Doctor and Hospital Facilities for Expats in Amsterdam
Doctors and hospitals in Amsterdam are of a very high standard. The only thing that expatriates regularly complain of is a widespread lack of bedside manners. Whether it’s a cultural influence or any other reason, do not expect to be doted on by medical staff here. The real difficulty can occur when it comes to finding causes of non-specific complaints. In many countries, doctors will be much more active in helping a patient find the root of a problem, while Dutch doctors can sometimes dismiss ailments that do not seem serious.
Visiting a public healthcare centre will prove to be expensive if you do not have private health insurance. In this case, a “House Doctor” could prove to be more affordable. ‘House Doctors’ run private practices and are generally the first stop for most health issues. By and large these doctors in Amsterdam will not make house calls and instead work on appointments at their practice.
In rare cases where the problem is serious – and known to the doctor beforehand – house calls may be possible; check with your doctor to be sure. If you urgently need a doctor outside of office hours, you can contact the Foundation for Doctors’ Services in Amsterdam SHDA (Stichting Huisartsen Dienstenposten Amsterdam) on 088 003060.
