About Us: Your Independent Guide to Dutch Student Insurance

Disclaimer: Studentinsurance.nl provides general, objective information regarding the Dutch insurance system. We operate as an informational platform and do not provide personal financial, legal, or medical advice. Policy conditions, legal obligations, and prices depend on the specific insurer and the Dutch government.

Moving to the Netherlands for your studies involves navigating a complex web of administrative tasks. Understanding the local healthcare and insurance rules can be overwhelming, especially when faced with unfamiliar terms and strict legal obligations. Studentinsurance.nl was founded to bridge this knowledge gap, offering international and local students a clear, objective overview of their insurance options.

Our Mission: Simplifying Dutch Bureaucracy

Established in 2005 by two students in The Hague, our platform was born out of frustration. We found that the internet lacked comprehensive, unbiased information tailored specifically to student needs. Most available resources were either overly complex government texts or promotional materials from individual insurers. Our mission remains to translate these complex regulations into accessible guides, helping you make informed, independent decisions about your coverage.

Who We Are and How We Operate

We are a dedicated team of researchers, editors, and insurance specialists. We monitor updates from Dutch authorities such as the SVB, CAK, and Belastingdienst to ensure our content reflects the current landscape.

Independence and Transparency

Studentinsurance.nl is a 100% independent platform. We are not owned by, nor do we hold shares in, any university, educational institution, or insurance company. The company behind this website, Helms Online B.V., is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) under number 27329130. We participate in affiliate marketing networks (such as Awin BV, registered under AFM number 12042897), which allows us to link to external providers securely and compliantly.

How We Earn Our Money

Our platform is completely free for you to use. If you choose to take out a policy by clicking a link on our website, we may receive a standard, one-off commission from the respective insurer. This commission does not affect the premium you pay, nor does it influence the objectivity of our comparison tools or the information we publish.

How We Help You Navigate the Rules

One of our primary goals is to help you determine if you are legally required to participate in the Dutch public health insurance system. This is a crucial distinction for international students.

• Working Students: If you take on a part-time job or a paid internship in the Netherlands, you generally must take out Dutch public basic insurance. We explain the complex rules for working students so you can comply with the law.
• Study-Only Students: If you only study and do not generate a Dutch income, you typically cannot take out public insurance and must rely on your EHIC or a private policy. We guide you through finding the right private alternatives.

Key Cost Factors to Keep in Mind (2026)

We provide current financial data to help you budget accurately. For 2026, keep these key figures in mind:

• Mandatory Deductible (Eigen Risico): The statutory deductible for Dutch basic insurance is €385 per year. You pay this out of pocket for most specialized care before insurance covers the rest.
• Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag): To make insurance affordable, the government offers a subsidy. Eligible students can receive a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) of up to €129 per month.

Step-by-Step Plan: Using Our Platform

To get the most out of our website, we recommend following these steps:

1. Assess your obligation: Read our guides to determine your legal status (Wlz-assessment).
2. Learn the terms: Use our glossary to understand concepts like eigen risico and zorgtoeslag.
3. Compare options: Take a quiet moment to compare Dutch healthcare insurance policies based on price and coverage.
4. Apply securely: Click through to the official insurer’s website to finalize your application.

Common Mistakes We Help You Avoid

• Ignoring official letters: We explain the risks of ignoring letters from the CAK (the agency that fines uninsured residents).
• Applying for the wrong policy: We help prevent situations where study-only students accidentally apply for public insurance, which can lead to bureaucratic complications later.

Exclusions: What We Do Not Do

• We do not provide personal advice: We cannot tell you which specific medical policy is best for your individual health history.
• We do not manage your policy: We cannot cancel your insurance, process your medical claims, or apply for your government allowances on your behalf.