The Dutch healthcare system

Every person who lives or works in the Netherlands is legally obligated to take out standard health insurance (basisverzekering) to cover the cost of consulting a general practitioner, hospital treatment, prescription medication etc. You may also opt to take out additional insurance to cover costs not included in the standard package (e.g. dental care, physiotherapy etc.). Children under 18 are included in their parents’ insurance at no extra cost unless the child begins working.
You are free to choose your own health insurer (zorgverzekeraar) and change companies once a year.
A Dutch insurance company cannot refuse to cover you for the basic package, regardless of your age or state of health. The standard basic package is pretty much the same from all providers except that costs may vary. As mentioned you will need extra cover for extensive dental treatment, physiotherapy or anything else the government considers to be your own responsibility and it is in these additional areas where companies compete. You can change the extras each year. Some insurance companies have policy documents in English. It is also worth checking with your colleagues and, if you work at a company, whether there is a collective scheme that provides a discount. Some employers cover (some) costs. If you are self-employed you may want to take out additional cover. Independent advice is available from: 

⫘ www.zorgverzekeringslijn.nl

Always check that the healthcare suppliers (e.g., physiotherapist, psychotherapist) is registered with your particular insurer before starting treatment.Further information can be found via:

⫘ www.government.nl/issues/health-insurance

⫘ www.iamexpat.nl/expat-info/dutch-healthcare-system

No smoking 

Since 1 July 2008, smoking has been banned in cafes, pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels. Separate, enclosed, smoking zones may exist but food and drink cannot be served in them. The rule applies to tobacco smoking so doesn’t apply to coffee shops (although the counter where you buy soft drugs must be a smoke-free zone). Unlike most other schools in the Netherlands, the ISH is a smoke-free campus. No smoking is allowed on the school premises.

Doctors and Dentists

You will have to register with a general practitioner (huisarts). To locate one, log on to the website:

⫘ www.zorgkaartnederland.nl, type in your postcode and a list of doctors close to you will come up.

You may, however, have to settle for one further away, as many doctors already have a full list of patients. Doctors almost always work from their surgeries, home visits are rare, but the idea is that, if necessary they can get to your home within 10 minutes. Information on dentists can be found at:

⫘ www.vergelijkmondzorg.nl

Pharmacies

To locate your nearest pharmacy (apotheek) visit ;  www.apotheek.nl, click on “vind een apotheek” and enter your postcode.

Specialist Healthcare Providers

Your health insurance will not cover the costs if you make an appointment with a specialist (e.g., cardiologist, gynaecologist, etc.), unless you have a referral from your huisarts.