The Dutch public health insurance (basisverzekering), is the basic insurance package that is compulsory for all Dutch citizens. Even if you’re not a Dutch citizen, you might still be legally obliged to take out basisverzekering or a Dutch public health insurance policy.
Who needs to take out Dutch public health insurance?
Students in the Netherlands who:
- Have a zero-hour (casual) working contract
- Have a (part-time) job
- Have a paid or unpaid internship
are legally obliged to take out Dutch public health insurance as of their first day of work. Those who are not insured when they should be risk getting a fine, which comes in the form of a CAK letter.
How much does a Dutch public health insurance basic package cost?
The cost of basisverzekering per month depends on a number of factors; you can calculate the exact amount for your case here.
A basic insurance policy will cost approximately €150 per month with an excess/own risk (eigen risico) of roughly €385. This is the amount that you will have to pay in a year before your health insurance kicks in and covers the cost of your medical needs. This, however, does not include GP costs.
On the other hand, some of the most extensive options for basisverzekering, including an excess of €385, dental care, physiotherapy sessions, and care abroad, can more than double the cost.
Dutch public health insurance can be quite expensive. If you do not earn much money in the year (which most students don’t) then you may be eligible for the Zorgtoeslag. Read our subsidy page in order to find out how the government can help cover your health insurance costs.
What does Dutch basic health insurance cover?
The Dutch basic health insurance gives limited coverage for medical expenses. It will cover the most basic health care costs and medical emergency expenses. For example:
- Consultations with and treatment by a general practitioner (huisarts)
- Prescription drugs (if you want to see whether a specific medicine is covered by your basic insurance, you can use the official website medicijnkosten.nl)
- Specialist care in a hospital
- Emergency care and transport by ambulance
- Psychological care
The basic health insurance does not cover dental costs if you are over 18, so if you want dental coverage, make sure your insurance company at home covers dental care costs abroad, or take out a supplemental medical insurance including dental care.
Also note that the contents of the Dutch basic insurance package are determined by the government and can change slightly every year. You can find more detailed information on the contents of the package at zorgwijzer.nl and at the official Dutch government website.
How do I get Dutch public health insurance?
Applying for health insurance here is not a difficult task and can be done completely online, although you will need a DigiD. Once you have selected your plan and the provider, log into the insurance provider’s website with your DigiD, fill in your personal information, and click to apply.
You should be very careful when choosing and applying for an insurance package, as changing the package, the provider, or even your excess/own risk (eigen risico) can only be done during a small time window every year: you need to cancel your previous insurance before January 1st and take out a new one before February 1st . You can read more about changing insurance here. If you already have a Dutch health insurance and think you may need some specific thing covered, then top-up your basic insurance to cover for it also during this time frame.
If you miss this time window, you can only change or adjust your insurance if you change your job!
After purchasing your public health insurance, you will be billed each month. Your insurance provider will send you an insurance card as well as a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that sometimes these may be on the same card so if you only receive one card, you are still fine!
You should inform your GP about the insurance number. You can do this either by calling them or alternatively tell them the next time you visit them. If you register with a pharmacy, let them know your insurance number as well to make your visits to the pharmacy faster and less of a hassle.
