Health insurance in the Netherlands (2026 guide for expats)
Dutch health insurance is mandatory: you must take out basic insurance (basisverzekering) within 4 months of arriving. Learn the 2026 deductible, premiums and switching deadlines.
If you live or work in the Netherlands, basic health insurance (basisverzekering) is mandatory and you must arrange it within four months of registering. In 2026 the basic package costs roughly €145–€160 per month on average, with a statutory deductible (eigen risico) of €385 that you pay yourself before most care is reimbursed. Here is how the system works and how to choose the right policy.
Compulsory basic insurance for everyone
- Visits to your family doctor (huisarts)
- Hospital treatment and stays
- Prescription medication
- Maternity care and emergency care
Key points about basic health insurance:
- Everyone living or working in the Netherlands is required to have it
- The Dutch government sets exactly what is in the basic package, so the cover is identical at every insurer
- Because the package is standardised, you choose mainly on price, service and contracted hospitals
- Children under 18 are insured for free on a parent's policy
The deductible (eigen risico)
In 2026 the statutory deductible is €385. This is the amount you pay out of your own pocket each year before your insurer starts reimbursing covered care.
- Visits to your family doctor (huisarts) are exempt — they are always free at the point of use
- You can voluntarily raise your deductible (to €485, €585, €685, €785 or €885) in exchange for a lower monthly premium, typically saving around €5–€9 per month per €100 of extra deductible — only worthwhile if you rarely need care
- After you have paid the deductible, your insurer reimburses the remaining covered costs
Supplementary insurance
Optional extra coverage
Supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering) adds cover that the basic package does not include, such as:
- Dental care for adults
- Extensive physical therapy
- Alternative medicine
- Glasses, contact lenses and other extras
Choosing supplementary insurance
- It is never mandatory
- The cover and price vary a lot per insurer
- Match it to your actual needs — there is no point paying for dental cover you will not use
How to choose your own health insurance
When selecting health insurance in the Netherlands:
- Compare the monthly premium and the contracted hospitals near you
- Decide whether you want a naturapolis (care from contracted providers) or a restitutiepolis (free choice of provider, usually pricier)
- Check whether any supplementary cover you need is offered and affordable
- If your income is below a threshold, you may qualify for healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) from the Tax Authority, which offsets part of the premium
Switching is once a year
You can switch health insurer once a year. Cancel your current policy by 31 December and sign up with a new insurer by 31 January. Insurers must accept you for the basic insurance, so there is no risk in switching for a better price.
Yes. If you live or work in the Netherlands you must take out basic insurance within four months of registering. Backdated premiums and a fine can follow if you do not.
The statutory deductible is €385 in 2026. Your family doctor (huisarts) is exempt, so GP visits are always free.
On average roughly €145–€160 per month in 2026, depending on the insurer and the policy type. You may be entitled to healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) to offset part of this.
Once a year — cancel by 31 December and take out a new policy by 31 January. Insurers cannot refuse you for the basic package.
Setting up the rest of your household admin too? See our guides to home insurance, car insurance and legal insurance in the Netherlands.
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