government for all Dutch Residents.
What does basic health insurance package cost?
The price set for a basis health insurance is around 130 euro per month.
In the Netherlands health insurance companies charge a contribution to your own risk (called eigen risico). This is a mandatory fee. The standard fee is set at 385 euro in 2022 (this will be the same in 2023). You can increase this number to 885 euro which will result in a lower monthly fee (300 euro per year discount).
What is an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you get sick when you visit another European country, you still receive essential medical care in many countries with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Ask your health insurer to get a EHIC Card for free. When you break your leg outside the Netherlands, the foreign healthcare provider will bill your health insurer for the costs.
Health insurance providers
Zorg en Zekerheid
Zorg en Zekerheid is the healthcare insurer in your area and is committed to ensuring good healthcare which is always at hand. We are always happy to assist you with any health insurance queries you may have.
FBTO
FBTO was founded in 1956. Today FBTO belongs to Achmea, which is one of the larger insurance providers in the Netherlands
ASR
ASR Nederland is a major Dutch insurance group based in Utrecht which is rated very highly for their health insurance.
Ditzo
Ditzo allows you to determine for which types of care you wish to take out insurance. In addition to ‘compulsory’ basic insurance, you can choose between a number of attractive supplementary health insurance policies.