Healthcare for Your Family Members as an Expat in the Netherlands

Mandatory Insurance for All Family Members

Every person legally residing or working in the Netherlands, including all family members, is generally required to have Dutch basic health insurance ('basisverzekering'). This obligation applies regardless of age, from newborns to adults.

Children Under 18: No Premium, No 'Eigen Risico'

A significant benefit for families is that children under 18 years old are automatically insured free of charge under the basic health insurance of one of their parents. They do not pay a separate premium, and their healthcare costs are exempt from the 'eigen risico' (mandatory deductible). This makes pediatric care highly accessible.

Adult Family Members (18+): Separate Policies Required

Each adult family member (18 years and older) must take out their own basic health insurance policy. This means they will each pay their own monthly premium and are individually subject to the 'eigen risico' (mandatory deductible) for their healthcare costs.

Registering with a GP for the Whole Family

Every family member should be registered with a local General Practitioner (GP), or 'huisarts.' It's common for families to register with the same practice. This ensures continuity of care and that your GP has a full overview of your family's medical history.

• Finding a Practice: Search for "huisarts [your city/neighborhood] gezin" (family) or "huisarts [your city/neighborhood] engels."
• Registration: Each family member will need to be registered, typically by providing their BSN (Citizen Service Number), ID, and health insurance details.
• Children's Visits: GP visits for children are covered and exempt from the 'eigen risico.'

Specialized Care for Children

If your child needs to see a specialist (e.g., a pediatrician, child psychologist), the process starts with a referral from your GP. All specialized care for children under 18 is covered by their basic insurance and does not count towards any 'eigen risico'.

For mental healthcare, children's services are typically covered under specific youth care legislation and are often managed by the local municipality ('gemeente'). Your GP remains the first point of contact to navigate these services.

Dental Care for the Family

This is another area where children and adults differ:

• Children (<18): Routine dental care (check-ups, cleanings, fillings, extractions) is fully covered by basic health insurance. Orthodontics is usually NOT covered and requires separate supplemental insurance.
• Adults (18+): Basic health insurance does NOT cover most routine adult dental care. Adult family members will need to pay out-of-pocket or take out a separate supplemental dental insurance policy for coverage.

Maternity and Postnatal Care

For expecting parents, maternity care (prenatal, birth, and postnatal 'kraamzorg') is comprehensively covered by basic health insurance and is largely exempt from the 'eigen risico'. This ensures that families receive excellent support during pregnancy and after birth.