Many newcomers travel often – home to visit family, or around Europe. Travel insurance (reisverzekering) covers luggage, extra costs when something goes wrong and help with repatriation. Medical costs abroad are covered first by your Dutch health insurance, but only up to Dutch rates.
What travel insurance usually covers
- Luggage: theft, loss or damage, up to a limit per item
- Extra travel and stay costs after illness or an accident
- Repatriation to the Netherlands and 24-hour emergency help
- Optional: medical costs above Dutch rates, winter sports, cancellation
Check before you go
- Does the policy cover the country you visit, also your country of origin?
- How long may one trip last – often 60 to 180 days?
- What are the limits for phones, laptops and cameras?
Questions
Does my Dutch health insurance work abroad?
Yes, for urgent care – but only up to the amount the same care would cost in the Netherlands. In countries with expensive healthcare, such as the United States, the difference can be large. A travel insurance or supplementary cover can pay the difference.
What is the EHIC?
The European Health Insurance Card. With Dutch basic insurance you can use it for necessary care in the EU, EEA and Switzerland, on the same terms as local residents. You usually find it on the back of your insurer’s card or in its app.
Single trip or annual travel insurance?
If you travel more than once or twice a year – also to visit family – an annual (continuous) policy is usually cheaper and easier.
Is cancellation insurance included?
No. Cancellation insurance (annuleringsverzekering) is separate. It pays when you have to cancel for reasons in the policy, such as illness or the death of a family member.
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.