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Buro Philip van den Hurk
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Health Insurance in the Netherlands: What Every Expat Needs to Know
Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands. If you live or work here, you are legally required to take out basic health insurance (basisverzekering) within four months of your arrival. Failing to do so can result in fines from the CAK (Centraal Administratie Kantoor), the government body that enforces the insurance obligation.
How the Dutch Healthcare System Works
The Dutch healthcare system is built on a combination of mandatory private insurance and government regulation. It consists of three layers:
Basic health insurance (basisverzekering): This is the mandatory package that every resident must have. The coverage is defined by the government and is the same regardless of which insurer you choose. It covers GP visits, hospital care, prescription medications, mental healthcare, maternity care, and more.
Supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering): This is optional and covers services not included in the basic package, such as dental care for adults, physiotherapy beyond the basic coverage, alternative medicine, and glasses or contact lenses.
Long-term care (Wlz): This is funded through social security contributions (included in your payroll tax) and covers long-term nursing and care needs.
Choosing a Health Insurer
There are several health insurance providers in the Netherlands. Because the basic coverage is identical across all insurers, the main differences are in price, customer service, and supplementary packages. Major insurers include Zilveren Kruis, CZ, Menzis, VGZ, and OHRA.
Premiums for basic insurance typically range from 120 to 145 euros per month in 2026. You can switch insurers once a year during the open enrollment period in November and December, with the new policy starting on January 1.
The Eigen Risico (Deductible)
Every adult with basic insurance has a mandatory annual deductible (eigen risico) of 385 euros in 2026. This means you pay the first 385 euros of most healthcare costs yourself before your insurance covers the rest. GP visits, maternity care, and care for children under 18 are exempt from the deductible.
You can choose a higher voluntary deductible (up to 500 euros extra) to lower your monthly premium, but this means higher out-of-pocket costs if you need care.
Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)
If your income is below a certain threshold, you may be eligible for healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) from the Dutch government. This monthly subsidy helps offset the cost of your health insurance premium. You can apply through the Belastingdienst (Tax Authority) website. For 2026, singles earning below approximately 38,000 euros and couples below approximately 48,000 euros may qualify.
Special Situations for Expats
Arriving from an EU country: If you move from another EU/EEA country, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides temporary coverage. However, you still need to arrange Dutch health insurance within four months of registration.
The 30% ruling and insurance: Expats with the 30% ruling can choose to be treated as partial non-resident taxpayers. This may affect your eligibility for zorgtoeslag and could change your social security obligations. It is important to get professional advice on how this interacts with your insurance.
Working for a foreign employer: If you work in the Netherlands for a foreign employer without a Dutch payroll, your insurance situation may be different. You might need a private international health insurance policy instead of Dutch basic insurance.
Family coverage: Each adult needs their own policy. Children under 18 are covered free of charge under a parent’s basic insurance and have no deductible.
Other Insurance Types to Consider
Beyond health insurance, there are several other types of insurance that are common or recommended in the Netherlands:
Liability insurance (aansprakelijkheidsverzekering): This covers damage you accidentally cause to others or their property. While not mandatory, it is strongly recommended and very affordable (typically 3 to 5 euros per month). Nearly all Dutch residents have this coverage.
Home contents insurance (inboedelverzekering): Covers your belongings against theft, fire, water damage, and storm damage. If you rent, your landlord’s insurance only covers the building, not your personal possessions.
Travel insurance (reisverzekering): Useful for expats who travel frequently, covering medical emergencies abroad, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.
Get Personalized Insurance Advice
Choosing the right insurance coverage depends on your personal situation, family composition, and budget. At Buro Philip van den Hurk, we help expats find the optimal insurance package — comparing providers, identifying savings opportunities, and ensuring you are properly covered. Schedule a free consultation with our insurance specialists.
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