If you come to the Netherlands to work through Charlie works, we will arrange many practical matters for you. However, there are also things that you need to understand and arrange yourself. One of the most important is health insurance. In the Netherlands, health insurance is required by law as soon as you come to live and work here.
Because this is a new topic for many international employees, we will explain step by step how it works, what the costs are and how Charlie works supports you in this.
Why Health Insurance is Mandatory
The Dutch government has determined that everyone who lives or works here must take out health insurance. This covers the most important medical costs, such as:
- General practitioner visit;
- Emergency assistance and hospital admission;
- Obstetric care and maternity care;
- Medicines that fall under basic care.
More information about the content of the basic insurance can be found on the website of the national government.
If you do not have health insurance while working in the Netherlands, the government can impose a fine. In addition, you will have to pay medical costs yourself, which can quickly add up.
When Do You Need to Take out Health Insurance?
If you come to work for longer than four months and register with the municipality (BRP), you must take out health insurance within four months. If you work in the Netherlands for a shorter period, for example for seasonal work, exceptions sometimes apply. Charlie works can often arrange these kinds of things for you, so you can focus on your work.
How Do You Apply for Health Insurance?
Charlie works offers employees who do not permanently reside in the Netherlands a collective health insurance through Holland Zorg. The basic (nominal) premium for this in 2025 is €38.00 per week (€164.70 per month). We will arrange it for you, and the premium will be automatically deducted from your salary. You can also choose to arrange your own health insurance. Below, we explain step-by-step how this works.
1. Register with the municipality
It starts with your registration with the municipality where you are going to live. You will then receive a citizen service number (BSN). This number is essential in order to take out health insurance. More information can be found on the website of your municipality.
2. Choose a health insurer
In the Netherlands, there are various health insurers, such as Zilveren Kruis, CZ, VGZ, and Menzis. The basic insurance is the same with all insurers, but the monthly premium and additional packages may differ.
3. Apply
The application is easy online. You enter your personal details, including your BSN, and choose whether you only want basic insurance or also additional modules.
4. Confirmation
After approval, you will receive your policy and health insurance card. With this you can prove that you are insured.
What Does Health Insurance Cost?
The premium for basic insurance in 2025 averages between €140 and €170 per month. This amount depends on what extra care you need and you pay it directly to the insurer. Do you want to compare premiums? This can easily be done via Zorgwijzer or Independer.
Depending on your income, you can sometimes also apply for healthcare allowance. More information can be found at the Tax Authorities.
How Does Charlie works Help?
At Charlie works, we understand that arranging health insurance in another country can be complicated. That is why we help you where possible:
- We explain how the rules work and what you have to do.
- We help with your registration with the municipality and applying for a BSN.
- For many migrant workers, we arrange collective health insurance directly at the start of their work. This way you are immediately insured and you don’t have to figure anything out yourself.
- Our coordinators and job coaches are available to answer your questions and support you in your own language.
This way you can be sure that you are insured without worries and can work safely in the Netherlands.
Conclusion
Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands and important for your health and financial security. Fortunately, you don’t have to arrange this alone. Via Charlie works we help you step by step with this process, so that you start off well and can fully focus on your job.
Start without Worries via Charlie works
Are you coming to work in the Netherlands and want to be sure that your health insurance is well arranged? Charlie works is ready for you. We guide you from your first day and ensure that everything is properly arranged from work and salary to health insurance and housing.
View our vacancies or contact our team directly. Together, we ensure that you can start working worry-free!
