Dutch Healthcare for Highly Skilled Migrants

Moving to the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant involves many administrative tasks, one of which is securing health insurance. The Dutch healthcare system is one of the best in the world, but understanding how it works can be challenging for newcomers.

At BlueStone, we specialise in assisting highly skilled migrants with essential services such as payroll and taxation and navigating Dutch healthcare requirements. This blog provides everything you need to know about health insurance, costs, and how to get the proper coverage.

How Does Healthcare Work in the Netherlands?

The Dutch healthcare system follows a socialised model where private healthcare providers operate under government regulations to ensure accessibility and affordability. Every resident over 18 is legally required to take out Dutch health insurance. Even if you have an international policy, arranging Dutch health insurance within four months of arrival is mandatory to avoid fines.

The healthcare system is funded partly by taxes deducted from salaries. However, employers do not cover health insurance premiums, meaning you must arrange coverage.

Types of Dutch Health Insurance

Basic Health Insurance (Basisverzekering) – Mandatory

The Dutch government regulates the basic insurance package and includes essential healthcare services such as:

• General Practitioner (GP) visits

• Hospital treatment and emergency care

• Mental health services

• Maternity and obstetric care

• Prescribed medications

• Dental care for individuals under 18

• Limited physical therapy sessions

For 2025, the average monthly premium for basic health insurance is approximately €158.72. All insurance providers must accept applicants for this plan, regardless of age or medical history.

Supplemental Health Insurance (Aanvullende Verzekering) – Optional

Some treatments are not covered under the basic package so that additional insurance may be required. Supplemental insurance can cover:

• Dental care for adults

• Physical therapy sessions sessions

• Alternative treatments such as acupuncture and chiropractic care

• Glasses and contact lenses

• Emergency healthcare while travelling abroad

Unlike the basic package, insurers can reject applications for supplemental insurance or request medical history details before approving coverage.

Dutch Healthcare Costs

There are two main costs to consider in the Dutch healthcare system:

Monthly Premium (Premie)

For 2025, the fixed monthly cost for basic health insurance is €158.72. Additional fees apply if supplemental insurance is added.

Out-of-Pocket Costs (Eigen Risico)

The deductible, or eigen risico, is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before insurance covers specific treatments. In 2025, this amount is set at €385. However, services such as GP visits, maternity care, and some medications are covered immediately without requiring payment toward the deductible.

How to Get Health Insurance in the Netherlands

Step 1: Compare Health Insurance Providers

There are over 60 health insurance providers in the Netherlands. Some popular options for expats with English-language services include Achmea Zorg, CZ, VGZ, Menzis and Zilveren Kruis.

Websites like Independer.nl and Zorgwijzer.nl allow you to compare insurance providers based on cost, coverage, and provider contracts.

Step 2: Choose Between Natura and Restitutie Policies

• A natural policy allows treatment only at contracted healthcare providers.

• A restitutive policy lets you visit any doctor or hospital with cost reimbursement.

• For highly skilled migrants who prefer flexibility, a restitution policy may be the best choice.

Step 3: Apply for Health Insurance

To apply for health insurance, you will need:

• BSN (Citizen Service Number)

• Dutch bank account

• Dutch address

Most applications can be completed online, with approval typically granted within a few days.

Registering with a General Practitioner (GP)

Once insured, you must register with a GP as the first point of contact for medical care. GPs refer patients to specialists and prescribe medications.

Finding a GP early is recommended, as some practices have waiting lists. Prescription medications are collected from local pharmacies (apotheek). An after-hours GP service (huisartsenpost) is available in non-life-threatening emergencies outside regular hours.

What Happens If You Do Not Get Health Insurance?

Failure to obtain Dutch health insurance within four months of arrival results in fines. The government agency CAK will issue a warning letter, followed by a fine of €528 if insurance is not arranged within three months. A second fine of €528 is issued if coverage is still not secured.

After nine months, CAK will randomly assign you an insurance provider, and the monthly premium will be deducted from your salary. You must pay in full for any medical expenses incurred before obtaining insurance.

Exceptional Cases: Students and Temporary Residents

Students studying in the Netherlands without employment do not need Dutch health insurance. Instead, they can use international health insurance or the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if they are from the EU. However, Dutch health insurance becomes mandatory if a student starts working or takes on a paid internship.

Switching Health Insurance Providers

In the Netherlands, individuals can switch health insurance providers once per year.

• Cancel the current insurance before January 1.

• Apply for new insurance before February 1.

• Many insurers offer a transfer service to handle the switch.

If switching insurers, it is possible to retain an additional insurance package separately from the basic plan. Some insurers may impose conditions, such as a higher premium or a waiting period, before covering specific treatments.

Final Thoughts on Healthcare in the Netherlands

The Dutch healthcare system provides high-quality care, but it requires individuals to take responsibility for securing proper insurance coverage. As a highly skilled migrant, arranging health insurance should be a priority upon arrival.

At BlueStone, we assist highly skilled migrants with payroll processing, taxation, and compliance with Dutch legal requirements.