In the Netherlands, the healthcare system is universal and publically funded. Regardless of age or income, every Dutch citizen has access to affordable healthcare services. Dutch citizens have three main options when it comes to obtaining medical care: private insurance, government-funded insurance, and direct payment for services. Understanding how these options work can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare when living in the Netherlands as an expat.
Private Healthcare Insurance in the Netherlands
If you’re relocating to the Netherlands for work or school, you may be eligible for a local version of private healthcare insurance (also known as “private supplementary” or “self-pay” coverage). Private insurance plans are not subsidized by the government but instead must be paid for directly by policyholders. The cost of private insurance varies based on personal circumstances and provider, but on average it costs around €300 per month, including administration fees and taxes.
Government-Funded Insurance in the Netherlands
If you have a non-work visa that lasts longer than 3 months, you won’t be eligible for standard private insurance plans that are subsidized by the government. However, you will be able to purchase government-funded health insurance (known as “basic” coverage) at a cost of roughly €50 per month. This coverage is provided by local compulsory social insurance (SVV) offices throughout the country and is similar to ” Medicare” or ” Medicaid” in other countries.
Direct Payment for Health Care
If you are covered by a plan, you may be asked to pay a premium for physical or occupational health care. You will need to fill out a medical history form and pay a premium to cover your health care. You may also be required to pay the fee for any out-of-pocket expenses that arise during your stay in the Netherlands.
What is Healthcare like in the Netherlands?
The overall quality of healthcare in the Netherlands is high, with the country consistently ranking as one of the best places to live and receive medical care, along with nations like Australia, Canada, and the UK. The Netherlands has a robust healthcare system with a strong emphasis on prevention, wellness, and integrated care. This means that individuals receive integrated care from their primary care physician (who is responsible for general health checks and monitoring chronic conditions like diabetes or depression) and from other specialists as needed.
Which Insurance Option is Best for You?
If you’re planning to live in the Netherlands for the long haul and you don’t want to deal with the hassle of changing providers, costs, or paperwork every few years, private insurance may be a good long-term solution for you. Government-funded health insurance has a yearly changeover period during which time policyholders must select a new provider. If you’re planning to travel to the Netherlands on a short-term basis, it’s possible to purchase local health insurance from a provider. This insurance is designed to cover you for a limited period of time (typically 1-3 months). However, this option is generally more expensive than government-funded health insurance. Keep in mind that foreign visitors to the Netherlands with a non-work visa that lasts longer than three months won’t be eligible for government-funded health insurance.
How to Choose the Right Health Plan
When choosing a health plan, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re covered for and what you’re not. Every health plan will have different terms, so it’s crucial to read the fine print. Some key considerations to keep in mind as you look around for the right plan are:
- Does the plan cover visits to your primary care physician, specialists, and/or prescription medication?
- Does the plan include maternity coverage or care for dependents (such as a child under the age of 18)?
- What are the co-pays and co-insurance rates (the percentage of medical costs you’ll be responsible for paying)?
- Is there a maximum annual/lifetime coverage amount?
Pros of public insurance
- No co-pays. One of the biggest benefits of government-funded health insurance is that there are no co-pays. This means that if you have to visit the doctor, get a prescription filled, or have a medical procedure done, the government will cover 100% of the cost up to the amount specified in your health plan.
- Wide range of health plans available. With public insurance, there’s a wide range of health plans available, and you’re able to select a plan based on your personal needs and preferences.
- No upper lifetime coverage limit. With government-funded health coverage, there’s no upper lifetime coverage limit. This means that government health insurance has no limit on how much it will pay out over the course of a lifetime.
Cons of public insurance
- High co-insurance rates. One potential drawback of public insurance is that co-insurance rates can be quite high. This means that if you have to make a claim for medical services, you may be responsible for a significant portion of the cost.
- Low coverage amounts. Another drawback of public health insurance is that the amounts covered per procedure or visit are often quite low. This can be a significant drawback if you have a serious health condition.
- Longer appointment waiting times. One drawback of public health insurance is that appointment wait times can be longer than with private health insurance. If you have a specific condition that requires specialized care and monitoring, such as diabetes, it may be difficult to get a timely appointment with a specialist.
Pros of private insurance
- Provider changeovers are shorter. Unlike public health insurance, there’s no yearly provider changeover period with private health insurance. This means that you don’t have to select a new provider every year.
- Higher coverage amounts. One advantage of private health insurance is that the amounts covered per procedure or visit are often higher than with public health insurance. If you have a serious health condition, this can be a significant advantage.
- Fewer co-pays. One major advantage of private health insurance is that there are often fewer co-pays than with public health insurance. This means that you have less out-of-pocket expenses when visiting the doctor or getting a prescription filled.
Cons of private insurance
- High monthly costs. One drawback of private health insurance is that the monthly costs are generally higher than public health insurance. If you’re on a budget and/or living off a modest salary, it can be challenging to make these payments each month.
- More narrow coverage terms. Another drawback of private health insurance is that the terms and coverage amounts can be more narrowly specified than public health insurance. If you have a serious health condition, it may be difficult to find a plan that covers your specific needs and requirements.
Bottom line
While seeking treatment with private insurance may be more convenient and allow you to visit a wider selection of providers, it will come with a higher price tag. Conversely, public health insurance is more affordable and provides you with a wider selection of healthcare providers, but it may come with longer wait times, higher co-pays, and a bigger financial obligation. Ultimately, it’s important to select a plan that best fits your specific healthcare needs.