Health insurance basics
In the Netherlands, health insurance is mandatory for all residents over 18. The basic package (basisverzekering) covers standard medical care — from the GP to hospitalisation.
What to prepare
- BSN
- Dutch residential address
- Bank account (IBAN) for automatic premium debits
- DigiD (for online enrolment)
- List of desired packages (basic only vs with supplementary)
Health insurance basics in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, health insurance is an obligation, not a choice. Every resident over 18 must obtain basic insurance (basisverzekering) within 4 months of receiving BSN.
Who needs it
- All Dutch residents over 18 with BSN
- Exception for Ukrainians with TPD status — you use the RMO system (Regeling Medische zorg Ontheemden) instead of zorgverzekering; RMO is funded through CAK and covers basic services without monthly premiums
What basic insurance covers
basisverzekering (standard package) covers:
- GP visits (no deductible)
- Emergency care
- Hospitalisation
- Most prescription medications
- Specialist care (by referral)
- Basic dentistry for children under 18
What is NOT covered (requires aanvullende)
- Dentistry for adults
- Physiotherapy (beyond 9 sessions)
- Glasses / contact lenses
- Cosmetic procedures
- Alternative medicine
Approximate costs (2026)
- Basic premium: €120–150 / month
- Eigen risico (standard deductible): €385/year — you pay the first €385 of any non-GP care yourself
- Aanvullende (supplementary): €15–35 / month (dentistry / physio / etc.)
- Zorgtoeslag (subsidy): up to €154/month for low-income earners — compensates premium partially or fully
How to choose an insurer
- Go to zorgwijzer.nl — comparison of all insurers
- Choose only basic package (basisverzekering) initially
- Verify your GP is covered
- Current top insurer list: VGZ, Zilveren Kruis, CZ, Menzis, ONVZ, DSW
- Apply online or through a broker
Eigen risico — avoiding surprises
The standard deductible of €385/year means you pay the first €385 of any specialist care (hospitalisation, specialist, lab tests) yourself. GP visits and child care are outside the deductible.
Tip: set aside €385/year on a separate account as a buffer.
Zorgtoeslag
If your income is below the set limit (€38 000/year single in 2026), you are entitled to zorgtoeslag — monthly premium compensation from the state. Apply at belastingdienst.nl → Mijn Toeslagen.
Common mistakes
- Delaying enrolment — the law requires insurance within 4 months of BSN. Delay → fine + back-payments.
- Buying expensive aanvullende — rarely pays off. If you only need dentistry 1-2 times/year, paying out of pocket is cheaper.
- Ignoring eigen risico — a €385 surprise bill is not pleasant. Reserve the amount at the start of the year.
Sources
Last updated: May 2026. Premiums for 2027 are published in November 2026. Eigen risico and zorgtoeslag amounts are subject to legal review.
Common mistakes
- {"title":"Delaying enrolment","description":"The law requires insurance within 4 months of receiving BSN. Delay leads to fines and back-payments."}
- {"title":"Buying expensive supplementary","description":"Aanvullende verzekering (supplementary) rarely pays off — dentistry costs €200–400/year, while full supplementary fees are €250–400/year."}
- {"title":"Ignoring eigen risico","description":"The standard deductible (eigen risico) in 2026 is €385/year. Save this amount on a separate account — otherwise a large bill may surprise you."}