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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Netherlands | Expat Exchange
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15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in The Netherlands

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By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jan 03, 2024

Summary: The quality of medical care in the Netherlands is generally considered to be very high, with the country ranking highly in international healthcare rankings. The Netherlands has a universal healthcare system, which means that all citizens are entitled to free healthcare. Emergency services in the Netherlands are well-developed and efficient, with ambulances responding quickly to calls. To call for an ambulance in the Netherlands, you can dial 112, which is the emergency number for all of Europe.

How are healthcare services The Netherlands?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in The Netherlands, they replied:

"The Netherlands has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides a wide range of services to its citizens. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Dutch citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally high, with a focus on preventive care and access to specialists. Foreign residents are also eligible to use the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in The Netherlands can use the public healthcare system by registering with their local municipality and obtaining a health insurance card. This card allows them to access the same services as Dutch citizens, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital care," commented one expat living in Netherlands.

What are medical services in The Netherlands like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in The Netherlands, they replied:

"The Netherlands has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides high-quality medical services to its citizens. The country has a universal healthcare system that is funded by taxes and provides access to a wide range of medical services, including preventive care, primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and mental health services. The Dutch healthcare system is highly rated and is known for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Patients have the right to choose their own doctor and can access medical services through a variety of providers, including public and private hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. The Dutch government also provides financial assistance to those who cannot afford medical care," said one expat living in Netherlands.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in The Netherlands?

"Healthcare and health insurance in The Netherlands are generally considered to be quite affordable. The government subsidizes healthcare costs for citizens, and the majority of people are covered by a basic health insurance plan. This plan covers most medical costs, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. Private health insurance plans are also available, but they tend to be more expensive and offer more comprehensive coverage," wrote an expat living in Netherlands.

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What are emergency services like in The Netherlands?

When we asked about emergency services, members in The Netherlands wrote:

"Emergency services in The Netherlands are highly efficient and reliable. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial 112, the national emergency number. This number is free of charge and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones. The operator will ask for the location of the emergency and the type of assistance needed. The operator will then dispatch the appropriate emergency services to the scene," remarked one expat living in Netherlands.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"The cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam are among the top in the Netherlands for offering a wide selection of medical specialists. Other cities such as The Hague, Utrecht, and Leiden are also home to a varied range of medical professionals. The North Holland province, in particular, has a notable amount of medical specialists due to its close proximity to Amsterdam, including several leading university medical centers. Additionally, the southwestern area of the country, including the cities of Dordrecht, Tilburg, and Breda, are well-known for their excellent selection of medical practitioners," said one expat.

Are common prescription medications available in The Netherlands?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in The Netherlands. Most medications can be obtained from pharmacies, either with a prescription from a doctor or without one. In some cases, a doctor's prescription is required for certain medications, such as those containing narcotics or controlled substances. In addition, some medications may require special authorization from the Dutch Health Care Authority," wrote one expat.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in The Netherlands?

"The Netherlands is home to some of the best medical facilities and care in Europe, boasting advanced technology and highly trained, experienced medical professionals. The quality of care is consistently high, with a focus on patient safety and preventative health measures. Furthermore, the country offers comprehensive health insurance coverage and easy access to quality medical services," remarked one expat living in Netherlands.

As a foreigner living in The Netherlands, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, as a foreigner living in The Netherlands, you will have access to public healthcare. The healthcare system in The Netherlands is known for its high quality and is ranked among the best in the world. The public healthcare system is funded by taxes and provides basic healthcare services such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. The system is also designed to provide preventive care and health promotion services. The Dutch government also provides subsidies for private health insurance, which can be used to cover additional services such as dental care and physiotherapy," wrote an expat living in Netherlands.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in The Netherlands if they have access to public healthcare in The Netherlands. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in The Netherlands. The healthcare system has had to adapt quickly to the changing needs of the population, and has done so with great success. The government has provided additional funding to ensure that the healthcare system can cope with the increased demand, and has also implemented measures to ensure that the system is as efficient as possible. The healthcare system has also been able to provide a high level of care to those who need it, and has been able to respond quickly to the changing needs of the population. In addition, the healthcare system has been able to provide support to those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Overall, the healthcare system in The Netherlands has been able to respond effectively to the pandemic, and has been able to provide a high level of care to those who need it," commented one expat living in Netherlands.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in The Netherlands?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in The Netherlands about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"It's important to research and find out about the different health care options and providers available to you in the Netherlands prior to having a baby. It is also recommended to register with a local GP practice for the antenatal care for your pregnancy and a midwife for postnatal care. Many expats find that knowing the local language helps with understanding the health care system and interacting with medical professionals. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask family, friends, or medical professionals for advice, as they can provide invaluable support for any expat having a baby in the Netherlands," said one expat in Netherlands.

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Are healthcare services good in The Netherlands?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in The Netherlands. They wrote:

"The Netherlands has a comprehensive system of healthcare services. Primary care services are generally provided by general practitioners and dentists, while more specialized care is available at hospitals. All Dutch citizens are eligible for basic healthcare services, which are provided free of charge. Private healthcare insurance is also an option, typically for those requiring additional cover for treatments or medications that are not available under the national healthcare service. Health insurance companies are also required to cover particular services, such as home care and maternity care, at no additional cost. In addition, The Netherlands has made telehealth services more accessible and is actively promoting the use of digital health solutions such as apps and remote consultations," remarked one expat in Netherlands.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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