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Visiting a hospital in the Netherlands: what your health insurance covers

Visiting a hospital in the Netherlands works differently depending on your health insurance policy and whether it's an emergency. In most cases, you'll need a referral from your GP before a hospital or specialist will see you, and you'll pay part of the bill yourself through your deductible (excess). Which hospitals you can visit without extra cost also depends on your policy type. Below, you'll find out exactly how it works, what it costs, and what to do if you're not insured yet.

Can I choose any hospital I want?

That depends on your policy type, but in practice this matters less than it used to: most hospitals in the Netherlands are contracted by most insurers nowadays. With a "natura" policy, your insurer only fully reimburses care at hospitals it has a contract with, and since most major hospitals are contracted, you'll usually be fine. It's still worth checking beforehand though, especially for a specific specialist or a smaller clinic, since not every hospital has a contract with every insurer. With a "combination" policy, you have more freedom to choose your own hospital or specialist, though your insurer may still reimburse less for care at a non-contracted hospital. Since 2025, insurers no longer offer a pure "restitutie" (free-choice) policy on its own; that free-choice element is now built into combination policies instead.

In an emergency, none of this matters at all: you can always go to the nearest hospital, and the costs are reimbursed regardless of your policy type. This also applies to an ambulance transfer to a hospital.

Do I need a referral to go to the hospital?

Yes, for non-emergency care you need a referral from your GP before a hospital or specialist will treat you. Your GP decides whether a specialist visit is medically necessary and points you to the right department. Without a referral, the hospital can refuse to treat you outside of an emergency, and your insurer may refuse to reimburse the costs. In an emergency, you don't need a referral: go straight to the nearest hospital, or call 112 for an ambulance.

I don't have health insurance yet, can I still go to a hospital?

Yes, for emergency care. A hospital is never allowed to refuse the care you need in an emergency, insured or not. If you're not insured yet, you'll have to pay the bill yourself first. In theory this shouldn't happen, since you're required to take out health insurance as soon as you register in the Netherlands, but it can take a while before you receive your insurance number. In that case, keep your receipts: once your insurance is active, you can usually submit these costs for reimbursement afterwards. Still arranging your insurance? Read more about the application process so you know what to expect.

How much do I pay for a hospital visit?

You pay your deductible (excess) on hospital costs and on ambulance transport to a hospital. In 2026, the mandatory deductible is € 385 per year. Once you've paid this amount in medical costs for the year, your insurer covers the rest under your basic policy.

How do I find out which hospitals are contracted by my insurer?

Call us at 020 2611 600 and we'll tell you which hospitals are (or aren't) contracted by your insurer. You can also have a look at our hospital contract page where we keep a list of all the contracted hospitals for each insurer. Every year the hospitals and the insurance companies negotiate their contracts. This means that sometimes not all hospitals will have a contract will all insurance providers. It's important to check the contract status before you decide to switch insurances or visit your hospital in the new year.

What if the waiting list is too long, or I want a second opinion?

You always have the right to ask for a second opinion from another specialist if you're unsure about a diagnosis or treatment plan; discuss this with your GP or specialist first. If the waiting list at your preferred hospital is too long, your insurer has a duty to help you find faster care elsewhere, since Dutch insurers are legally required to make sure you get timely access to the care your policy covers.

Veelgestelde vragen

How do I access hospital care in the Netherlands?

For non-emergency care, you need a referral from your GP, who arranges the specialist visit. In an emergency, you can go straight to the nearest hospital or call 112, no referral needed.

Are hospital admissions covered by health insurance?

Yes, all hospital care is covered by health insurance. You pay your deductible only once per year. Hospital costs for surgery, stays, and treatment are fully covered after you meet your deductible.

What hospitals are in my health insurance network?

Your insurer has contracted hospitals in its network. Check your insurer's website or call for a list of network hospitals. Using in-network hospitals ensures smooth coverage. Emergency care is covered at any hospital.

How long are hospital stays covered?

Hospital stays are covered for as long as medically necessary. Your insurance covers all costs after you meet your deductible. Complex cases may require coverage approval. Discuss costs with hospital billing before major procedures.

What if I'm not insured yet and need hospital care?

Emergency care is never refused, insured or not. You may have to pay the bill yourself first, but you can usually reclaim these costs once your insurance is active.