You need to have adequate health insurance while you live in the Netherlands. It’s required by law so check your home insurance is valid or if you need to take out insurance with a Dutch provider. Rules differ depending on your situation so make sure you know what applies to you and make sure you’re properly covered. You can find more information on the Nuffic Study in NL website. 

Health insurance for EU students

If you are in the Netherlands for study purposes only, then you need to make sure your home insurance is valid or take out international health insurance. As an international student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you can apply for a European Health Insurance Card or an international declaration form. However, an EHIC card only covers essential medical care. Check the AON website to find out if you will need additional insurance, for example their Start+ insurance.

If you have a job or internship and are paid at least the Dutch minimum wage, you will need to have Dutch health insurance. You can choose from any of the Dutch public health insurers. You also have to be registered with the municipality and have a Dutch social security number (called a BSN).

Health insurance for non-EU students

NHL Stenden purchases health insurance on your behalf for your first year of enrolment through AON, one of the larger health insurance providers in the Netherlands. The costs are €700. After the first year you are responsible for arranging your own health insurance.

If you are coming to NHL Stenden as an exchange student for 6 months, then insurance costs total €350.

You have to have insurance that covers medical costs, third party liability and repatriation in order to be able to apply for a study residence permit in the Netherlands. If you are covered by your own country's healthcare system*, then please let us know at csa@nhlstenden.com. You need to be covered for at least all medical costs without an applicable maximum and you should be covered against liability. 

 

The Dutch healthcare system

The Dutch healthcare system is a universal, multi-payer system. This means healthcare is funded through a combination of public and private contributions. The system includes a Standard Health Insurance Package (known as the basisverzekering) for all residents which is mandatory if you are aged 18 and over. All Dutch residents, including international students, are free to choose their own private health insurance provider.

There is no state funded (public) health insurance as such, so it’s a good idea to compare what the different insurance carriers have to offer, but the package generally covers the following services:

  • GP visits
  • Specialist treatment and hospital care
  • Some mental health services
  • Medication
  • Dental care up to age 18
  • Some forms of therapy, including speech therapy
  • Dieticians
  • Maternity care

What if you get sick?

If you require medical treatment, you need to first contact a general practitioner (huisarts). You can either make an appointment by telephone to consult the doctor at their practice first. Don’t forget to take your EU Health Insurance Card or other proof of insurance with you.
If you need emergency care during the weekend,in the evening or at night, you will first need to go through a triage system (you'll need to call 0850 820 820)

If you need to see a physiotherapist or other specialised medical practitioner, you will also need to go through your GP first. Although your GP can refer you to a medical specialist, general practitioners in the Netherlands are generally your main source of medical care. Their level of responsibility and the treatment they administer extends beyond that in many other countries. In many cases, they will attempt to treat the problem themselves and refer you only if they are unable to do so.

It is important to know that you can only visit a GP in your place of residence. You will also need to register with a dentist. This is a separate process but works much the same way.

In Leeuwarden, we have a Student Medical Practice on campus. You can find more information and register with the practice on studentartsleeuwarden.nl. 

Good to know: Dutch doctors are more conservative with prescribing medication than many international students are used to. A prescription is more often 'go home and rest' than actual medication and relatively few patent medicines can be bought without a doctor's prescription. 

Also good to know: if you are given a prescription for medication, you will need to take it to a pharmacy (apotheek). Often you will need to pay upfront and then claim the costs back from your insurance company. A drug store (drogisterij) only sells simple medicines such as paracetamol and toiletries. You'll also probably need to pay upfront if you visit a dentist or hospital. These costs can usually be claimed back from your insurance company.