Health Insurance
Navigating the Dutch healthcare system is one of the first and most important steps in your expat journey. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents, and the system is designed to be fair, high-quality and accessible.
Remind me before the switching deadlineIf you live or work in the Netherlands, you must take out Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) within 4 months of arriving. You'll need your Citizen Service Number (BSN) to do it. Every insurer offers the same basic package, and they're legally required to accept you regardless of your age or health status.
The system is built on a shared-cost model with three main parts you need to know.
The mandatory insurance required by law. The government defines exactly what's covered, so everyone has access to essential care: GP visits (free), hospitals (subject to the deductible), and pharmacies (subject to the deductible).
Everyone aged 18 and over has a compulsory deductible of €385 per year. Think of it as a personal health bucket you fill before the insurer pays for everything else.
Some things never come out of your €385 — they're covered by your monthly premium from day one:
Optional extras you can add if you want coverage the basic plan doesn't fully provide, such as dental care (tandarts), physiotherapy, or eyeglasses.
You can go to any doctor or hospital, not only those contracted with your insurer.
You should use providers contracted by your insurer. Go elsewhere and you may pay 20–30% of the bill yourself.
Acts like a Restitutie policy for most things (hospitals, GPs) but like a Natura policy for specific, expensive care such as mental healthcare (GGZ) or district nursing.
The good news: in the Netherlands, almost every GP (huisarts) has a contract with every major insurer.
You're free to change provider once a year, and it's the best way to make sure you aren't overpaying as premiums change. The switching window runs until 31 December, with your new policy starting 1 January.
Don't get caught by a surprise price hike. Get a free reminder so you stay ahead of the curve:
Premiums below are based on the 2026 standard €385 deductible. Replace each "View" link with your affiliate deeplink for that provider.
| Provider | Approx monthly (basic) | Policy type | English support | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Nationale-Nederlanden | €142–161 | Natura / Combination | Excellent | View |
 | Postcode Zorg | €160.95 | Combinatie / Restitutie | Excellent | View |
 | ONVZ | €158–165 | Restitutie | Excellent (app & phone) | View |
A strong choice for expats:
Every year you can change insurer until 31 December, with the new policy starting 1 January. Get a free reminder in mid-November so you can compare and switch in time.
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