| Public | Private |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite for life in the Netherlands as an expat. | Access to wider range of treatments than public cover. |
| Costs are usually salary dependent. | Can cover you while you wait for public access. |
International Health Insurance in the Netherlands
International Health Insurance in the Netherlands
The Netherlands may be small but it’s a beautiful place to be. Famous for canals, windmills and a relaxed culture – the Dutch country is a popular expat destination.
Everyone living and working in the Netherlands requires some form of health insurance. So, get yours ahead of your European adventure with international health insurance in the Netherlands from Cigna Healthcare.
Read on to find out more about the national healthcare system and our insurance packages below.
How does the healthcare system work in the Netherlands?
All expats working in the Netherlands must sign up for public health insurance within four months. Up until then, you can use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), depending on which country you’re from. Failure to sign up will result in fines and eventually your employer will sign you up and deduct premiums from your salary.
Even the basic public healthcare system is comprehensive in the Netherlands. However, certain treatments require additional insurance.
Some private healthcare options in the Netherlands allow access to hospital treatment quicker than basic healthcare.
Pros and cons of using the Netherlands' local healthcare system
Pros
- High-quality healthcare is highly accessible.
- People with low income can receive a healthcare allowance.
- Prescriptions and GP appointments are free.
Cons
- Patients must be registered with a GP to see any doctor.
- Most patients needing non-emergency hospital care must be referred by a GP.
- The majority of government healthcare information online is only in Dutch.
What’s the difference between public and private healthcare in the Netherlands?
How can international health insurance help you in Netherlands?
The basic public health insurance package in the Netherlands is very good. However, there are certain services you’re not covered for, including:
- Extra maternity care
- Glasses
- Dental care for over-18s
- Some vaccinations
- Some psychiatric care and counselling
International health insurance can provide you with reassurance in knowing you won’t be hit with bills, should you unexpectedly require these treatments, and others. You can find a plan that suits your needs and budget.
Choosing your international health insurance
Get started
Answer a few questions and enter your personal details to get started.
Choose your plan
Compare plans and find a flexible package to suit your needs.
Get protected
Receive your quote and get protected today.
Select a Cigna core plan:
Silver
The core benefits on the Silver plan provide international inpatient and daypatient cover, including hospital stays and treatment.
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Annual Benefit Limit: $1,000,000
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Inpatient and daypatient treatment
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Private room
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Full cancer care
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Newborn care cover
Gold
Comprehensive coverage, with higher overall annual limits and added benefits including inpatient maternity care.
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Annual Benefit Limit: $2,000,000
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Inpatient and daypatient treatment
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Private room
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Full cancer care
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Inpatient Maternity
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Access to our Safe Travel app
Platinum
Our highest level of coverage offers an unlimited overall annual limit, with most benefits being paid in full.
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Annual Benefit Limit: Paid in full
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Inpatient and daypatient treatment
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Private room
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Full cancer care
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Inpatient Maternity
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Mental and Behavioural Health care paid in full
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Access to our Safe Travel app
Why choose Cigna Healthcare for health insurance in Netherlands?
Cigna Healthcare makes it easy to take up expat health insurance in the Netherlands.
- A range of plans that move with you. We cover over 192 countries, perfect whether you’re staying put or on the move.
- Worldwide access to a network of 1.65 million hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals.
- 24/7 access to our leading Customer Care Team to ensure you get the help you need, when you need it.
- Access to additional treatments and practices beyond those available on public healthcare in the Netherlands.
FAQs
Expats working in the Netherlands must sign up to the basic health insurance system within four months. Otherwise, they will be fined and/or have money deducted from their salary.
While international health insurance isn’t necessary, some of the treatments that they cover can be very expensive without it. If you need extended physiotherapy or dental treatment, international healthcare can give you peace of mind.
European expat students who won’t be working in the Netherlands can use their GHIC/EHIC cards. Expat students from other countries can use existing insurance plans, but all may want to consider international student health insurance in the Netherlands for extra peace of mind.
Health insurance is compulsory in the Netherlands. You’re required to take out insurance with a Dutch insurer from your day of arrival. Although you’ll have four months to register, you won’t be covered for any treatment you received in the period between your arrival and the day you took out insurance .
You’ll need to get in touch with us to submit your claim. You can do so via our Online Customer Area. You’ll need a few personal details and your policy number to get started.