Healthcare in the Netherlands for expats

Before you can get health insurance, you'll typically need a BSN (Burger Service Nummer), which is the citizen service number. You obtain a BSN by registering at your local municipality (see our Government Services page for details on the BSN process). The BSN is used by insurers and healthcare providers to identify you. Also, when you sign up for insurance, you'll need a local address and a bank account to pay your premiums. These tasks , registering your address, getting a BSN, opening a bank account , should be high on your to-do list (our Interactive Checklist can help you track these steps!).

Once you have your BSN and address, you can enroll in a health insurance plan. The sign-up can usually be done online or over the phone with the insurance company. You'll provide personal details including your BSN, date of birth, and address. If your employer is arranging insurance for you, they might handle some of this process.

In the Dutch healthcare system, the General Practitioner (GP) , or huisarts , is your first point of contact for nearly all medical issues. After you arrive and know where you'll be living, it's important to register with a local GP practice. Most GPs require that you live in their service area (so they can reach you within about 15 minutes in an emergency). This means you should find a doctor close to your home. If you're in a big city, start this process early because practices in Amsterdam or Utrecht, for example, can fill up and may not accept new patients readily.

To register, usually you'll need to contact the practice (many have online registration forms or accept calls/email). When you sign up, you provide your personal details, BSN, proof of identity, and health insurance information. It's often possible to meet the doctor briefly , many clinics offer an introductory appointment so you can ask questions and see if it's a good fit. Don't be shy about mentioning you are an expat; most Dutch doctors speak English, and they'll explain how their practice works (such as how to make appointments or request prescriptions).

Having a GP is crucial because in the Netherlands, you generally must go through your huisarts for referrals to see a specialist. Except for emergencies, you can't usually go straight to a hospital specialist without a referral. The GP handles common ailments, preventive health, and can treat a wide range of issues. They can also answer questions about things like vaccinations, prenatal care, mental health referrals, etc.

If you need specialized care, your GP will refer you to a specialist (for instance, a dermatologist or an orthopedist) in a hospital or clinic. The Netherlands has an excellent network of hospitals, including academic hospitals in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Leiden, and Maastricht. Once you have a referral, you can often choose the hospital or specialist within your insurance's network. Waiting times for non-urgent specialist appointments can be a few weeks, so plan accordingly.

Note that if it's not life-threatening but you need urgent help outside GP office hours, there are after-hours clinics (huisartsenpost) where GPs handle urgent cases at night or weekends. The 112 operators can guide you, or you can call your GP's number after hours and it will usually redirect to the huisartsenpost.

International clinics and expat-friendly services

Because the Randstad and cities like Eindhoven host large expat populations, some clinics and hospitals specifically cater to internationals. In The Hague, the International Health Centre (IHCH) at Jan van Nassaustraat 125 offers comprehensive expat services: general practice, specialists, dental care, pharmacy, travel/vaccination clinics. All staff speak English plus additional languages. Extended 20-minute consultations available for first visits to better understand expat needs. In Eindhoven the Expat Center healthcare desk can help connect you to services. There are also private clinics and dental practices that advertise as expat-friendly. These providers understand the needs of foreign patients , they offer services in English, and some might have experience with international insurance or direct billing.

Additionally, organizations like Healthcare for Internationals (H4i) work to make healthcare more accessible for expats. They provide information on finding English-speaking healthcare providers and even have a network of clinics attuned to the international community. In many large Dutch cities, you'll find at least one GP practice with multiple doctors that brand themselves as an "International" health center , meaning they actively welcome expat patients.

Pharmacies (Apotheek) and medications

After registering with a GP, you'll also choose a local pharmacy (apotheek) to fill prescriptions. For more on navigating Dutch medical culture day-to-day, see our Dutch healthcare in practice guide. Pharmacies are usually open during business hours on weekdays, with some offering limited hours on weekends. If you need medication, your huisarts will send a prescription to your chosen pharmacy electronically, and you can pick it up. Over-the-counter medicines (for common cold, pain, etc.) are often available at drugstores like Etos or Kruidvat, and also at the pharmacy.

Your health insurance covers most prescription costs except a small co-pay for some medications. Don't be surprised if Dutch doctors are sometimes conservative in prescribing drugs , for example, they might advise rest and fluids for a mild illness rather than immediately giving antibiotics. This is part of Dutch medical culture, which emphasizes practicality and avoiding unnecessary treatments.

Frequently asked questions