Navigating Emergency Services in the Netherlands

Dialing 112: The Universal Emergency Number

In the Netherlands, 112 is the direct line to all emergency services: police, fire department, and ambulance. You should only call 112 if there is an immediate, life-threatening situation or if immediate assistance is required.

Examples of when to call 112:

• You witness a serious accident with injuries.
• There is a fire or a risk of fire spreading.
• Someone is unconscious or having severe medical distress (e.g., heart attack, stroke).
• You are a victim or witness a crime in progress (e.g., burglary, assault).
• You are in immediate danger.

What to Expect When Calling 112

When you call 112, an operator will answer and ask for the nature of your emergency.

• Language: The operator usually speaks both Dutch and English. State "English, please" clearly if you need to.
• Stay Calm: Try to remain calm and speak clearly.
• Your Location: This is critical. State your exact address (street name, house number, city), or if outdoors, provide clear landmarks. If on a highway, mention the road number and direction.
• Nature of Incident: Briefly explain what happened and what type of help you need (e.g., "ambulance, my husband has chest pain" or "police, there's a break-in").
• Don't Hang Up: Do not end the call until the operator explicitly tells you to. They may need more information or provide instructions while help is en route.

Non-Emergency Services and Contacts

For situations that are urgent but not life-threatening, different numbers apply. Using these numbers ensures that the 112 line remains open for critical emergencies.

Urgent Medical Care (Non-Life-Threatening): Huisartsenpost

If you have an urgent medical issue that cannot wait until your GP's regular office hours (evenings, nights, weekends, public holidays) but is NOT life-threatening, you should contact the 'Huisartsenpost' (GP out-of-hours service). You will typically need to call them first, and they will assess if you need to come in, receive a home visit, or if advice over the phone is sufficient. The number for the Huisartsenpost varies by region, so it's a good idea to look up and save the one for your area.

Non-Urgent Police Matters: 0900-8844

For police assistance that is not urgent (e.g., reporting a theft where the perpetrator is gone, vandalism, nuisance, or making an appointment to file a report), call 0900-8844. This number is available 24/7.

Costs of Emergency Services

Using emergency services like an ambulance or hospital emergency room will incur costs. These costs are generally covered by your basic health insurance, but they do count towards your mandatory 'eigen risico' (deductible). If you have not yet met your annual 'eigen risico', you will receive a bill for the relevant portion.

GP visits, even if they are part of the 'Huisartsenpost' service, are exempt from the 'eigen risico'.