Health insurance

Basic health insurance is compulsory if you live or work in the Netherlands. This insurance covers medical expenses, such as the costs of seeing a GP or a hospital visit. 

What is health insurance? 

Health insurance covers medical expenses. You pay an amount each month (the premium). Basic insurance is compulsory if you live or work in the Netherlands. It covers important care, such as the GP, hospital and medicines. You can also take out supplementary insurance, for example for the dentist. 

Excess 

You pay part of some medical expenses yourself. This is called the 'excess'. In 2026, the excess is €385 a year. You only pay that amount if you use care to which the excess applies. Visits to the GP are always free of charge.  

How to choose health insurance 

If you arrive in the Netherlands and come to work here, you need to take out health insurance within four months. After this, you can switch health insurance/health insurer every year in November and December. Carefully consider what you need. Health insurers all charge different prices and give different reimbursements. You can compare health insurance policies on websites such as zorgwijzer.nl.