Health insurance in the Netherlands, or zorgverzekering, is mandatory for everyone living or working in the country. Ensuring that you are adequately covered not only fulfils the legal requirements, but also guarantees access to quality medical care. In the article below, we explain how to take out health insurance in the Netherlands, what steps you need to take and what to look out for when choosing an insurer - welcome!
Why is health insurance in the Netherlands compulsory?
The Netherlands has one of the most developed healthcare systems in Europe, however, using this system entails the obligation to have insurance. Anyone living or working in the Netherlands must take out basic health insurance within a maximum of four months of arrival, or starting work. Failure to take out such insurance can lead to heavy financial penalties.
Basic health insurance in the Netherlands covers, among other things, GP visits, hospitalisation, basic medicines and emergency care. Additional services, such as dentistry or physiotherapy, may be covered by supplementary insurance, which is also worth considering.
How do you choose the right insurer?
There are more than 40 insurance companies on the Dutch market, offering a variety of health insurance packages. To find the best deal, it is advisable to use online comparison sites such as Independer.nl or Zorgwijzer.nl. These allow you to analyse the offers in terms of price, scope of services and feedback from other customers.
Factors to look at when choosing health insurance are:
- the monthly premium - on average it is around €120 for a basic package,
- the amount of deductible risk - this is the amount you pay out of your own pocket before the insurance starts to cover your treatment,
- availability of additional packages - if you need dental insurance, for example,
- the network of facilities - make sure your insurer works with the facilities where you plan to be treated.
What documents do I need to buy insurance?
The process of purchasing health insurance in the Netherlands requires the preparation of several necessary documents. Make sure you have some on hand before submitting your application:
- personal identification data (e.g. passport or identity card),
- your BSN (Burgerservicenummer) - your Dutch tax and social security number,
- your address of residence in the Netherlands,
- bank account number - preferably Dutch, although many companies also accept foreign accounts,
- information about family members - if you plan to insure other people as well.
With complete documents, the whole process is quick and efficient.
How to take out health insurance in the Netherlands step by step?
The process of buying health insurance in the Netherlands is straightforward and can be done conveniently online. The first step is to choose the right insurer, which can be done by using comparison websites such as Independer.nl or Zorgwijzer.nl, or by visiting the websites of the insurance companies directly.
You will then need to complete a registration form, providing the required details such as your first name, surname, BSN number, home address and preferred bank account number. At this stage, it is also crucial to determine whether you are interested in a basic insurance package or a more extensive offer with additional services.
Once you have selected a package and completed the registration form, you will need to approve the application and submit it online. Once you have successfully registered with your chosen insurer, you will receive confirmation in the form of an insurance card, which is proof of your health insurance. It is a good idea to carry this card with you at all times so that you can make use of medical services when needed. The whole process is intuitive and, thanks to the availability of online tools, it can be completed quickly and without unnecessary formalities.
What is worth knowing about paying for insurance?
Health insurance in the Netherlands involves a monthly premium, which for the basic package is on average around €120. The premiums are usually taken automatically from your bank account, so it is important to make sure that there are always sufficient funds in your account. It is also worth bearing in mind the additional costs that may arise. Choosing a higher deductible lowers your monthly premium, but you will have to pay a higher proportion of the costs out of your own pocket in the event of illness. Therefore, it is worth thinking carefully about the amount of the deductible, taking into account your health and financial situation.
How do I change my health insurance in the Netherlands?
It is only possible to change your health insurance in the Netherlands once a year, with the new insurance taking effect on 1 January. To make the change, you must apply for a new policy with the insurer of your choice by 31 December at the latest. The new insurer will automatically cancel the previous insurance, eliminating the need to terminate the contract yourself. Before deciding to change, it is worthwhile to carefully analyse your health situation, your needs and the offers available on the market. You should pay attention not only to the amount of the premium, but also to the range of services covered and the possibility of receiving additional benefits, such as visits to specialists or reimbursement of medicines.
Where to look for help in buying insurance?
Everyone living or working in the Netherlands is obliged to have basic health insurance (zorgverzekering), which is a legal obligation. However, the cost of this insurance can be a significant financial burden, especially for those on lower incomes. To alleviate this expense, the Dutch government has introduced a special health insurance supplement, known as Zorgtoeslag - it is granted on the basis of income and can significantly reduce the real cost of insurance.
Taking out health insurance in the Netherlands is a crucial step for anyone living or working in the country. It is important to understand the requirements, choose the right insurer, prepare the necessary documents and pay the premiums on time. This will not only ensure that you meet your legal obligations, but also give you peace of mind and access to comprehensive medical care.
