Health insurance in the Netherlands | For international students

Health insurance in the Netherlands for international students

Claire LangenhoffExpert Zorgverzekeringen

14-04-2026

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27-07-2026

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3 min leestijd

Wouter Heuvelink

Gecontroleerd door onze zorgexpert

Whether you need Dutch health insurance as an international student depends on one thing above all: do you have a paid job or a paid internship, or are you just studying? If you're only studying, without any paid work, you're generally not required to take out Dutch health insurance, you can keep your coverage from home. As soon as you start earning money in the Netherlands, even a small part-time job, that changes. Below, you'll find out exactly which situation applies to you, what to use instead if you're not insured here, and what Dutch health insurance costs if you do need it. 

Do I need Dutch health insurance if I'm just studying? 

No. If you're in the Netherlands only to study, with no paid job and no paid internship, you're not required to take out Dutch health insurance. You stay covered by your home country's insurance instead, for example your national insurance, an EHIC or GHIC card if you're from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or the UK, or an international student insurance policy. 

What if I have a part-time job? 

Then Dutch health insurance becomes mandatory, no matter how few hours you work or which country you're from. Any paid employment in the Netherlands makes you liable for Dutch health insurance (Zvw), and you'll need to apply within 4 months of starting. 

What about a paid internship? 

This is the trickiest case, and it depends on whether your internship allowance counts as real pay or just an expense reimbursement. Receive only a modest expense allowance ("onkostenvergoeding")? Then you're usually not required to insure in the Netherlands. Receive the Dutch minimum wage or an allowance that counts as actual pay? Then you're typically covered under Dutch employee insurance (Ziektewet), which also makes Dutch health insurance mandatory. If you're unsure which applies to you, the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) can assess your specific situation, and it's worth checking before you assume either way, since getting this wrong can mean a fine later. 

What can I use if I'm not required to have Dutch insurance? 

A few options, depending on where you're from: 

• EHIC or GHIC card: for students from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or the UK, this usually covers necessary care during your stay. 

• Your home country's insurance: check with your provider whether it's valid in the Netherlands. 

• International student insurance: a private policy specifically for the duration of your stay, useful if your home coverage doesn't extend to the Netherlands. 

Can I get healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) as a student? 

Only if you're required to have Dutch health insurance, for example because of a part-time job or a paid internship. If you're only studying without paid work, you don't have Dutch insurance and therefore can't claim zorgtoeslag either. Once you are insured in the Netherlands and your income is below a certain threshold, you can apply for zorgtoeslag through the Belastingdienst. 

How much does Dutch health insurance cost? 

The mandatory basic insurance (basisverzekering) costs roughly € 125 to € 150 per month in 2026, depending on the insurer and package you choose. On top of that, you'll pay a mandatory deductible of € 385 per year before your insurer covers most costs. Compare insurers before you pick one, since the coverage is legally the same everywhere, but the premium and service can differ.