Healthcare system in the Netherlands
Rated among the best in the World (11th) the Dutch Healthcare system in the Netherlands is of excellent standard. The system is managed by the Dutch government and supplemented by private insurance companies. Primary healthcare is given through primary care centers and General Practice services, with a network of hospitals delivering secondary and emergency services.
We explore in this section
Who can access healthcare in the Netherlands
Residents and visitors in the Netherlands have access to the healthcare service when they have health insurance. If you are a Dutch resident a basic health insurance is mandatory with some exceptions:
Children under 18 who are covered by the insurance policy of parents/guardians.
Visitors from the EU/EEA/Switzerland with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or visitors outside EU/EEA/Switzerland will need purchase private health insurance.
Health insurance in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands you have two forms of health insurance.
Zorgverzkeringwet (Zvw) is a basic insurance which covers common media care which is mandatory for Dutch residents.
Wet langdurige zorg (Wlz) is for long-term nursing and care which is covered by the government for all Dutch Residents. Read more in our Health Insurance section.
Pregnancy in the Netherlands
Being pregnant in another country can give you some extra stress, a different language, different customs, some countries look very different towards hospital birth just to name some examples. Read more in our section Pregnancy in the Netherlands.
General Practitioners in the Netherlands
One of the first things you should do when you are moved in to your new home is register with a Huisarts. Read more in our section General Practitioners in the Netherlands.
Pharmacies in the Netherlands
Pharmacies (called Apotheek in dutch) in the Netherlands sells prescription-only drugs as well as over-the-counter medication, medical equipment for home use, homeopathic products, vitamins and baby items. Read more in our section Pharmacies in the Netherlands.