Are you a study-only student, or do you have a part-time job in the Netherlands?
Let’s find out which type of health insurance you legally need.
Student Health Insurance in the Netherlands
Studying in the Netherlands means you must have valid health insurance, but not every international student needs Dutch basic health insurance. Your situation depends on whether you only study, work alongside your studies, do a paid internship, or are insured through another country. This guide explains the main rules for 2026.
Do you need Dutch basic health insurance?
Your obligation depends mainly on your Wlz/social-security position, which is strongly affected by work, paid internship, income, and residence situation. Nationality alone does not decide whether you need Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering).
| Situation | Usually required? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| You only study and do not work | Usually no | Use EHIC if eligible or private international student insurance |
| You have a paid job in the Netherlands | Usually yes | Take out Dutch basic health insurance from the start of work |
| You have a zero-hour contract | Usually yes if you work/get paid | Check your Wlz position and arrange Dutch basic insurance if required |
| You have a paid internship | Depends | Depends on your Wlz position; since 1 September 2025, SVB rules differ by country group, payment and employee-insurance status |
| You received a CAK letter | Action required | Request a Wlz assessment from SVB or arrange Dutch insurance if required |
Study-only students
- International students who come to the Netherlands only to study are usually not required to take out Dutch basic health insurance and may not be eligible for it.
- EU/EEA students often rely on their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU students usually need private international student insurance.
Need private international student insurance instead?
If you only study in the Netherlands and do not work, Dutch basic health insurance is usually not the right route. EU/EEA students can often use an EHIC. Non-EU students and students who need private medical cover can compare international student insurance options through Swisscare.
View Swisscare student insurance options
Swisscare policies are private international insurance products. They are not a substitute for Dutch basic health insurance if you are legally required to have Dutch insurance because you work or fall under the Wlz scheme. Studentinsurance.nl may receive a commission if you buy through our links.
Working students and interns
- If you start working alongside your studies, or receive certain forms of payment for an internship or volunteer work, you may become insured under the Wlz scheme and may be required to take out Dutch basic health insurance.
- Internship rules are more nuanced than “any paid internship always means Dutch basic insurance”. For internships from 1 September 2025 onwards, the SVB distinguishes between students from EU/EEA/Switzerland/treaty countries and students from outside those countries. If in doubt, request a Wlz assessment from the SVB.
Important: If the CAK believes you are uninsured while you are required to have Dutch basic health insurance, you must respond. If you are legally required to be insured and do not arrange Dutch basic health insurance, the CAK fine in 2026 is €529.74. If you still do not take action within 3 months, you can receive a second fine.
Health insurance tips
If your situation requires you to take out Dutch health insurance, keep these points in mind to make an informed decision:
- Basic health care insurance: The coverage of the basic package is determined by the government and is identical across all providers. You do not get more comprehensive basic medical care by paying a higher premium.
- Healthcare premium: Premiums differ based on the insurer’s service level, whether they contract all hospitals, and if they operate entirely online.
- Supplementary health insurance: This is optional. It covers costs outside the basic package, such as extensive physiotherapy or alternative treatments.
- Dental insurance: For adults (18+), routine dental care is not in the basic package. Dental insurance is beneficial if you expect multiple treatments, but for just one check-up a year, paying out of pocket may be cheaper.
- Voluntary excess: You can increase your deductible to lower your monthly premium, but you must have enough savings to pay the higher amount if you suddenly need hospital care.
Compare and Find Your Health Insurance
Health insurance companies that focus on students:
While no single health insurance is the absolute match for everyone, some insurers specifically target students with digital-first services, lower premiums, and student-focused supplementary packages.
Switch to another health insurance
If you already have Dutch insurance, you are allowed to switch providers once a year. If you are newly arriving or just starting a job, you must take out insurance immediately and do not have to wait for the switching season.
Important 2026-2027 Dates
- September 15, 2026: On Budget Day (Prinsjesdag), the government announces the expected basic premium and changes to the basic package for 2027.
- November 12, 2026: The absolute deadline for all health insurers to announce their exact premiums for 2027.
- December 31, 2026: The final date to cancel your current health insurance policy.
- January 31, 2027: The deadline to take out a new policy (if you canceled by December 31). The new policy will apply retroactively from January 1.
Until your 18th birthday, you are co-insured for free under your parents’ or guardians’ Dutch policy. The month after you turn 18, you become liable to pay premiums yourself. You have the freedom to choose your own insurer and apply for healthcare allowance.
Understanding Costs: Deductibles and Allowances
The Deductible (Eigen Risico)
The mandatory deductible (eigen risico) is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance reimburses specialized healthcare costs (like hospital visits or lab tests). For 2026, the government has legally set the mandatory deductible at €385.
You can choose to increase this deductible voluntarily by up to €500 (totaling €885). Doing so can save you around €15 to €25 on your monthly premium. However, only do this if you have enough savings to pay €885 immediately in case of an emergency.
Exceptions: Visits to your General Practitioner (GP/huisarts) are exempt from the deductible. You do not pay out of pocket for a standard doctor’s appointment.
Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)
To help students and low-income individuals afford the mandatory premium, the Dutch government offers a monthly subsidy. In 2026, the maximum healthcare allowance is €129 per month for a single person and €246 per month together with a toeslagpartner.
Eligibility is based on your gross income. Importantly, your student finance (DUO loans or grants) does not count as income for this calculation. If you have a Dutch policy, you should check if you qualify.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Student Policies
Insurers targeting students often operate entirely online, allowing them to offer lower premiums.
Advantages
- Lower monthly premiums compared to traditional policies.
- Supplementary packages tailored to young people (e.g., travel vaccinations, sports physiotherapy).
- Apps that allow for easy photo-declarations and English customer service.
Disadvantages
- Often “in-kind” (natura) policies, meaning you may have to pay a percentage if you visit a non-contracted hospital for planned care.
- Customer service is typically chat- or email-only.
- Fewer options for extensive supplementary packages (like heavy dental or orthodontics).
All health insurers
In the Netherlands, there are dozens of labels, but they all fall under a few large parent companies. Here is a selection of well-known Dutch health insurers you can compare:
Check out all Dutch Health Insurers
Coverage, Dental, and Care Abroad
What is covered by basic insurance?
The basic package (basisverzekering) is legally defined. It includes GP visits, hospital care, specialist treatments, psychological care (with referral), and standard medications. The exact premium you pay differs per insurer, but the medical coverage does not.
Dental insurance
Routine dental care is only free for individuals under 18. If you are older, you must pay your dentist out of pocket or take out supplementary dental insurance. Consider your dental health before purchasing a module that might cost more than a single check-up.
Health insurance abroad
Dutch basic insurance covers emergency care worldwide, but only up to the standard Dutch rate. If you travel to a country where medical care is very expensive (like the USA or Switzerland), a supplementary policy with global coverage or separate travel insurance is highly recommended.
Common Student Scenarios
How do these rules look in practice?
- Maria (Working Student): Maria is from Spain and works 8 hours a week at a cafe. Because she receives a salary, she is legally required to take out Dutch basic insurance. She chooses a policy for €145/month, but applies for zorgtoeslag and may receive up to €129 back. Her net cost depends on her income and final allowance.
- Chen (Study-Only Student): Chen is from China and focuses entirely on his degree. He is not allowed to enter the Dutch public system. He keeps his private international insurance, pays no Dutch premium, and does not interact with the CAK.
Step-by-Step Plan: Arranging Your Insurance
- Determine your status: Are you working or only studying?
- Get your BSN: Register at your local municipality.
- Compare policies: If you must insure yourself, use our tool to find a suitable student premium.
- Apply for allowance: Request your zorgtoeslag via the Belastingdienst using your DigiD.
- Cancel when leaving: Deregister and cancel your policy when you graduate or leave the country.
Changes in 2026
Key financial figures for this year:
- Standard premiums hover around €140 to €160 per month, depending on the insurer.
- The mandatory deductible (eigen risico) remains legally fixed at €385.
- The maximum healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) for a single person is €129 per month for a single person and €246 per month together with a toeslagpartner.
Frequently asked questions about student health insurance
Expertise & Methodology
Studentinsurance.nl is an editorially independent information and comparison website focused on Dutch health insurance for international students in the Netherlands.
Authoritative Sources Used
To maintain absolute accuracy, the compliance rules, limits, and exclusions detailed on this page are compiled directly from primary regulatory bodies:
- Rijksoverheid (Dutch Government) – Statutory rules determining the basic insurance package.
- Belastingdienst (Tax Administration) – Source for 2026 healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) thresholds.
- CAK – Regulatory framework for mandatory insurance enforcement and fines.
- Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) – Wlz assessments for international students.
Information Verified by Expert
The legal thresholds, enrollment timelines, and policy implications on this page have been strictly reviewed and verified by Linda van Reenen. Linda checks Dutch health-insurance content for Studentinsurance.nl. Her focus is on student situations, healthcare allowance, Dutch basic insurance rules, and practical questions from international students.
Neutrality & Medical Advice Disclaimer
The information on Studentinsurance.nl is general information. We do not provide personal financial, legal or medical advice. For medical questions, contact a healthcare professional. For uncertainty about your Wlz position, contact the SVB or request a Wlz assessment. For questions about a CAK letter, contact the CAK.
Quality Mark
