In the Netherlands, health insurance is not arranged by your employer or the state – you arrange it yourself, with a private insurer. The basic insurance (basisverzekering) is required by law for everyone who lives or works here. The content of the basic package is the same at every insurer; the price, the service and the choice of care providers differ.
Newcomers often wait too long because they are still busy with the move, the residence permit and the job. Do not wait: medical bills from the period without insurance are your own costs.
The rules in short
- Deadline: take your policy within 4 months after you start working or come to live here.
- Own risk (eigen risico): €385 per year in 2026 for everyone aged 18 or over. The government plans €400 for 2027.
- Premium: every insurer sets its own; the government calculates with an average of about €159 a month for 2026.
- No refusal: insurers must accept everyone for the basic insurance.
- Children: free until 18, on a parent’s policy.
What the basic package covers
- GP, hospital and specialist care
- Prescription medicines and pharmacy care
- Maternity care, mental health care and emergency care – also abroad, up to Dutch rates
- Dental care for children under 18
Dental care for adults, physiotherapy beyond the basic rules, glasses and extra cover abroad are not in the basic package. For that you can take a supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering) – it is optional and the insurer may ask health questions.
Three types of policy
- In-kind (natura): cheaper, full cover at contracted care providers.
- Reimbursement (restitutie): free choice of care provider, usually more expensive.
- Budget / combination: lowest premium, smaller choice of providers.
Sources: Government.nl – working in the Netherlands, Government.nl – uninsured, Government.nl – switching.
Healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag)
Up to €129 a month
The 2026 maximum for a single person; up to €246 a month with a partner.
Income limit
About €40,857 a year single, €51,142 together (2026). Wealth limits apply too.
Apply online
At the Tax Administration, with DigiD. You can apply until 1 September of the next year.
Belastingdienst →Avoid paying back
Keep your expected income up to date – too much allowance must be repaid.
How to choose
Look at your care
Using regular care or medicines? A higher voluntary own risk rarely pays off.
Check the providers
Is your GP, hospital or psychologist contracted? Check before you choose a policy.
Employer discount
Many employers offer a collective contract with a small discount.
Read in English
Several insurers offer policies and service in English for internationals.
Questions
Do I need Dutch health insurance if I have insurance from my home country?
If you live or work in the Netherlands on a Dutch payroll, yes: Dutch basic insurance is required by law. If you work here for a foreign employer, other rules can apply – the SVB decides whether you are insured in the Netherlands.
What happens if I am late?
Take your policy within 4 months. If you are registered at a municipality but not insured, the CAK sends you a letter. You then have 3 months; after that you get a fine – about €530 per fine in 2026. After two fines the CAK insures you itself and deducts a higher premium from your income for 12 months.
Can an insurer refuse me because of my health?
Not for the basic insurance. Every insurer must accept everyone for the basic package, at the same premium. Insurers may refuse you for supplementary insurance.
Does the GP count towards my own risk?
No. Visits to your GP (huisarts) are not paid from your own risk. Hospital care, medicines and many tests are.
Are my children insured?
Children under 18 must be insured too, but they pay no premium and no own risk. You add them to the policy of one of the parents.
When can I switch insurer?
Once a year. Cancel by 31 December and take a new policy by 1 February – you are then insured from 1 January. If you take the new policy before 31 December, the new insurer cancels the old one for you.
123 Insurance gives general information and refers you to licensed insurers and advisers. We are not an insurer, we do not sell policies and we do not give personal insurance advice. Amounts are for 2026 unless stated otherwise – always check the official source and your policy conditions.