Expat Health Insurance Blog

Practical articles on Dutch health insurance for expats and newcomers — eigen risico, switching season, ZZP coverage, and more.

coverage

Aanvullende Verzekering: Dutch Supplementary Insurance Explained for 2026

Wondering whether you need supplementary health insurance (aanvullende verzekering) in the Netherlands? This guide explains what it covers, who needs it, and how to choose the right package.

freelancers

Dutch Health Insurance for Freelancers (ZZP): What You Need to Know in 2026

Working as a freelancer (ZZP) in the Netherlands? You still need Dutch health insurance — and you pay every cent of it yourself. Here's how to pick the right plan and lower the cost.

expat tips

Health Insurance for Families in the Netherlands: What You Need to Know

How does Dutch family health insurance work? Children's coverage, supplemental packages, family discounts, and how to choose the right plan for your household.

moving

Health Insurance When Leaving the Netherlands: What to Do Before You Go

Moving out of the Netherlands? Here's exactly what happens to your Dutch health insurance when you de-register, how to avoid gaps, and what to arrange in your destination country.

expat tips

Health Insurance and Pregnancy in the Netherlands: What's Covered?

Pregnant in the Netherlands? Here's exactly what your Dutch health insurance covers — midwife care, hospital birth, kraamzorg, and what you pay out of pocket.

expat tips

Health Insurance for Students in the Netherlands: Complete Guide

International and Dutch students: here's how health insurance works in the Netherlands, what it costs, how to get zorgtoeslag, and the cheapest student-friendly options.

guides

How to Switch Health Insurance in the Netherlands: Step-by-Step Guide

Switching Dutch health insurance is straightforward if you know the rules. Here's exactly how to switch insurer, change your policy, or adjust your eigen risico — step by step.

basics

What Happens If You Don't Have Health Insurance in the Netherlands?

No zorgverzekering in the Netherlands? You risk fines, retroactive premiums, and CAK enforcement. Here's exactly what happens and how to fix it.

switching

How to Switch Health Insurance in the Netherlands: A Step-by-Step Guide

Switching Dutch health insurance is only possible once a year — between November 12 and December 31. Here's exactly how to do it, what to compare, and how to avoid gaps in coverage.

basics

What Does Dutch Health Insurance Actually Cover? A Complete Guide for 2026

Confused about what Dutch health insurance (zorgverzekering) covers? This plain-English breakdown explains exactly what's included in the basic plan — and what you'll need to pay extra for.

expat tips

The 30% Ruling and Your Health Insurance: What Highly Skilled Migrants Need to Know

Got the 30% ruling in the Netherlands? Here's how it affects your health insurance, zorgtoeslag eligibility, and which plan to pick.

basics

Dental Coverage in Dutch Health Insurance: What Is Actually Covered?

Dutch basic health insurance barely covers dental care for adults. Here's what is and isn't covered, when you need a supplement, and how to choose the right dental add-on.

expat tips

Dutch Health Insurance for Self-Employed Expats (ZZP): What You Need to Know

Freelancers and ZZP'ers in the Netherlands face unique health insurance challenges. This guide covers what's required, what ZZP deductions apply, and how to choose the right plan.

deadlines

Health Insurance Deadline 2026: What Expats in the Netherlands Need to Know

Miss the Dutch health insurance deadline and you'll face fines. Here's exactly when to sign up, what happens if you're late, and how to pick the right plan.

deadlines

Health Insurance Switching Season in the Netherlands: What Expats Need to Know

Every year in November you can switch Dutch health insurers. Here's how the overstapperiode works, when to switch, and how to avoid common mistakes.

expat tips

How to Choose Health Insurance in the Netherlands as an Expat

A step-by-step guide to picking the right Dutch health insurance (zorgverzekering) as an expat — coverage types, costs, and what to watch out for.

basics

Natura vs Restitutie vs Combinatie: Which Dutch Insurance Type Is Right for You?

The three types of Dutch health insurance explained in plain English. Which one saves you money, and which one gives you freedom? Here's how to choose.

basics

Understanding Eigen Risico: The Dutch Health Insurance Deductible Explained

Confused by the eigen risico? You're not alone. This guide explains how the Dutch deductible works, what it covers, and how to decide whether to raise it.