GP

If you are sick in the Netherlands, the first doctor you visit is a GP. 

What does a GP do? 

A GP helps you when you are sick or have questions about your health. The GP looks at your symptoms and prescribes medicines or sends you to hospital. It is therefore important that you register with a GP. 

Making an appointment with a GP 

Always call first to make an appointment. You can usually see a GP quickly. Some GPs also have a website you can use to make an appointment. Bring your health insurance card and identity document with you when you see the GP. 

Costs and insurance 

The cost of seeing a GP is covered by your health insurance. You do not pay any extra costs for seeing a GP. However, any additional tests or medicines might come under your policy excess. 

The GP out-of-hours service 

If you are sick in the evening, during the weekend or on a public holiday and cannot wait until your own GP’s practice is open again, you can call the GP out-of-hours service. This is an emergency GP clinic. You talk to someone over the phone first. That person decides whether you need help immediately. You might be given advice, or you might be given an appointment at the clinic. Most GP out-of-hours services are located at hospitals or in towns and cities.