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

The Netherlands has one of the most distinctive maternity care systems in Europe: midwife-led care, home births, and intensive postnatal home nursing are the norm — not the exception. For expats arriving from countries where hospital births with obstetricians are standard, this can come as a surprise.

The good news: Dutch health insurance covers maternity care comprehensively, and — unlike most specialist care — without an eigen risico deductible.

Here's exactly what's covered, what you pay, and how the Dutch system works.

The Dutch Approach to Maternity Care

In the Netherlands, pregnancy is treated as a natural process rather than a medical event. Low-risk pregnancies are managed by a verloskundige (midwife) rather than an obstetrician (gynaecoloog). Obstetricians get involved only when there are complications or risk factors.

This is different from many countries where all births happen in hospitals with doctors present. Here:

Low-risk pregnancy: Managed entirely by a midwife; birth can happen at home, in a birth centre, or in a hospital
High-risk or complicated pregnancy: Transferred to specialist care with an obstetrician in a hospital

This system shapes what's covered — and what isn't.

What Is Covered by the Basic Package

Midwife Care (Verloskundige)

All prenatal check-ups, birth assistance, and postnatal check-ups provided by a registered verloskundige are fully covered under the basic package.

This includes:

Initial pregnancy confirmation and registration
All scheduled prenatal appointments (typically every 4–6 weeks early, then more frequently near term)
Ultrasounds recommended by your midwife
Birth assistance (home birth, birth centre, or hospital with your midwife present)
Postnatal check-ups

Cost to you: €0 — midwife care does not count toward your eigen risico.

Hospital Delivery When Medically Necessary

If your pregnancy becomes high-risk, or if complications arise during labour, your midwife will transfer your care to an obstetrician in a hospital. This specialist care is covered by the basic package.

If delivery happens in a hospital under medical supervision of an obstetrician (klinische bevalling), this is fully covered — and again, does not count toward your eigen risico.

Kraamzorg (Postnatal Home Care)

One of the most uniquely Dutch aspects of the system: kraamzorg. After your baby is born, a kraamverzorgster (maternity nurse) visits your home — typically for 8 days — to help with:

Medical checks on mother and baby
Breastfeeding support
Baby care guidance
Light household tasks to help the family settle

Coverage: Kraamzorg is covered by the basic package. The minimum entitlement is 24 hours over 8 days, with a standard of 49 hours. You pay a small daily personal contribution (eigen bijdrage kraamzorg) — approximately €4–€5/day in 2026.

Important: Book kraamzorg early — ideally in the first trimester. Capacity is limited and many providers fill up quickly.

Prenatal Screenings

Several prenatal screenings are covered:

NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test, tests for chromosomal conditions) — covered for women 36+ or those with specific risk factors; others pay a contribution (~€175 in 2026)
20-week structural anomaly scan — covered
First-trimester blood tests — covered

Postnatal Check-ups

Your midwife or GP handles standard postnatal check-ups for both mother and baby. These are covered.

Newborns receive a comprehensive health screening (hielprik) and hearing test (gehoorscreening) — both covered at no cost.

What Is Not Automatically Covered

Elective Hospital Birth (Without Medical Indication)

Choosing to give birth in a hospital with an obstetrician when your pregnancy is low-risk is not automatically covered by the basic package. If you want a poliklinische bevalling (hospital birth managed by your own midwife, without an obstetrician), this is covered. If you want an obstetrician present without medical necessity, you may face additional costs.

Discuss your preferences with your midwife early. They will be clear about what is medically indicated and what isn't.

Pain Relief (Epidural)

Epidurals are not routinely available for home births or birth centre deliveries. If you are delivering in a hospital under midwife care (poliklinische bevalling), an epidural is possible but involves extra administrative steps. When medically indicated or in a klinische bevalling (hospital birth with obstetrician), costs are covered.

If you have a strong preference for an epidural, discuss this early and ensure your birth plan matches your care setting.

Certain Fertility Treatments

IVF is covered up to 3 cycles for women under 43. Other fertility treatments vary — check your specific policy.

Practical Steps for Expats

1. Register with a Midwife Early

As soon as you know you're pregnant, find a verloskundige practice and register. You don't need a GP referral — you can contact midwives directly.

To find a registered midwife: www.verloskundigenzoekopdracht.nl (Dutch, but searchable by postcode).

2. Notify Your Insurer

Some insurers want notification once you're pregnant, especially for supplemental coverage purposes. This is also a good time to check that your chosen midwife practice is in-network for your policy type.

3. Check Your Policy Type

For natura plans, verify that your preferred midwife practice and any hospitals you might deliver at are contracted with your insurer.

For restitutie plans, you can use any registered midwife or hospital.

4. Book Kraamzorg in the First Trimester

Many kraamzorg agencies are booked out months in advance. Register as early as possible — typically within the first 8–10 weeks of pregnancy.

5. Register the Baby After Birth

You must register your newborn at the gemeente within 3 days of birth. Bring your ID, the baby's birth certificate (from the hospital or midwife), and your partner's ID if applicable. Once registered, the baby is in the BRP and their healthcare entitlements are active.

Finding English-Speaking Midwives

Many Dutch midwife practices in cities with large expat communities have English-speaking staff. Ask directly. In cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Eindhoven, finding English-speaking maternity care is generally straightforward.

The Bottom Line

Dutch maternity care is comprehensive, midwife-led, and largely free at the point of care. For expats used to doctor-led, hospital-centred maternity care, the Dutch approach takes some adjustment — but the coverage is excellent.

Key takeaways:

Midwife care is fully covered, no eigen risico
Kraamzorg (postnatal home care) is covered with a small daily contribution
Hospital births under medical supervision are fully covered
Book a midwife and kraamzorg early

👉 Compare Dutch health insurance plans that include strong maternity support

This article reflects Dutch health insurance and maternity care regulations as of 2026. Consult your midwife or insurer for personalised guidance.