Healthcare and health insurance in the Netherlands
Practical guide to Dutch health insurance, GP care, deductible, healthcare allowance, medicines and emergencies.
1. Health insurance in the Netherlands
People who live or work in the Netherlands generally need Dutch basic health insurance when they fall under the Dutch system. The government determines the basic package. Supplementary insurance is optional.
2. Basic insurance and coverage
The basic package includes, depending on the rules and situation, GP care, hospital care, many prescription medicines and certain specialist care. It can change each year.
| Care | Coverage | Note |
|---|---|---|
| GP | Yes | A GP visit is not charged to the mandatory deductible. |
| Hospital/specialist | Yes, depending on care | The deductible usually applies. |
| Medicines | Many medicines | Deductible or personal contribution may apply. |
| Adult dental care | Limited | Supplementary cover may help. |
3. Deductible
The mandatory deductible is €385 in 2026 for adults. You normally pay the first €385 of eligible basic-package costs yourself. GP care is exempt, but some tests and medicines can fall under the deductible.
4. GP / huisarts
The GP is usually the first contact for non-emergency health problems. Registering with a local GP is useful if you live in the Netherlands.
- The GP visit itself is not charged to the mandatory deductible.
- Specialist care after a referral can be subject to the deductible.
- Outside normal hours, contact the huisartsenpost for urgent problems.
5. Emergencies and 112
Call 112 for an acute emergency or life-threatening situation. For urgent but non-life-threatening problems outside GP hours, contact the huisartsenpost.
6. Healthcare allowance
Zorgtoeslag helps with Dutch health insurance costs. Conditions include age, Dutch insurance, income, assets and, where relevant, residence status.
- You are generally 18 or older.
- You have Dutch health insurance.
- Your income and assets are within the limits.
- Your residence status meets the rules if you are not Dutch.
Apply through Mijn Toeslagen with DigiD and report relevant changes quickly.
7. Medicines
Many prescribed medicines are covered by basic insurance. The deductible and sometimes a personal contribution may apply. Ask the pharmacy what you will pay. In 2026 the maximum statutory personal contribution for medicines is €250.
8. Dental care and physiotherapy
Adult dental care is limited in the basic package. Children have broader cover for certain dental care. Adult physiotherapy is not fully covered in every situation.
9. Choosing or changing insurers
- Compare premium, deductible and contracted providers.
- Check whether your preferred hospital or specialist is contracted.
- Consider whether supplementary cover is really useful.
- Check deadlines and conditions when switching.
10. Frequently asked questions
Is basic insurance mandatory?
Yes, for people who fall under the Dutch healthcare insurance system.
Do I pay the deductible for a GP visit?
Not for the GP visit itself, although some tests and medicines may be subject to it.
How much is the deductible in 2026?
€385 mandatory for adults.