Dutch health insurance for expats: the complete guide
Updated 14 November 2026
Moving to the Netherlands means dealing with one of Europe's best — and most confusing — healthcare systems. This guide covers everything you need: the obligation, the real costs in 2027, policy types, and how to actually choose.
The system in a nutshell
Dutch healthcare is private insurance with public rules. Everyone who lives or works here must buy the government-defined basisverzekering (basic package) from a private insurer of their choice. The covered care is identical everywhere: GP, hospital, specialists, most prescription medicines, mental healthcare, maternity care. Insurers compete on price and service — not on what's covered.
What it costs in 2027
| Average basic premium | ± €169 / month (2026: ± €159) |
| Mandatory deductible (eigen risico) | €400 / year (2026: €385) |
| Voluntary extra deductible | Up to €500 extra, for ± €20–25/month discount |
| Healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) | Up to ± €130/month for lower incomes |
The deductible applies to hospital care, medicines and tests — not to GP visits, maternity care or children's care. Details: the eigen risico explained and zorgtoeslag for expats.
Policy types: the one real choice
- Naturapolis — the insurer contracts providers; you pay extra at non-contracted ones. Cheapest full option, fine for most people.
- Budgetpolis — a stripped natura policy with fewer contracted hospitals. Cheapest of all; check your local hospital is in-network.
- Restitutiepolis — free choice of any provider, insurer reimburses market rates. Priciest, increasingly rare.
- Combinatiepolis — mix: free choice for some care types, contracted for others.
Supplementary packages
Adult dental care, most physiotherapy, and glasses are not in the basic package. You can add supplementary insurance — but only insure what you'll realistically use. A filling costs ± €30–60; paying €25/month for a dental package rarely beats paying as you go unless you need regular work.
How to choose (the 10-minute version)
- Answer the 5 questions in our health insurance helper to pin down your profile (deductible, policy type, extras).
- Compare premiums for that profile — remember basic coverage is identical everywhere.
- Expat tip: check for an English app/helpdesk if your Dutch is limited; several large insurers offer full English service.
- Switch or sign up before 31 December — see how switching works.
Just arrived?
You have 4 months from registration/start of work to take out insurance. The policy (and premium) applies retroactively from day one of your obligation, so waiting gains you nothing — and fines for being uninsured are steep. Unsure whether you're obliged at all? Read do I need Dutch health insurance?
Frequently asked questions
Can an insurer reject me?
No. Every insurer must accept every applicant for the basic package, regardless of age or health. Only supplementary (extra) packages may have acceptance conditions.
Are GP visits free?
GP (huisarts) care is covered by the basic package and never counts towards your deductible — you pay nothing per visit. Hospital care, medicines and lab tests do use your deductible first.
What about my children?
Children under 18 are insured free of charge on a parent’s policy, including basic dental care. Register them with your insurer.
My employer offers a collective discount — should I take it?
Collective discounts on the basic premium were abolished; collectives may still give small discounts on supplementary packages. Always compare the total price against the open market before assuming it’s cheaper.