General practitioner

A general practitioner, or GP, is a doctor who provides general healthcare and is your first point of contact if you have a health complaint. 

The GP’s role 

Your GP treats you when you are sick, when have a minor injury and if you have a long-term medical condition. Your GP gives advice, prescribes medicines and refers you to a hospital specialist if necessary. Your GP knows your medical situation and ensures you are treated as soon as possible. 

Finding a GP in the Netherlands 

If you live in the Netherlands, it is a good idea to register with a GP close to where you live. This is only possible if the GP practice is accepting new patients. Call the practice or send it an email and ask if you can register with the practice. You will probably have to show your healthcare card and identity document. 

Making an appointment and consulting hours 

If you have a medical complaint, you can call your GP for an appointment. Many GPs also run a telephone surgery. In an emergency, the receptionist can schedule an appointment for you immediately. If you need a doctor urgently and your GP’s practice is not open, you can visit a GP out-of-hours service. This service has GPs who work at night and during the weekend.  

Always call 112 in an emergency or a life-threatening situation. 

Changing GP 

If you want to change GP, your can choose any GP who is accepting new patients. You can then register with that GP. Your new GP will ask your old GP for a copy of your medical records. This ensures your new GP has all your information and can provide the right care for you. 

The GP’s role 

In the Netherlands, if you have a medical complaint you usually visit your GP first. Your GP knows lots about your health and is often the doctor who treats you. If you need specialist healthcare in hospital, you must first get a letter of referral from your GP. If you do not have a letter of referral, your health insurer will not reimburse certain costs. GPs are essentially the gatekeepers of healthcare.