What happens if I don't get Dutch health insurance in time?

If you do not arrange health insurance within 4 months of registering as a resident, the CAK (Central Administration Office) will automatically assign you an insurer. You will also receive a fine (boete) for the period you were uninsured. The fine is substantial and is added to your mandatory premium. It is much better to arrange insurance proactively as soon as you receive your BSN.

Can I keep my home country health insurance instead of getting a Dutch one?

No. Once you are registered as a Dutch resident, you are legally required to have Dutch health insurance. Your EHIC card or home country insurance can only cover emergency care temporarily. Dutch law requires you to have a Dutch basisverzekering within 4 months of residency registration. There are no exceptions for EU citizens.

How do I find a GP (huisarts) in the Netherlands?

Search at zorgkaartnederland.nl for GP practices in your neighbourhood. Filter for practices accepting new patients. Contact them by phone or email with your name, address, and health insurance details. In larger cities, practices fill up quickly, so it can take 2–6 weeks to find one with availability. Some expat-focused practices specifically cater to English-speaking patients.

Health Insurance, DigiD & Practical Setup Netherlands 2026 | NLnest

Health Insurance is Mandatory

The Netherlands operates a universal healthcare system in which every resident is legally required to have basic health insurance (basisverzekering). This applies to all residents — Dutch nationals, EU citizens, and other nationalities alike — as soon as they register at the gemeente.

You must enrol in a Dutch health insurance plan within 4 months of registering as a resident
If you do not arrange insurance, the CAK (Central Administration Office) will forcibly assign you an insurer and charge a fine
Monthly premium (premie) in 2026: approximately €140–175/month for the basic package (varies per insurer)
Own risk (eigen risico) in 2026: €385/year — you pay this amount yourself before insurance covers you; you can voluntarily increase it to reduce your monthly premium

The basic package (basisverzekering) covers: GP visits, hospital care, specialist referrals, prescription medication, basic mental health care, maternity care, and physiotherapy for chronic conditions.

Note: The EU Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your home country only covers emergency care. It does NOT replace Dutch health insurance. Once you are a Dutch resident, you need a Dutch policy.

Choosing a Health Insurer

All basic packages are identical by law (same coverage, same services). You choose based on:

Monthly premium — compare at independer.nl or zorgwijzer.nl
Quality of the app and customer service
Additional coverage (aanvullende verzekering) options — optional top-up for dental care, glasses, physiotherapy, alternative medicine
Preferred hospital network (some policies have preferred providers with better reimbursement)

Major insurers in 2026:

CZ — large, competitive premiums, strong in North Brabant and Zeeland
Menzis — strong in Gelderland, Groningen; known for good service
VGZ — largest group, includes IZZ, Univé, UMC Zorgverzekering
Zilveren Kruis — part of Achmea; large network; strong internationally
ONVZ — premium insurer, excellent additional coverage, higher base premium

Switching: You can switch health insurer once per year during the open enrolment period (November 12 – December 31). New policy starts January 1 of the following year.

Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)

If your income is below a certain threshold, the Dutch government provides a monthly subsidy — the zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance) — to help pay your premium.

In 2026, the maximum zorgtoeslag is approximately €175/month for singles, slightly less for partners
Income threshold 2026: approximately €40,000/year for singles, ~€50,000/year combined for partners
Apply at toeslagen.nl using your DigiD
Apply as soon as you have DigiD — you can claim backdated from the start of your residency
Zorgtoeslag is paid monthly into your Dutch bank account

What is DigiD?

DigiD (Digitale Identiteit) is the Netherlands' digital identity system for accessing government services online. Without DigiD you cannot:

File tax returns at belastingdienst.nl
Apply for zorgtoeslag, huurtoeslag, or other benefits
Access MijnOverheid (personal government portal)
Register with health insurers online
Use many municipal online services

DigiD consists of a username, password, and a second factor: either SMS verification or the more secure DigiD app.

How to Get DigiD

Go to digid.nl and click "DigiD aanvragen" (Request DigiD)
Fill in your details: BSN number, email address, phone number, date of birth
Receive an activation letter by post at your registered Dutch address — takes 3–5 business days
Activate your DigiD using the code in the letter on the digid.nl website within 20 days of receipt
Download the DigiD app for secure, easy login without SMS codes
Use it for Belastingdienst (tax), toeslagen.nl, MijnOverheid, and municipal services

Tip: Request DigiD as soon as you have your BSN and Dutch address. The postal activation takes time, so the sooner you request it, the sooner you can access all government services.

Other Practical Steps

Register with a GP (Huisarts)

Every Dutch resident needs a regular GP (huisarts — family doctor). GPs are the gatekeepers to specialist care — you cannot see a specialist without a GP referral. To find one:

Search at zorgkaartnederland.nl for GPs in your area
Check if the practice is accepting new patients (new patients are called "nieuwe patiënten")
Call or email to register; bring your ID and health insurance policy details
In popular areas, finding an available GP can take weeks; in smaller cities it is usually quick

Dutch Phone Number

A Dutch phone number is needed for many registrations (DigiD, banking, etc.). Options:

Prepaid SIMs: Lebara (cheap international calls, popular with EU workers), Lyca Mobile, Ben, KPN Prepaid
Monthly contracts: KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Simpel (affordable online operator)

OV-chipkaart (Public Transport Card)

The OV-chipkaart is the contactless card used for all Dutch public transport (trains, trams, buses, metro). You buy it at train stations (NS) or OV-chipkaart service points for €7.50 (returnable deposit). Load credit or link it to a subscription (abonnement) for regular commuters.

Liability Insurance (Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering)

Highly recommended for all residents. This covers you if you accidentally damage someone else's property or injure someone. Costs approximately €5–8/month and can prevent large unexpected bills. Often bundled with contents insurance (inboedelverzekering).

Official Sources

Useful official links:

Once you've sorted out insurance and DigiD, you're fully set up to live and work in the Netherlands. Find your next Dutch job on NLnest or create your free profile and let Dutch companies come to you.

Health Insurance, DigiD & Practical Setup in the Netherlands