Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, everyone living or working in the Netherlands must have basic health insurance (basisverzekering). You must register within 4 months of starting work or residency.

Basic insurance covers GP visits, hospital care, prescription medication, mental healthcare, and maternity care. All insurers must offer the same basic package — the government defines it each year.

You must register within 4 months of arriving or starting paid work. If you miss this deadline, you may face a fine from the CAK.

Natura plans require you to use contracted providers for full coverage. Restitutie plans reimburse any licensed provider. Combinatie plans mix both approaches — some services are natura, others restitutie.

The eigen risico is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance covers costs. The mandatory minimum is €385 per year (2025). You can choose a higher deductible (up to €885) to lower your monthly premium. GP visits and maternity care are excluded from the deductible.

Basic insurance premiums range from roughly €115 to €160 per month depending on the insurer and plan type. Supplementary coverage for dental, physiotherapy, or alternative medicine costs extra.

Zorgtoeslag is a monthly government subsidy to help cover insurance costs. You may qualify if your income is below a threshold set annually. Apply through the Belastingdienst (tax office) — you can receive up to ~€150/month.

Supplementary insurance covers services not included in the basic package, such as dental care, physiotherapy, and alternative medicine. Each insurer offers different supplementary packages at different prices.

Use our comparison tool to filter by price, coverage type, and policy type. Focus on what matters most to you — price, provider freedom, or specific coverage like dental or physiotherapy.

Yes! You can switch insurers every year during the open enrollment period (November 12 – December 31). Your new policy starts January 1. No insurer can refuse you for basic coverage.

Insurers cannot refuse you for basic insurance or charge more based on pre-existing conditions. This is guaranteed by Dutch law. However, supplementary insurance may have waiting periods or exclusions.

Start with a restitutie or combinatie plan if you want provider freedom — especially useful if you don't speak Dutch and prefer English-speaking doctors. Compare plans online and check whether dental and physiotherapy coverage matters to you.