Dutch Health Insurance

Welcome! In the Netherlands, health insurance (zorgverzekering) isn’t just a good idea, it’s mandatory.
Here’s the super-quick guide.

The 4-Month Rule (Don’t Wait!) You have 4 months from your registration date to get insured.

Why rush? Because it’s retroactive. If you sign up 3 months late, your first bill will be for all 3 months plus the current month. Ouch. Just get it done!

The “One Shot” Rule Choose wisely, grasshopper. You can only change your provider or plan once per year. The “switching window” is from mid-November to December 31st. After that, you’re locked in.

The “Eigen Risico” (Your Deductible) This is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket each year before your insurance covers the rest.

• The mandatory minimum is €385.
• You can choose a higher deductible (e.g., €885) to get a lower monthly payment. It’s a gamble!

The Best Part (and The Catch)

• The Best Part: Visits to your local GP (huisarts) are 100% free and do NOT count toward your deductible.
• The Catch: If your GP sends you for a blood test or gives you a prescription, that will chip away at your €385. Sneaky, right?

Your Teeth Are “Extra” This is a big one. Adult dental care is NOT in the basic plan. You need an add-on package (tandartsverzekering).

• Newcomer Trap: Insurers are wary. For major work (like crowns or root canals), they often have a 12-month waiting period or require a dental statement first. Check the fine print!

The Kids Are (More Than) Alright This is the best deal in the NL. Health insurance for children under 18 is 100% free. They get co-insured on a parent’s policy and automatically receive the most comprehensive coverage of either parent.

Final Tip: Ask your employer if they offer a “collective” plan. You can’t get discounts on the basic package anymore, but you can often get a sweet deal on add-ons like dental or physiotherapy!