How to Choose Health Insurance in the Netherlands as an Expat

Moving to the Netherlands is exciting — but within four months of arriving, you must sort out one important task: Dutch health insurance, known as zorgverzekering.

Miss the deadline and you risk fines, gaps in coverage, and a stressful scramble to catch up. Get it right and you're covered for GP visits, hospital care, specialist treatment, and more — all at a predictable monthly cost.

This guide walks you through every step.

Step 1: Understand What Is Compulsory

Every person who lives and works in the Netherlands must have a basisverzekering (basic health insurance). This is a legal requirement, not an optional extra.

The basic package is standardised by the Dutch government. Every insurer must offer the same core coverage. This means:

• GP visits — always fully covered, zero cost
• Hospital care — covered after your deductible (eigen risico)
• Specialist consultations — covered (with referral from GP)
• Mental healthcare — basic coverage included
• Maternity care — fully covered
• Medication — covered according to the formulary list

What varies between insurers is the price and the type of policy.

Step 2: Choose a Policy Type

There are three main policy types in the Netherlands:

Natura

You must use contracted healthcare providers. These are hospitals, specialists, and GPs that have a deal with your insurer. Most mainstream providers are contracted, so this works fine for most expats. Natura plans are the cheapest.

Restitutie

You can visit any provider — contracted or not — and your insurer reimburses you based on the market rate. This gives maximum flexibility, including seeing providers abroad. Ideal if you travel frequently or want to keep using a specialist from outside your insurer's network.

Combinatie

A hybrid. GP and hospital care may be natura-style (contracted only), while specialist care may be restitutie. Check the specific policy wording carefully.

For most expats: If you travel regularly between the Netherlands and your home country and want to see doctors there, choose restitutie. If you're settled in the Netherlands and want the lowest premium, natura is fine.

Step 3: Understand the Eigen Risico (Deductible)

Every adult in the Netherlands has a mandatory own-risk deductible of €385 per year (2026). This means the first €385 of specialist care each year comes out of your own pocket. After that, your insurance covers everything.

GP visits are not subject to the eigen risico — they're always free.

You can choose to raise your deductible voluntarily to €885, which lowers your monthly premium. This makes sense if you're healthy and unlikely to see specialists. If you have ongoing health conditions or take regular medication, stick with €385.

Step 4: Check Zorgtoeslag Eligibility

Zorgtoeslag is a monthly government subsidy to help cover health insurance premiums. Eligibility depends on your income:

• Single person: taxable income under approximately €38,500/year
• Partners: combined taxable income under approximately €48,500/year

If you qualify, this can save you up to €127/month — that's over €1,500/year. Apply immediately via mijntoeslagen.nl. You can apply retroactively for the current year.

Even if you earn slightly above the threshold, the 30% ruling can reduce your taxable income enough to qualify.

Step 5: Consider Aanvullende Verzekering (Supplemental Insurance)

The basic package doesn't cover everything. Common gaps include:

• Dental care for adults (only emergency extractions covered)
• Physiotherapy (limited sessions covered for chronic conditions)
• Alternative medicine (acupuncture, osteopathy, etc.)
• Glasses and contact lenses

You can add supplemental insurance (aanvullende verzekering) to fill these gaps. Compare what you actually use before buying — many expats pay for dental supplements they never use.

Step 6: Compare and Decide

Now you're ready to compare. When evaluating plans, look at:

1. Monthly premium — your biggest cost driver
2. Policy type — natura vs restitutie
3. Deductible level — €385 standard, or up to €885 voluntary
4. Supplemental options — especially dental and physio
5. Insurer reputation — especially English-language customer service

👉 Compare all Dutch health insurance plans on CareCompare

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting too long. The 4-month deadline runs from when you register at the municipality (gemeente) or start working. Don't wait until the last week.

Keeping only home-country insurance. It almost never satisfies Dutch legal requirements. You still need a Dutch basisverzekering.

Not applying for zorgtoeslag. Even if you think you earn too much, check — especially with the 30% ruling or part-time work.

Choosing purely on price. The cheapest plan might have a restrictive network or poor English-language support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to get health insurance after arriving?

You have 4 months from your registration at the municipality (gemeente) or the start of your employment — whichever comes first.

Can I use my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) instead?

No. The EHIC covers emergency care when you're temporarily abroad within the EU. It doesn't replace Dutch health insurance when you live and work here.

What happens if I miss the 4-month deadline?

Your insurer can backdate your coverage to the date you should have enrolled, and you'll owe all the premiums from that date. You also risk fines from the Centraal Administratie Kantoor (CAK).

Do children need their own insurance?

Children under 18 are covered free under a parent's policy. They don't need a separate policy.

Can I switch insurers later?

Yes — once a year, during the switching season from November 12 to December 31. Your new coverage starts January 1. Read our guide on the switching season.