If you come to work in the Netherlands as a foreign employee, you will encounter a healthcare system that may be different from what you are used to. In the Netherlands, health insurance is mandatory for everyone who lives or works here. In this blog, we explain step by step how the Dutch healthcare system works, what insurance you need, and what you need to arrange as soon as you start working in the Netherlands.
The basics of the Dutch healthcare system
The Dutch healthcare system is organized in such a way that the government determines which care is included in the basic package, but you take out health insurance yourself with a health insurer. There are two types of insurance:
The basic insurance (mandatory)
The basic insurance is the minimum insurance that everyone must have. This insurance covers, among other things:
- General practitioner visits
- Hospital care
- Medicines that are included in the basic package
- Emergency assistance
- Certain treatments with psychologists
More information about this can be found on the official website of the government.
The supplementary insurance (optional)
You can take out supplementary insurance if you need extra care, such as:
- Dental care
- Physiotherapy
- Glasses and lenses
- Extensive aids
This insurance is not mandatory. You choose whether you need it, depending on your personal situation.
Are you required to take out Dutch health insurance?
Yes. If you work in the Netherlands, you must take out Dutch health insurance within four months of arrival. This also applies if you come from an EU country and already have health insurance. As soon as you earn income in the Netherlands, a Dutch basic insurance is mandatory.
This means:
- Do you work in the Netherlands? Then health insurance is mandatory.
- If you do not work, but you do stay here? Then it depends on your personal situation.
How does registering with a general practitioner work?
In the Netherlands, you always go to the general practitioner first when you have medical complaints. The general practitioner determines whether you are referred to a specialist.
- You choose a general practitioner in your neighborhood.
- You do not pay anything extra for a visit to the general practitioner; this falls within the basic insurance.
- Even if you are not insured, a general practitioner must help you in emergencies.
What is the deductible?
In the Dutch healthcare system, a mandatory deductible applies. In 2026, this amounts to 385 euros per year.
This means:
- You pay the first 385 euros of certain healthcare costs yourself.
- General practitioner visits are not subject to the deductible.
- Medicines, hospital care and specialist care are usually covered by this.
Healthcare allowance: financial assistance with healthcare costs
Don’t you earn much? Then you may be able to apply for a healthcare allowance. This is a contribution from the government to keep your health insurance affordable.
The following applies to healthcare allowance:
- You need a DigiD
- You must have Dutch health insurance
- You must not earn too much
You can apply for healthcare allowance here via the Tax Authorities. Also read our blog about allowances for labor migrants here.
EHIC card: how does that work?
Do you come from an EU country and have an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)? Then this is only valid for short stays, such as vacations or temporary visits.
As soon as you start working in the Netherlands, the coverage of the EHIC card expires and you must take out Dutch health insurance.
What do you need to arrange when you start working? (Step-by-step plan)
- Register with the municipality (BRP)
You will receive a BSN (Citizen Service Number). You need this number for work, insurance and allowances. More explanation can be found here. - Take out health insurance within four months
Compare insurance policies on price, coverage and additional options. - Check whether you can apply for a healthcare allowance
This can significantly reduce your monthly costs. - Keep your medical documents safe
You can read more information about this here.
What happens if you don’t have health insurance?
The Dutch government actively checks whether you are insured. If you do not have health insurance:
- You may be fined
- You will automatically be registered with a health insurer
- Costs can be recovered retroactively
So make sure you arrange this on time.
How can Charlie works help?
If you come to work in the Netherlands via Charlie works, we will support you with:
- Registration with the municipality
- Applying for documents
- Explanation about health insurance
- Support with questions
- Information about living, working and living in the Netherlands
At Charlie works you are not alone. We will guide you from day one.
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