Dutch healthcare is excellent, but the insurance model surprises most newcomers. Everyone living or working here must buy a private basic health insurance (basisverzekering) from a Dutch insurer. It isn't automatic, and it isn't taken from your salary.
The four things to know
- It's mandatory and time-boxed. You have 4 months from your residence permit's start date to arrange it. Cover backdates to that date, so does the premium, so signing up late just means paying for months you weren't covered.
- The basic package is government-defined. Every insurer must offer the same core cover, so you're mostly comparing price and service, not benefits. Expect roughly €155–€165/month in 2026.
- There's a yearly deductible (eigen risico) of €385. You pay the first €385 of certain care yourself each year. GP visits, most maternity care and children's care are exempt from it.
- Kids are free. Children under 18 are covered at no extra premium on a parent's policy.
You probably qualify for zorgtoeslag
The healthcare allowance refunds part of your premium if your income is below €40,857 (single) or €51,142 combined (couple) in 2026, up to about €129/month single or €246/month as a couple. Apply through the Belastingdienst with your DigiD once you have a bank account.
How to choose an insurer
Comparison sites (Independer, Zorgkiezer) let you filter for English-speaking service. Big names include Zilveren Kruis, CZ, VGZ and Menzis; expat-friendly options like OHRA and international insurers exist too. You can switch insurer once a year (before 31 December, effective 1 January).
Your first stop for anything medical is your huisarts (GP), register with one near home early, because you generally need a referral for specialists. In an emergency it's 112; for urgent-but-not-emergency out of hours, the huisartsenpost.
Questions & answers
- Budget insurer or a big-name one, does it actually matter?
- The basic package is identical by law, so you're really choosing on service and policy type. Two things we'd weigh: does it have solid English-speaking support (a big deal early on), and is it a 'restitutie' policy (free choice of any hospital or specialist, reimbursed) or a cheaper 'natura' one (you use contracted providers). Want maximum freedom of choice? Pay a little more for restitutie. Happy to go where they send you? Natura saves money.
- Can I arrange health insurance before my BSN comes through?
- You can start looking, but an insurer needs your BSN to finalise a policy. The good news: you have up to 4 months from your residence permit's start date to arrange it, and cover is backdated to that date, so you won't end up with a gap. So get your BSN sorted at the gemeente as fast as you can, then sign up right after.