The Netherlands has a solid healthcare system, designed to ensure that everyone can get the medical care they need without getting into debt. In this blogpost, we’ll tell you a bit about the Dutch healthcare system and explain what you need to know about health insurance for expats in the Netherlands.
The Dutch healthcare system
The healthcare system in the Netherlands is based on the principle that everyone should have access to high quality healthcare. Health insurance is mandatory to ensure solidarity. While health insurance companies are private, the Dutch government dictates the rules and regulations that these zorgverzekeraars must adhere to. The healthcare providers themselves can be either public or private.
Health insurance for expats in the Netherlands
Health insurance in the Netherlands is a legal obligation for everyone that lives and/or works here, including expats. When you come to the Netherlands, you are legally required to get Dutch health insurance as soon as possible (within four months after your arrival) – even if you already have health insurance in your home country. Children and minors are automatically covered under the health care policy of their parent or guardian. Once they turn eighteen, they must register for their own health insurance.
Basic and additional health insurance
Basic health insurance (basisverzekering) is mandatory for everyone. This insurance covers the costs of primary care that you may need, including visits to your family doctor and hospital care. A basisverzekering costs around €150 in 2025.
Because the basisverzekering only covers essential medical care, many Dutch residents take out a complementary health insurance policy (aanvullende verzekering). Complementary health insurance is optional – it’s up to you whether you think you need it. These additional insurance packages come in many different flavors. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, for example, you could supplement your basisverzekering with an additional insurance plan for vision care. You’d pay a little extra each month to cover the costs of new glasses, contact lenses or sometimes even laser eye surgery. If you need dental treatments that go beyond your bi-annual checkup, you may benefit from an additional dental plan. Important to note is that additional insurance plans may not cover all related expenses. For example, if you need a new pair of glasses, your insurance provider may only reimburse a fixed percentage of the costs. Therefore, it is important to carefully read the terms and conditions of your policy. In general, you can assume that the more you pay for your aanvullende verzekering, the higher the coverage.
Deductible
You’ve got some flexibility regarding monthly health insurance fees. Every year, the Dutch government determines the mandatory deductible (eigen risico). For 2025, this is €385. So if you need healthcare that is covered by your basic health insurance, you have to pay the first €385 euro out of your own pocket, and the remaining costs will be paid by your insurance. If you want, you can set your deductible higher to benefit from a lower monthly fee for your basic health insurance. We don’t recommend setting your deductible too high. If something unexpected happens and you need to be hospitalized, you don’t want to have to worry about being able to pay your eigen risico!
Healthcare allowance
Knowing that you have access to healthcare if you need it, without having to worry about the costs, creates peace of mind. That said, finances can be uncertain for new expats who are still looking for employment, and not everyone can easily afford €150 or more on monthly insurance fees. Fortunately, the Dutch government provides a safety net in the form of healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag). You can apply for zorgtoeslag through the Mijn Toeslagen webpage of the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax organization) using DigiD. If the Belastingdienst determines that you meet the requirements, you will receive a monthly allowance to help pay your health insurance fees.
Important: The amount of zorgtoeslag is determined based on your income in the previous year. That means that if your income increases (when you get a new job or promotion, for example) and you still receive the same amount of zorgtoeslag, you may have to pay some zorgtoeslag back at the end of the year.
If you want to know more, be sure to check out our guide on healthcare for expats in the Netherlands!
