Health insurance in the Netherlands: how the Dutch healthcare system works

R

Robin ProvoostExpert Zorgverzekeringen

30-03-2018

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28-09-2026

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5 min leestijd

Wouter Heuvelink

Gecontroleerd door onze zorgexpert

In short:

• Health insurance is mandatory for (almost) everyone living or working in the Netherlands; you must arrange it within 4 months of becoming a resident.

• The basic health insurance (basisverzekering) covers GP care, hospital care, medicines and mental healthcare; the coverage is set by the government and identical at every insurer.

• You pay a monthly premium (on average around € 159 in 2026) plus a yearly deductible (eigen risico) of € 385 for most care.

• Lower incomes can apply for healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) of up to € 129 per month.

• You can switch insurers once a year: cancel before 1 January, choose a new policy before 1 February.

Health insurance in the Netherlands works differently from most countries: every resident is required by law to take out a basic health insurance with a private insurer, while the government decides what that insurance must cover. The result is a system that consistently ranks among the best in Europe, with universal access, high-quality hospitals and a strong role for the general practitioner (GP, or huisarts). On this page you’ll find everything you need to know as an expat or international: how the system works, what it costs in 2026 and how to apply, switch or cancel.

How does the Dutch healthcare system work?

The Dutch system combines mandatory public coverage with private competition. Around ten insurance groups offer the basic health insurance; they must accept everyone, regardless of age or health, at the same premium. Your GP (huisarts) is the heart of the system: they are your first point of contact for all health issues and refer you to a specialist or hospital when needed. You cannot walk into a hospital without a referral, except in emergencies. Registering with a GP near your home is one of the first things to arrange after moving to the Netherlands.

Is health insurance mandatory in the Netherlands?

Yes. If you live in the Netherlands or work here and pay Dutch payroll tax, you are legally required to take out a basic health insurance within 4 months of becoming insured (for example, the date you register or start working). You pay the premium retroactively from that starting date, so waiting does not save money.

If you don’t take out insurance, you first receive a warning letter from the CAK (a government body). After that you risk two fines of € 529,74 each, and eventually the CAK signs you up for an insurance automatically at an increased premium. An important exception: international students who only study in the Netherlands and don’t have a (side) job usually don’t need Dutch health insurance. Read more on our page for international students.

What does the basic health insurance cover?

The government determines the contents of the basic package, so the coverage is exactly the same at every insurer. It includes, among other things: GP care, hospital treatment and stay, prescription medicines, mental healthcare, maternity care and emergency care. Children under 18 are insured free of charge with their parents’ policy.

Not covered by the basic insurance are, for example, dental care for adults, most physiotherapy and glasses or contact lenses. For this care you can take out an additional health insurance (aanvullende verzekering). Insurers may refuse or apply conditions to additional insurances, so compare before you apply.

The deductible (eigen risico): € 385 in 2026

For most care from the basic insurance you first pay a yearly deductible, called the eigen risico. In 2026 this is € 385. It applies to hospital care, medicines and lab tests, but not to GP visits, maternity care or care for children under 18. You can voluntarily increase your deductible to a maximum of € 885 in exchange for a lower monthly premium; only do this if you can afford the higher risk.

What does health insurance cost per month?

In 2026 the average premium for the basic health insurance is around € 159 per month, with prices ranging roughly from € 142 to € 185 depending on the insurer and the type of policy. Additional insurances start at a few euros per month and get more expensive as the coverage grows. Which combination is right for you depends on the care you expect to use; compare health insurances to see all options side by side.

Healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag)

If your income is relatively low, the Dutch government helps you pay your premium through the healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag): in 2026 up to € 129 per month for singles with an income up to € 40.857. You apply via the Belastingdienst (tax administration) after taking out your insurance. Read more about the healthcare allowance.

How to apply, switch or cancel your health insurance

Applying is quick and can be done online: you need your BSN (citizen service number) and your address details (make sure you are registered with the municipality on that address) . New in the Netherlands? You can apply at any moment during the year; the insurance starts retroactively on the date your obligation began. Read more about the application process.

Already insured? Then you can switch once a year, during the switching season. Insurers publish their new premiums in November; you can cancel your current policy until 31 December and choose a new one until 1 February. Switching mid-year is only possible in specific situations, for example when you move to the Netherlands or your insurer changes your policy conditions.