Moving to the Netherlands can be a challenge and there are a lot of things you need to take into account. One of the most confusing aspects can be that you may or may not be obligated to get Dutch health insurance. In this blog we will help you figure out whether you need to take action or not. Does it appear that you’re required to get Dutch health insurance? Don’t worry: according to Euro Health Consumer Index, our healthcare system is the second-best system in Europe. Above that, your medical expenses will be (mostly) covered with Zorgtoeslag!

When am I not obligated to take out Dutch health insurance?

Dutch health insurance is obligated when the Dutch government considers you to be a resident of the Netherlands. This means that, generally, international students are not obliged to take out Dutch health insurance, since their stay in the Netherlands is only temporary.

You're not obligated if you are:

• In The Netherlands for study purposes only
• On an orientation year with a search visa
• From outside the EU/EEA and haven't received a letter from the Immigration Service (IND) confirming that you will be given a residence permit.

When am I obligated to take out Dutch health insurance?

Are you doing an internship, traineeship or PhD for which you are paid at least as much as the Dutch minimum wage? Then you are obligated to obtain Dutch health insurance under the WIz-scheme. All types of expenses are regarded as remuneration for your internship, which means that if you receive money for housing or expenses from a company or university, this also counts as an income. 
 
You are required to have Dutch health insurance when you:

• Study in the Netherlands and also have a (part-time) job or an internship with a minimum wage salary.
• Study in the Netherlands and have a zero-hour (casual) working contract.

 
When can I use the insurance from my home country?

If you’re temporarily in the Netherlands for study purposes only, are under 30 and from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you can use your European health insurance Card (EHIC). You can only use your EHIC when you are insured in your home country’s insurance scheme.
 
Now you know whether you’ll need to find a Dutch health insurance. Although you may not expect to be in need of any care during your studies in the Netherlands, you’re at least certain to be in good hands in case something happens. Good luck!