The Netherlands has one of the highest-quality healthcare systems in Europe, consistently ranking near the top in EU comparisons. But it is also one of the most administratively complex, particularly for newcomers. Understanding how Dutch health insurance works is essential for every expat, because registration is mandatory and the deadline is strict.

Is health insurance mandatory?

Yes. Every person who lives or works in the Netherlands is legally required to take out a Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) policy within four months of arrival or the start of employment. If you miss this deadline, you will be retroactively enrolled by the government and charged a penalty premium. The four-month window exists to give you time to settle in, but do not treat it as optional — the premium will still be backdated to your arrival date.

What the basic insurance covers

The basisverzekering is a standardised package of healthcare that every insurer in the Netherlands is legally required to offer. It covers: visits to your GP (huisarts), hospital treatment, prescription medication, mental healthcare, physiotherapy (limited), maternity care, and certain specialist treatments. The contents of the basic package are set by the government and are identical across all insurers — you cannot get more or less basic coverage by choosing a different provider.

What differs between insurers is the premium, the deductible (eigen risico), service quality, and available supplementary packages. In 2026, the average monthly premium for the basic package is approximately €135–€165 per adult, though this varies by insurer and any supplementary coverage you add.

The deductible (eigen risico)

Every adult in the Netherlands has a mandatory annual deductible of €385 (the 2026 figure; this is adjusted annually). This means the first €385 of your healthcare costs each year is paid by you, after which your insurance covers the rest. GP visits are not subject to the deductible — your huisarts is always free. The deductible applies to hospital visits, specialist care, and prescription medication.

You can voluntarily increase your deductible up to €885 per year in exchange for a lower monthly premium. This makes financial sense if you are young and healthy and unlikely to use much healthcare. However, if you have a chronic condition or anticipate significant healthcare needs, sticking with the minimum deductible is usually wiser.

Choosing an insurer

The main Dutch health insurers are Zilveren Kruis (part of Achmea), VGZ, CZ, Menzis, and their various sub-brands. There is also a comparison site, Zorgwijzer.nl, which is available in English and allows you to compare policies by premium, deductible, and supplementary coverage. The government's own comparison tool at Independer.nl is also useful.

For expats, one practical consideration is whether the insurer has good English-language support and whether their app or customer portal is available in English. Zilveren Kruis and its sub-brand OHRA have reasonable English support. CZ has an English website. VGZ is more Dutch-focused.

Supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering)

On top of the basic insurance, most insurers offer supplementary packages covering things the basic package does not: dental care for adults, alternative medicine, eyeglasses and contact lenses, additional physiotherapy sessions, and travel insurance. These are optional, priced separately, and subject to different terms. For most expats, the most relevant supplementary coverage is dental — Dutch basic insurance covers dental care only for children up to age 18, not adults.

Zorgtoeslag: the healthcare allowance

If your income falls below a certain threshold, you may be entitled to a zorgtoeslag — a monthly government contribution towards your health insurance premium. In 2026, singles with an income below approximately €37,000 and couples below approximately €47,000 may qualify. You apply through the Dutch Tax Authority's website (Belastingdienst.nl) or via the DigiD app. It is worth checking — the allowance can be several hundred euros per year.

What to do when you arrive

As soon as you have a BSN and a Dutch address, register with a GP (huisarts) in your neighbourhood and take out a basic insurance policy. You do not need a GP referral to take out insurance, but you do need to be registered with a GP to access most healthcare. Most GP practices have a registration form on their website. Choose a practice within walking distance of your home — in the Netherlands, you are typically expected to use the GP closest to your address.