Health insurance

The Netherlands has a high standard of medical care. Everybody is, however, obliged by law to be properly insured. Medical costs can be very high, especially if they include a stay in a hospital. Staff at institutions of higher education are not automatically insured against any medical expenses abroad. You must arrange this yourself.

Everyone who resides in the Netherlands is required to take out healthcare insurance under the provisions of the Health Insurance Act. The Dutch healthcare insurance covers the cost of basic medical care (the so-called ‘basiszorgverzekering’).

Healthcare insurers also offer different packages for additional care. You can change your health insurance policy and additional packages once a year (the new policy will take effect on January 1).

You can apply for Dutch basic health insurance after having received your Citizen Service Number (BSN). If you do not take out health insurance within 4 months after your appointment has started, you risk a considerable fine by the Dutch National Health Care Institute (Zorginstituut Nederland).

We advise you to take out medical insurance and/or travel insurance to cover the period from the date of travel until the date on which your contract of employment commences. When you arrive in the Netherlands, your HR contact person will tell you how to arrange health insurance in the Netherlands.

Please note: partners and children of non-EU/EEA employees with a non-EU/EEA nationality cannot take out a Dutch health insurance until their residence permits have been issued. If the above applies, it is strongly advised to arrange a proper health insurance for your partner and children in your home country which is valid in the Netherlands for at least four months after your arrival here.

> More information about the Dutch healthcare insurance system.