Health insurance for Expat in Amsterdam
The medical care that is available in the Netherlands is generally of a very high standard with excellent facilities and advanced specialist treatments available. The standard of care is considered to be higher than the European average.
The Netherlands has an extremely high standard of public health. The tap water in Amsterdam is completely safe to drink.
Private health insurance in The Netherlands is mandatory according to the terms of the Health Insurance Act 2006 (Zorgverzekeringswet). Everyone working in the Netherlands is obliged to take out health insurance under this scheme, and will be reimbursed for their main healthcare needs under the basic insurance package. The system is administered by private insurance companies, and individuals can choose the company that provides the best package according to needs. All companies are required by law to accept anyone who applies for medical cover. No contributions are required for children aged below 18.
You are free to choose your insurance company and your level of income will not be taken into account. You are also free to change your insurance company once a year.
The basic insurance system includes coverage for general medical care, prescribed specialist treatment, appliances such as medical stockings, some medicines, maternity and obstetric care, the cost of ambulances or other necessary healthcare transport, and some forms of rehabilitation treatment such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy. For more information see ‘Insurance’ below.
Emergencies
The number to dial for all emergencies is 112.
