The Healthcare System in Netherlands

The healthcare Netherlands system is a very important feature and a factor that matters a lot for every worker going to work in the Netherlands. Much higher than most European countries, the Netherlands is a country with a much higher life expectancy. All these features make the workers choose Holland and the choice is as good and pertinent as possible.

If you are one of those who want to go to work in the Netherlands for higher wages, more benefits and an excellent healthcare system, here is what you need to know about the Dutch healthcare system for expats.

Healthcare Netherlands - General information

The basic principle on which the Dutch healthcare system is based is a simple one. Every person living in the Netherlands will benefit from health insurance. The Dutch healthcare system is completely administered by government institutions and supported by private entities in terms of provision and provision of additional services.

Everyone who lives, resides or works in the Netherlands will benefit from a basic level of health insurance from a Dutch provider. Each person up to the age of 18 will be able to benefit from the insurance free of charge, this being covered by the parents' insurance.

This standard level of insurance in the Dutch health system is compulsory and is financed by the Dutch government with the help of private insurance companies. The insurance fund goes from the government to these private institutions, and thus every citizen has access to medical insurance.

The Healthcare Netherlands System and Private Insurance

Every citizen is entitled to that standard level of compulsory insurance, but depending on the need, this level can be supplemented with other medical services through a private medical insurance system. If certain people suffer from medical conditions that require regular medical assistance, they can apply for certain social assistance programs and, thus, their medical insurance will be supplemented.

The Healthcare Netherlands System and Health Insurance for Foreigners

Expats in the Netherlands are also not exempt from the same benefits of the Dutch healthcare system. Health insurance is also mandatory for them, regardless of whether they are over 18 years old or already citizens or not. They are obliged to use a private medical insurance service, but the procedure becomes mandatory only for those who spend more than three months on the territory of the Netherlands.

If you are a tourist in the Netherlands, you will be able to benefit from the European health insurance card. And if you have not arrived in the Netherlands from a territory that is in the European Union, you will be able to use travel insurance or international medical insurance.

How the two types of health insurance work

In the Dutch health system, there are 2 categories of medical insurance, the mandatory and the optional, which supplement the services you can receive when you need medical help.

Basic health insurance is called basisverzekering and is regulated by the government. This basic insurance has a standard cost of around 100 euros per month. All those who benefit from this insurance have the following advantages and access to the following services:

• Routine check-ups with your doctor
• Admissions, emergency interventions or operations
• Ambulance services
• Medical prescriptions
• Dental services for minor children
• Basic dental services for adults
• Mental health services
• Medical services for pregnant women
• Medical services for disabled people

Additional medical insurance (aanvullende verzekering)

This healthcare service is available to people who need additional medical services or are in a more special medical context. The price may differ depending on the medical services you want to get insurance for, but here are some of the most important ones:

• Complex dental medical services
• Alternative medical services such as acupuncture
• Vaccines
• Medical services and hearing aids
• Plastic medical services
• Medical services and equipment for vision problems

Medical insurance with DB Work

If you go to work through a contract signed with DB Work, your health insurance will be covered. Among other benefits, you will benefit not only from medical insurance but also from protective equipment to ensure that you will never need medical services at work.

See what jobs are available and apply for a successful career as a worker in the Netherlands