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Dutch healthcare system

The Dutch healthcare system is recognized for its quality, accessibility, and efficiency. For anyone living or working in the Netherlands, understanding how it works is essential. Healthcare here is organized to give everyone access to high-quality care, while encouraging prevention and personal responsibility.

Everyone is required to have basic health insurance (basisverzekering), which covers most essential medical services. This system combines public oversight with private service delivery, ensuring equal access to care and continuous improvement in quality.

How the system works

Healthcare in the Netherlands operates as a regulated hybrid system:

  • Basic health insurance (basisverzekering) is mandatory for all residents. It covers general medical care, hospital treatments, and prescribed medicines.

  • Additional insurance (aanvullende verzekering) can be added for services like dental care or physiotherapy.

  • Providers such as hospitals, clinics, and general practitioners are private but closely regulated to maintain high standards.

  • Regulatory bodies oversee pricing, safety, and quality to ensure transparency and fairness.

💡 Tip: Healthcare is not free. You pay monthly insurance premiums and a yearly deductible (eigen risico). 

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Emergency and urgent care

Knowing where to go in an emergency is crucial:

  • 112: For life-threatening emergencies (ambulance, police, or fire).

  • Huisartsenpost: For urgent but non-life-threatening situations outside regular GP hours.

  • Emergency department (Spoedeisende Hulp): For serious medical emergencies, often after referral from a GP.

  • Pharmacies: Some are open 24/7 for emergency medication needs.

Always carry your health insurance card when visiting any healthcare provider or hospital.

Primary care

Your general practitioner (huisarts) is your first point of contact for all non-emergency medical concerns. They:

  • Provide general medical care and prescriptions
  • Keep your medical records
  • Refer you to specialists or hospitals when necessary

You should register with a huisarts soon after arriving, as some practices have waiting lists, especially in larger cities.

If you need care outside regular hours, you can call the huisartsenpost (after-hours GP service).

How General Practitioners (GPs) work

Your general practitioner (huisarts) is your first point of contact for any physical or mental health concerns. GPs play a central role in the Dutch healthcare system — they diagnose, treat, and advise patients on most health issues and act as a gateway to specialist care.

Role of the GP

  • GPs treat a wide range of non-surgical conditions and can perform minor medical procedures.
  • They prescribe medication, provide ongoing treatment for chronic conditions, and offer advice on preventive health.
  • If necessary, your GP will issue a referral letter (verwijsbrief) so you can see a specialist or go to the hospital.
  • Most hospital or specialist treatments will not be reimbursed by your insurer without this referral.

Appointments and communication

GPs work on an appointment basis, and many practices also offer telephone consultations or e-consultations for simple medical questions.

Many practices now use online portals, where you can:

  • Book appointments
  • Ask non-urgent questions
  • Order repeat prescriptions
  • View parts of your medical record

Registering with a GP

Once you know where you’ll be living, you should register with a GP practice in your area. This is essential, most doctors only accept patients who live nearby.

  • Finding a GP can sometimes be difficult due to waiting lists, especially in larger cities.
  • You are entitled to an orientation consultation before deciding which practice you prefer.
  • Once registered, changing doctors is possible but can take time.

If you have trouble finding a GP, contact your health insurer, they can tell you which practices are still accepting new patients or add you to a waiting list.

Out-of-Hours care

When your GP’s office is closed (evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays), you can contact the huisartsenpost (out-of-hours GP service) for urgent but non-emergency care.

They handle situations that can’t wait until the next working day but do not require hospital treatment. You can find the phone number for your local huisartsenpost on your GP’s answering machine or website.

Hospitals and specialist care

Most specialized treatments and hospital visits require a referral from your GP.

  • General hospitals handle a wide range of treatments and emergency care.

  • Academic hospitals (linked to universities) focus on advanced treatments and research.

  • Specialist clinics offer focused care such as dermatology, eye care, or cardiology.

Mental health care

Mental health is an integral part of the Dutch healthcare system. If you experience stress, depression, or other mental health challenges, your GP is the first point of contact.

They can refer you to:

  • Psychologists or therapists for mild to moderate conditions

  • Psychiatrists or specialized institutions for more complex cases

The system emphasizes early intervention, accessibility, and personalized treatment. Many services are covered by basic health insurance with a referral.

Maternity, Child, and Youth healthcare

Family care in the Netherlands is well-structured and highly valued.

  • Maternity care (kraamzorg): New parents receive in-home support from trained maternity nurses during the first week after childbirth.

  • Youth healthcare (consultatiebureaus): Free regular checkups, vaccinations, and guidance for children from birth through adolescence.

  • Dental care for children: Basic dental care and preventive treatments are fully covered until the age of 18.

These services are designed to support healthy families and ensure children’s wellbeing from the start.