Health Care in Utrecht
Summary: Health Care in Utrecht: Locate providers, hospitals, and medical centers to find the best health services available for expats and nomads.
The healthcare system in Utrecht is a combination of public and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is called Zorgverzekeringswet (Zvw) and is used by most Dutch citizens. It is also available to foreigners, but they must meet certain criteria to be eligible.
Netherlands's Healthcare System
The public healthcare system in the Netherlands is funded by taxes and provides basic healthcare services to all citizens. It covers most medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. It also covers some preventive care, such as vaccinations and screenings. The public healthcare system is generally considered to be of high quality, and people recommend using public hospitals in Utrecht for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.
At a public hospital in Utrecht, patients can expect to receive quality care from experienced doctors and nurses. The hospital staff is usually friendly and helpful, and the facilities are modern and well-maintained. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in the Netherlands, although they may need to pay a fee for some services.
In addition to the public healthcare system, there are also private hospitals and clinics in Utrecht. Expats typically use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they offer more personalized care and shorter wait times. Private hospitals in Utrecht include the UMC Utrecht, the Wilhelmina Ziekenhuis, and the Diakonessenhuis. These hospitals offer a range of services, including emergency care, specialized medical care, and surgeries.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Utrecht
- UMC Utrecht: This is a public hospital located in the city center. It offers a range of services, including emergency care, specialized medical care, and surgeries.
- Wilhelmina Ziekenhuis: This is a private hospital located in the city center. It specializes in cardiology, oncology, and neurology.
- Diakonessenhuis: This is a private hospital located in the city center. It specializes in obstetrics and gynecology.
Emergency Services in Utrecht
Utrecht has a well-developed emergency services system. Ambulance services are available and can be called by dialing 112. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, but there can be delays during peak times.
Health Insurance Companies in Utrecht
The most popular private health insurers in Utrecht are CZ, VGZ, and Menzis. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may opt for specialized expat health insurance providers.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- 7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Utrecht
- Best Bookstores and Libraries in Utrecht
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Utrecht
- Public Transportation in Utrecht
- Best Markets in Utrecht
- Retire in Utrecht Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Utrecht
- Pros & Cons of Living in Utrecht
- Tips for Expats Driving in Utrecht
- Cost of Living in Utrecht
- Health Care in Utrecht
- Discovering the Best of Utrecht
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Netherlands
- Best Places to Live in Netherlands
- Real Estate in Netherlands
- Pros & Cons of Living in Netherlands
- Health Insurance for Expats in The Netherlands
- Pros and Cons of Living in Netherlands 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Netherlands