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Healthcare for Students in the Netherlands

If you’re coming to the Netherlands to study, do an internship, or conduct research, it’s important to understand how health insurance works. Whether or not you need to take out Dutch health insurance (zorgverzekering) depends on your situation, particularly if you’re working, interning, or staying temporarily.

Below you’ll find everything you need to know about who must take out insurance, which options exist, and how to make sure you’re covered during your stay.

EU/EEA & Swiss Students

If you’re from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) usually covers basic medical care during a temporary stay in the Netherlands.

You can use your EHIC for:

  • GP and hospital visits that are medically necessary

  • Prescription medicines

  • Emergency care

However:

  • The EHIC is only valid if you’re in the Netherlands for study purposes only and not working.

  • If you take a paid job or internship with a salary at or above the Dutch minimum wage, you must switch to Dutch health insurance under the Wlz scheme.

💡 Tip: Check with your home country’s insurer to ensure your EHIC covers your entire study period, some only cover short stays or specific age groups.

Non-EU/EEA Students

If you’re from outside the EU/EEA, the rules depend on your residence permit and work status.

You must take out Dutch health insurance if:

  • You have a residence permit that allows you to live and work in the Netherlands, and

  • You have a paid job, internship, or PhD position earning at least the minimum wage.

If you’re in the Netherlands for study purposes only, you are not eligible for Dutch public health insurance.

Instead, you must arrange private or international student insurance.

Internships and PhD Students

If you’re doing an internship, traineeship, or PhD:

  • Paid internships (≥ minimum wage): You must take out Dutch health insurance. Any financial compensation (including housing allowance) is considered income.

  • Unpaid or low-paid internships: If your stay is temporary and you’re not earning minimum wage, you are not eligible for Dutch health insurance — use private student coverage.

When you need Dutch health insurance

You are required to take out Dutch health insurance if:

  • You work for a Dutch employer (even part-time or on a zero-hour contract).

  • You are self-employed and pay income tax in the Netherlands.

  • You have a residence permit for a non-temporary stay (e.g., after graduation).

Failing to take out insurance when required can result in a government fine.

If you’re unsure whether you must be insured, contact:

  • SVB (Sociale Verzekeringsbank) to request an assessment.

  • Or call Zorgverzekeringslijn:
    📞 0800 - 64 64 644 (free in the Netherlands)
    📞 +31 88 900 6960 (from abroad)

Healthcare allowance (Zorgtoeslag)

If you’re a student with Dutch health insurance, you may be eligible for zorgtoeslag, a monthly government allowance that helps cover the cost of your insurance premium.

To qualify, you must:

  • Be 18 years or older

  • Have Dutch health insurance

  • Have a BSN (citizen service number)

  • Earn below the income threshold (€50,206 in 2025 for single individuals)

Apply online via the Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst).

Information on the Dutch healthcare system for students