Living in the Netherlands - The Health System

The (new) medical insurance scheme from 1 January 2006

Medical insurance is obligatory when you live and/or work in the Netherlands.

From 1 January 2006, the regulations will change with regard to insurance against medical expenses in the Netherlands. A general basic insurance will be introduced, which will be covered by private insurers against medical expenses. These insurers are not allowed to refuse anyone. The nominal premium will be €1,100 per person per year. Children up to the age of 18 are insured free of charge. Anyone earning an income will pay an additional contribution of 6.25 percent, which employees will receive back from their employer. Freelance workers will receive their contribution back through their annual income tax declaration.

Those on a low income have the right to a so-called 'care allowance' (zorgtoeslag) up to a maximum amount of €330 per year.

The basic insurance will cover:

• Treatment by a GP, hospital, medical specialists and midwives
• All costs during admission to hospital
• Dental care for children up to the age of 18. Specialist dental care and dentures for everyone aged 18 years or over
• Prescribed medicines
• Short-term psychiatric treatment
• Prenatal care
• Ambulance transport and care
• Paramedic care, with a maximum insurance set for physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and dieticians

Coverage is fairly basic. You are therefore recommended to take out additional cover for the cost of regular dental care, physiotherapy and other long-term treatments. The basic insurance and the additional insurance do not have to be taken out with the same insurance company.

When you live in the Netherlands, you will have to sign on with a General Practitioner (huisarts). You can choose your own GP, but your choice is limited to the neighbourhood in which you live. Most GPs have consultation hours at certain times, for which you will have to make an appointment beforehand.

If a specialist treatment is considered necessary, the GP will refer the patient to a hospital or medical specialist. Medical help by a hospital or specialist will not be given without a referral from a GP! The only exceptions are dental care and treatment by the accident and emergency departments of the larger hospitals.

Source: European Union
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