Taking out compulsory health insurance
Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands is obliged to take out health insurance. A standard health insurance package is compulsory, whereas an additional health insurance package is not. You have to register with a healthcare insurance company.
Last updated on 17 May 2021
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Compulsory basic health insurance
Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands must take out basic health insurance. You are then covered for healthcare costs that are covered by the basic package, such as GP, hospital, psychiatrist and pharmacy costs.
Taking out basic health insurance for children
You must also take out basic health insurance for your children. You will need to register your child with a healthcare insurer from the age of four months. You can this with your own healthcare insurance company, or you can choose to use a different company.
Additional health insurance is not compulsory
You are free to decide whether you want to take out any additional health insurance. This allows you add extra insurance cover for costs that are not covered by the basic insurance, such as a check-up at your dentist.
Taking out compulsory health insurance
You have to register with a healthcare insurance company.
Laws and regulations (in Dutch)
Zorgverzekeringswet, artikel 2