Health & Insurance Guides for Expats in the Netherlands 2026 (2 guides)

Healthcare in the Netherlands consistently ranks among the best in Europe, but the system works very differently from what most expats are used to. When I arrived, I had four months to arrange my zorgverzekering before I was fined by the Dutch tax authority. I did not know that. This section makes sure you do.

How the Dutch Healthcare System Works

The Netherlands operates a regulated private insurance system. There is no NHS equivalent. Instead, every resident is legally required to take out a basic health insurance policy — called a basisverzekering — from one of the approved Dutch insurers. The government sets what the basic package must cover. Insurers compete on price and additional coverage.

As soon as you register with your municipality and receive your BSN number, the four-month clock starts. If you do not arrange your zorgverzekering within that window, you will be automatically enrolled by the CAK and fined.

Eigen Risico: Understanding Your Deductible

Every adult pays an eigen risico — a mandatory annual deductible — before the insurer covers most costs. In 2026 the mandatory deductible is €385. GP visits are covered without applying the deductible, which is why most Dutch residents visit their huisarts first for almost every health issue.

You can voluntarily increase your deductible in exchange for a lower monthly premium. Whether this makes financial sense depends on how much healthcare you expect to use. I walk through the calculation in the eigen risico guide.

Choosing a Zorgverzekering

The difference between the cheapest and most expensive basic policies in 2026 is around €50 per month. But price is not the only factor. Some policies limit your choice of hospital or specialist (naturapolis), while others give you free choice (restitutiepolis). If you want to see a specific doctor or use a specific hospital, checking the policy type before you sign up is a must.

Use the health insurance wizard to compare the main options based on your personal situation — family size, preferred hospitals, budget, and whether you have specific ongoing treatments.

Supplementary and Expat Insurance

The basic package does not cover dental care for adults, physiotherapy beyond a limited number of sessions, or most mental health care beyond a basic threshold. Supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering) fills some of these gaps.

If you are in the Netherlands on a short-term assignment or not yet registered as a resident, international expat insurance may be a better option than the Dutch system. I compare the main expat insurance providers and explain exactly when each option makes sense.

The Huisarts System

In the Netherlands, you cannot self-refer to a specialist. You need a referral from your huisarts (GP). Registering with a local huisarts shortly after you arrive is one of the first practical steps I recommend to every new expat. In busy cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht, waiting lists exist, so registering early matters.