Private Student Insurance Netherlands
We recommend all international students to take out a private insurance because it includes health, liability, accident, repatriation and travel insurance, including pre-existing medical expenses. When you start your studies in the Netherlands and don’t receive any income in the Netherlands, you can only apply for a private insurance.
We explore in this section
What Is Private Student Insurance?
If you are going to study in the Netherlands or are already studying now and you are not working, doing a paid internship or staying for a long time in the Netherlands, you are (in most cases) not able to get a health insurance. To be insured for medical costs and emergencies you can take a private student insurance.
Private student insurance will provide you coverage for medical costs, emergencies, travel insurance and liablity insurance. This is normally very attractively priced and thus a very good alternative.
Is Private Student Insurance right for me?
When you are an international student coming from outside the EU so you don't have public health insurance in the Netherlands, private student insurance will be for you.
If below applies to you, you will need to take private student insurance:
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You are a non-EU/EEA student coming to the Netherlands just to study.
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Your own health insurance you have the country you lived before the Netherlands does not cover you while living in the Netherlands. Check the terms with them first.
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You want extra coverage such as liability insurance, repatriation, or luggage insurance.
What does Student Insurance cover?
Coverage varies by the insurer you choose but in most cases yo will get medical care, emergencies, liability and travel protection. Be sure you check the insurer you choose if they cover the things you need.
Typical coverage of Student Insurance:
- Emergency medical care and hospital treatment
- Personal liability insurance (if you damage something or injure someone)
- Accidents
- Travel insurance
- Pre-existing condition coverage
Private student insurance usually goes far beyond you basic health insurance, which makes it a good alternative.
HanseMerkur: International Student Insurance, Simplified
Starting your journey as a student in the Netherlands is an incredible milestone. But between finding a room in a new city and keeping up with your lectures, the last thing you want to worry about is complicated healthcare paperwork.
HanseMerkur offers specialized health insurance for international students moving to the Netherlands. Our plans are designed to give you the official coverage you need to live and study here, combined with the peace of mind that you’re protected if you get sick or have an accident.
Built for your life in the Netherlands
Forget the complexity of traditional insurance. HanseMerkur provides a modern, digital-first experience for students who need reliable protection without the hassle:
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Official Coverage: Our plans meet the health insurance requirements for your Dutch residence permit and university enrolment. |
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Instant Peace of Mind: Apply online in just a few clicks and receive your insurance certificate immediately. No waiting, no stress. |
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Affordable & Transparent: Premium protection at a price point that fits a student budget, with no hidden fees. |
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24/7 support: Whether you're in a lecture hall in Utrecht or exploring Europe during your break, we’ve got you covered. |
Focus on your studies, we’ll handle the rest
Don't let insurance requirements slow you down. HanseMerkur offers a simple, reliable alternative to help you settle into Dutch life quickly. From emergency medical care to 24/7 assistance, we ensure that your health is never in question.
What does it cost me?
The price is low when you compare it with health insurance and the extra coverage you get. Prices between between €30 and €50 per month depending on the coverage you choose. The prices depend on length of your stay, medical coverage, add-ons like dental, travel and liablilty.
Why do i need Private Student Insurance?
It protects you for medical emergencies and the high bills this would cost you. Further you have travel and liability insurance in case you have an accident on your tips or when you do damage to another person. Plus most universities require it so that has you covered.
If you are a non-EU/EEA student, but you start working in the Netherlands
If you are a non-EU/EEA student, but you start working in the Netherlands (this includes part-time job or paid internship), you are legally required to take out the Dutch public health insurance (basisverzekering).
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This public insurance replaces the private student insurance.
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Once you have the public insurance, you can apply for the healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) from the government to help cover the costs, which can significantly reduce the net price.
Recommended insurers
HanseMerkur
HanseMerkur is a German insurance company founded in 1875. They offer a wide range of insurance products, including International student insurance. Get a direct quote on their website.