Understanding Basic Health Insurance Coverage in the Netherlands

What the 'Basisverzekering' Covers

The Dutch basic health insurance package is determined by the government and is the same for all insurers. It covers most essential medical care. Key areas of coverage include:

• General Practitioner (GP) Services: Consultations with your GP (huisarts) and most referrals.
• Hospital Stays and Treatments: Care provided in hospitals, including specialist consultations, surgeries, and emergency treatments.
• Maternity Care: This includes prenatal and postnatal care, assistance during childbirth by a midwife or gynaecologist, and 'kraamzorg' (post-natal home care).
• Prescription Medication: Many essential prescription drugs are covered, though generic alternatives are often preferred.
• Mental Healthcare (Specialized): Coverage for certain psychological and psychiatric treatments, often requiring a referral from your GP and subject to your 'eigen risico'.
• Physiotherapy: Limited coverage for chronic conditions.
• Ambulance Transport: Emergency ambulance services.

It's important to note that GP visits are generally excluded from your mandatory 'eigen risico' (deductible), meaning you won't pay out of pocket for them.

The 'Eigen Risico' (Mandatory Deductible) Explained

A key component of the Dutch health insurance system is the 'eigen risico', which is a mandatory deductible that applies to most care covered by the basic insurance. In 2025, the mandatory 'eigen risico' is set at €385. This means you pay the first €385 of healthcare costs (excluding GP visits) yourself each year before your insurance starts to cover the rest.

You can opt for a voluntary higher 'eigen risico' (up to a total of €885) in exchange for a lower monthly premium. This can be a financial risk if you need significant medical care, but it can save you money if you expect few healthcare costs.

What Basic Insurance Does NOT Cover

While comprehensive, the basic package does not cover everything. Common exclusions include:

• Most Dental Care: Dental care for adults (18+) is generally not covered, except for specific oral surgery procedures in a hospital setting.
• Extensive Physiotherapy: Beyond specific chronic conditions or a very limited number of sessions.
• Alternative Medicine: Such as acupuncture, homeopathy, or osteopathy.
• Glasses and Contact Lenses: Unless medically necessary for severe conditions.
• Cosmetic Surgery: Unless it's medically required.
• Routine Check-ups: General preventative check-ups without a specific complaint are usually not covered.

For coverage of these excluded services, you typically need to purchase supplemental health insurance ('aanvullende verzekering').

How to Sign Up for Basic Health Insurance

If you are an expat working or living in the Netherlands, you are legally obliged to take out basic health insurance within four months of registering with your municipality (BRP). If you fail to do so, you risk a fine. You can choose any health insurer; the government sets the minimum coverage, but premiums and service levels differ.

Comparison websites can help you find a suitable policy, or you can contact insurers directly. Ensure you choose an insurer that offers expat-friendly services, such as English-speaking customer support.