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Healthcare

If you are looking for a doctor, psychologist or other medical care, you will find information on this page about how the Dutch healthcare system works. You will also find information about health insurance.

Step-by-step plans (2)

Choosing a health insurance policy

3 Steps

Everyone living in the Netherlands is required to have basic health insurance. Read how to choose health insurance here.

You need to have health insurance if you have an asylum residence permit

Here is what to look for when choosing health insurance

This is how to take out health insurance

Pregnancy and childbirth in the Netherlands

7 Steps

Are you pregnant? Or do you think you are pregnant? In these articles you can read how medical care works in the Netherlands. And what you need to arrange.

Taking a pregnancy test

Making an appointment with your doctor when pregnant

Finding a midwife to guide you through your pregnancy

You arrange this during your pregnancy

You will go into labour

You get maternity care after your baby is born

This is what you arrange after giving birth

Article

This is how the Dutch healthcare system works

If you need healthcare, in the Netherlands you always go to the GP first. The GP can refer you to other healthcare. Only in case of acute care can you immediately call the emergency number or go to the GP office. Read more about how healthcare works in the Netherlands.

Article

This is how you get a personal number (BSN) to handle your affairs in the Netherlands

If you are in the Netherlands for more than 6 months, you will get a personal number: a citizen service number (BSN). You need this number to arrange your personal affairs in the Netherlands. Read here how to get such a number.

Article

Healthcare allowance to pay for your health insurance

If you have a low income, for example, because you have to live on benefits or student grants, you may be able to get healthcare allowance. This is a contribution from the government to pay for your health insurance.

Article

Sexual health information and care

If you are looking for care and information about sexuality, e.g. about safe sex, an unwanted pregnancy or about STIs. Read here about care and information around sexuality in the Netherlands.

Article

Here is what you can do if you are not feeling well mentally and have an asylum residence permit

If you have fled, stress, poor sleep or poor concentration are not unusual characteristics. These characteristics are part of your mental health. This form of health is about how you feel. Read here about mental health and what you can do to feel better.

A picture of a letter containing details for applying for a DigiD.

Article

Apply for a DigiD to log in to Dutch government websites

In the Netherlands, you arrange many personal matters online. For example, with the Dutch government. Or for your health insurance or pension. For this you need DigiD. This article explains what DigiD is and how to apply for it.

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Video

Healthcare in the Netherlands

See how healthcare works in the Netherlands in this video.

Video

Explanation of health insurance

Check out everything about health insurance here. For example, about the deductible and what to look out for when checking your health insurance.

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