Health insurance is required for all people who live and work in the Netherlands.
If you are planning to study in The Netherlands, it is recommended to find out how and what medical costs are covered by your own health insurance during your stay abroad. If medical costs are not (sufficiently) covered, you will need to enroll for a Dutch healthcare insurance. This is important because medical costs in the Netherlands are well above average.
A Dutch health insurance is mandatory when you plan to work alongside your study (for example an internship or student job). Then you need to have a Dutch health insurance policy within 4 months after you register in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP). But we advise you to get a health insurance policy before arrival in the Netherlands, as well al registering at a local doctor/general practitioner.
More information about Dutch health insurance
How it works and what you need:
- General overview: studying and health insurance in the Netherlands
- Zorgverzekeringslijn.nl: information for international students
- Zorgwijzer.nl: about student insurance in the Netherlands
Student deal
Mind that often your educational institute has special student deals with insurance companies. If this information has not been provided by your university yet, please contact the international office at your university.
Proof of health insurance
Make sure to bring proof of your health insurance to your doctors’ appointment. In case you don’t have a Dutch insurance, EU health card, Insured to study/AON or OOM insurance, you will have to pay for the consult directly after you’ve visited the general practitioner/doctor.
A regular consult costs around € 30 - € 50. Blood tests, psychological support a.o. cost a lot more. Do not forget to ask for a receipt, as after your visit you can declare these costs at your insurance company.
➢ Unemployed
→ EU student → European Health Card
→ Non EU/EER → Insured to Study/OOM/AON
➢ Employed
→ All students → Basic Dutch health insurance