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Healthcare for Labour Migrants in the Netherlands

If you move to the Netherlands for work in sectors like logistics, agriculture, food processing, construction, or manufacturing, you are considered a labour or seasonal worker (arbeidsmigrant).

Everyone who works and pays taxes in the Netherlands must have Dutch health insurance (zorgverzekering). This applies regardless of whether your stay is short or long-term, or if you work through an employment agency.

You must arrange your insurance within four months of starting work or registering as a resident.

Labour Migrants from the EU/EEA

If you are from the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA):

  • You are obliged to have Dutch health insurance if you work and/or pay taxes in the Netherlands.

  • You must choose a basic health insurance policy (basisverzekering) from a Dutch insurer.

  • If your stay is short-term and you do not work or pay taxes, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may temporarily cover emergency medical care.

Most EU labour migrants are hired through employment agencies, which sometimes arrange collective health insurance for their workers. Always check:

  • Whether your employer or agency registered you for health insurance.

  • What coverage you receive: collective policies are often limited to essential care.

💡 Tip: You can compare insurers and coverage options on zorgwijzer.nl.

Labour Migrants from outside the EU/EEA

If you come from outside the EU/EEA to work in the Netherlands:

  • You must have a valid residence permit that allows work before you can take out Dutch health insurance.

  • Once your permit is approved, you must apply for health insurance within four months.

If your work is arranged through a temporary work permit or a bilateral treaty (for example, with Turkey or Morocco), the rules may differ slightly. Your employer or the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) can confirm whether you are covered by Dutch or foreign social security.

Posted and Cross-Border Workers

If you are sent to the Netherlands temporarily by a company based in another EU/EEA country, you may remain insured in your home country.

To do so, you must:

  • Have a valid A1 certificate proving you continue to pay social security contributions in your home country.

  • Keep your existing health insurance active there.

  • Present your EHIC card when receiving healthcare in the Netherlands.

If you do not have an A1 certificate, you fall under Dutch law and must take out Dutch health insurance.

Losing or changing employment

If you lose your job but remain in the Netherlands and receive Dutch unemployment benefits, your health insurance continues. However, if you return to your home country or stop paying Dutch taxes, you must cancel your Dutch insurance yourself.

If your employment agency arranges insurance for you, double-check that it’s cancelled when you leave, otherwise, you may keep receiving bills.

Practical advice

  • Register with your municipality (gemeente) as soon as you arrive to get your BSN number, it’s needed for insurance.

  • Ask your employer or agency whether they arranged health insurance for you. If not, you must do it yourself.

  • Check your payslip: some agencies deduct insurance costs directly from your wages.

  • Know your rights: you are entitled to the same level of medical care as any resident.

  • Language help: many healthcare providers offer English-speaking staff, and agencies can help with translation.

Language support

While many Dutch people speak English, communication can still be challenging if you’re not fluent in Dutch. Healthcare providers understand this and offer different ways to make care more accessible for international and migrant workers.

Here’s how you can get help communicating with your doctor, hospital, or health insurer:

1. English-speaking doctors and staff

  • Most general practitioners (GPs) and hospital specialists speak English well, especially in larger cities and regions with many internationals.

  • When registering with a GP, you can ask if they speak your language or if someone at the practice can help translate.

  • Some GPs and clinics advertise multilingual services directly on their websites.

2. Interpreters and translation services

  • For complex medical appointments, you can request a professional interpreter (tolk) — either by phone or in person.

  • Interpreters are arranged by the healthcare provider, not the patient, and are free of charge if needed for clear communication.

  • The service is especially common in hospitals, maternity care, and mental-health appointments.

  • In urgent situations (e.g., at the hospital or emergency room), doctors can use telephone interpreters via a 24/7 service.

💡 Tip: Always let your doctor know in advance if you need an interpreter. It helps them arrange one in time for your appointment.

3. Translated medical information

  • Many hospitals and insurers publish brochures and medical instructions in English, Polish, Romanian, and other common migrant languages.

  • The website www.thuisarts.nl provides reliable medical information, with key topics available in English, Arabic, Polish, and Turkish.

  • The national patient organization Pharos also offers health guides in multiple languages, focused on accessibility for migrants and refugees.

4. Help from employers and municipalities

  • Some municipalities in the Brainport region (like Eindhoven and Helmond) offer healthcare information sessions in multiple languages for labour migrants.

  • Employers or agencies often act as an initial contact point and can help schedule appointments or translate basic communication.