Understanding healthcare and health insurance in the Netherlands

Moving to the Netherlands is an exciting step that offers many new opportunities and experiences. For anyone wishing to emigrate to the Netherlands, it is crucial to familiarise themselves with the Dutch healthcare system and the various health insurance options in advance. This comprehensive guide is aimed at anyone daring the adventure of emigrating to the Netherlands, as well as professionals, families and retirees who plan to make it their new home.

The Dutch healthcare system is considered one of the best and most efficient in Europe. It is based on the principle of compulsory insurance and ensures that all residents have access to high‑quality medical care. The system differs fundamentally from the German system: while in Germany employees are automatically insured via statutory health insurance, in the Netherlands every resident – regardless of employer – is required to take out basic health insurance (basisverzekering) themselves with a private health insurer..

The system is financed through monthly premiums that each insured person pays directly to their health insurer. Unlike in Germany, premiums are not income‑dependent but are flat‑rate. In addition, insured persons receive an income‑dependent premium reduction (zorgtoeslag) from the state, which primarily relieves low‑income earners and families. The principle of the Dutch system is: compulsory insurance for residents and employees, privatisation of insurance administration, but strong regulation by the state. Cost‑sharing by insured persons therefore remains moderate by European comparison.

Every person who lives or works in the Netherlands is required to take out basic insurance. The following important rules apply:

 

– COMPULSORY INSURANCE FOR ALL RESIDENTS: Whether you are employed, studying, moving to the Netherlands as a pensioner, or unemployed – you must register with a health insurer within four months of your arrival or starting work.

 

– KOSTENLOSE MITVERSICHERUNG FÜR KINDER: Children under 18 in the Netherlands are insured free of charge on a parent's policy – a crucial difference that significantly relieves families.

 

– PREMIUM AMOUNT: The average monthly premium for basic insurance in 2026 is around €142 to €159. The cheapest basic insurances in 2026 are VinkVink Basis (€142.40) and Nationale‑Nederlanden (€142.45). The price difference between the cheapest and most expensive policy is currently over €511 per year – so comparing is worthwhile .

 

– EVERYONE IS ACCEPTED: Insurers must accept every person, regardless of age, state of health or pre‑existing conditions.

A central difference from the German system is the annual mandatory deductible (verplicht eigen risico). This remains unchanged at €385 per year in 2026. This means that every insured person aged 18 or over must pay the first €385 of their healthcare costs in a calendar year themselves – regardless of the chosen insurance. Only after that does the health insurer cover the remaining costs.

The deductible does not apply to general practitioner services, maternity care and support, and certain aftercare services. There are also special rules for chronically ill persons: those who can prove a chronic illness can apply for a lower deductible. An increase of the mandatory deductible to €460 is planned from 2027.

You can also choose a voluntary higher deductible (vrijwillig eigen risico) – in return for a corresponding discount on the monthly premium. The maximum voluntary deductible can vary depending on the insurer and be an additional €500 to €1,000. This is worthwhile especially for healthy persons with low treatment costs.

Basic insurance covers medically necessary basic care. If you wish to have additional benefits – such as dental treatment (from age 18), physiotherapy, alternative medicine, better hospital accommodation or visual aids – you can take out voluntary private supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering). This is not mandatory, but can be useful depending on individual needs.

Typical benefits of supplementary insurance include:

 

– Dental treatment for adults (e.g., 75% up to €250 per year)

– Physiotherapy (e.g., 6–12 treatments per year without co‑payment)

– Alternative medicine (e.g., acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy)

– Subsidies for glasses and contact lenses (e.g., €100 every two years)

– Free choice of hospitals – including private clinics

– Comfort benefits in hospital: single or double room, treatment by head physician

 

Monthly premiums for supplementary insurance vary considerably – from about €10 for basic dental insurance up to €70 for comprehensive coverage with all extras. What matters is the desired scope of benefits. Since the difference between insurers is substantial (up to €200 per year for basic insurance alone), it is worth comparing before taking out a policy.

– Valid identity card or passport

– BSN (Burgerservicenummer)

– Residential address in the Netherlands

– Bank account (preferably with a Dutch IBAN; some providers accept German IBANs as well)

– If applicable, proof of residence status or employment contract

You may change health insurer every year by 31 December for the following year (starting 1 January) without incurring any health‑related disadvantages. No health check is required. A switch is worthwhile if another insurer offers lower premiums or better supplementary benefits.

Consider carefully before taking out supplementary insurance which additional benefits you actually need. A simple dental package for €10 per month can be more sensible than a comprehensive premium supplementary insurance for €80 per month if you do not use most of the benefits. With the help of comparison portals, you can quickly and easily find and compare suitable supplementary packages – pay attention to the exact reimbursement limits and any waiting periods before use.

– Meet the deadline: Take out basic insurance within the first four months after your arrival. Use comparison portals such as Independer.nl, to find the cheapest and most suitable policy..

 

– Apply for a BSN: The Burgerservicenummer is required for taking out insurance. You will receive it when registering with the municipality.

 

– Take out a policy for each family member: Children under 18 are automatically covered on a parent's policy – no separate policy required. For adults, each person needs their own insurance.

 

– Check supplementary insurance: Consider before taking it out whether you wish to have additional benefits – dental treatment, physiotherapy or alternative medicine. Targeted coverage can be worthwhile; expensive premium packages are often unnecessary.

 

– Apply for zorgtoeslag: Check immediately upon registration whether you are entitled to the state premium reduction. The application can be submitted online to the tax authority and provides monthly relief of up to €120.

 

– Use the switching option: You can change health insurer once a year by 31 December – a comparison is worthwhile, as price differences have grown to over €500 annually in 2026..

Moving to the Netherlands requires careful planning and a good understanding of the healthcare system. We at KOCH Moving Logistics are by your side to make your dream of emigrating to the Netherlands as smooth as possible.