Free call
Students & au pairs

Study here. Insured the right way.

Only studying, or studying and working? That decides which insurance you need.

123 Insurance › Students & au pairs · Last checked: 26 October 2026

For international students the rules are different from other newcomers. Whether you need Dutch basic health insurance depends on one question: do you work next to your studies?

Study only

  • No Dutch basic insurance – you are not allowed to take it
  • Use your home-country insurance with enough cover, or a private student insurance
  • EU/EEA students: ask your own insurer for the EHIC

Study and work (also part-time or a paid internship)

  • Dutch basic health insurance is required from the start of the job
  • You may be entitled to healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag)
  • Paid internship? Ask the SVB whether you are insured under Dutch law

Also advised for every student: liability insurance – many student insurances include it – and contents insurance for your laptop and bike.

Source: Study in NL – insurance. Rules changed on 1 September 2025 for some EU and treaty-country students; check SVB.

Your checklist

1

Before you arrive

Health cover from day one: home-country, EHIC or private student insurance.

2

After registering

Got a letter from the CAK? Act within 3 months.

3

First job

Take Dutch basic insurance and apply for allowance.

4

After graduating

Check your cover for the orientation year and your first job.

Questions

I only study. Can I take Dutch basic insurance?

No. International students who only study are not allowed to take Dutch basic insurance. You use your home-country insurance (EU students often with the EHIC) or a private student insurance.

I study and have a part-time job. What now?

Then Dutch basic health insurance is required – also for a small part-time job. You may then be entitled to healthcare allowance.

I received a letter from the CAK. What should I do?

Act within 3 months, even if you think the letter is a mistake. Ask the SVB for a Wlz assessment straight away – it can take 6 to 8 weeks – and send the SVB decision to the CAK. Otherwise you risk a fine of about €530.

What about my orientation year after graduation?

During the orientation year you cannot take Dutch basic insurance until you start working. Use an international or private health insurance until then.

I am an au pair. Who insures me?

Your host family must arrange health, liability and accident insurance for you. Ask for the policy details before you arrive.

Want a licensed adviser to contact you?Send one short request. We pass it on – only with your permission – to a licensed partner.
Send a request
Not sure what you need?Book a free 30-minute call. We explain the Dutch system in your language and refer you to a licensed adviser.
Book a free call

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.