a.s.r. Health Insurance for Students in the Netherlands

Disclaimer: The information on this page serves as a general guide to a.s.r. health insurance. Coverage, premiums, and eligibility depend on Dutch law and the specific policy conditions of the insurer.

a.s.r. is one of the largest and most established insurance groups in the Netherlands. Known for its sustainable investment policies and student-friendly digital services, a.s.r. offers various basic health insurance (basisverzekering) plans. Whether you are an international student or a local, understanding the Dutch healthcare system is essential to ensuring you are properly covered and avoid legal fines.

Who is a.s.r. Health Insurance for?

In the Netherlands, the requirement to take out Dutch health insurance depends on your lifestyle and employment status rather than your nationality alone.

Study-Only Students vs. Working Students

• Study-Only: If you are in the Netherlands strictly for your studies and do not have a paid job or paid internship, you are generally not allowed to take out a Dutch basic policy. EU students can typically use their EHIC, and non-EU students often use private international insurance.
• Working Students: The moment you start a part-time job, you usually fall under the health insurance rules for working students. Paid internships require a separate SVB/Wlz check: since 1 September 2025, payment, country group and employee-insurance status matter. In this case, taking out a Dutch basic insurance policy like a.s.r. becomes legally mandatory.

Common mistake: Failing to sign up for insurance while working can lead to a “CAK fine.” The CAK is a government body that monitors insurance compliance and can issue retroactive fines and premium charges that often exceed €400.

Coverage: Natura and Combination Policies

a.s.r. typically offers two types of basic insurance structures, known in the Netherlands as Natura and Combinatie (Combination).

• In-kind (Natura): a.s.r. pays the bills directly to healthcare providers they have a contract with. If you visit a non-contracted provider, you may have to pay a portion of the bill yourself.
• Combination: This provides a broader choice of healthcare providers. For most care, you have a free choice of hospitals and doctors, with 100% reimbursement at market-level rates.

What is Covered?

The Dutch government determines the “Basic Package” coverage, which is the same for every insurer. With a.s.r., this includes:

• General Practitioner (GP) consultations
• Hospital care and specialist treatments
• Emergency medical transport (ambulance)
• Standard prescription medications
• Psychological care (with a referral)

Common Exclusions

The basic policy does not cover everything. You will generally need a supplementary policy (aanvullende verzekering) for:

• Routine dental care for adults (over 18)
• Extensive physiotherapy (unless for a chronic condition)
• Alternative medicine (not covered in a.s.r. supplementary plans)
• Glasses and contact lenses (limited coverage)

Costs, Deductibles, and Allowances

When calculating your budget, it is important to look beyond just the monthly premium.

a.s.r. Premium Overview (2021–2026)

The table below shows the development of monthly premiums. Note that premiums usually change every year on January 1st.

The Mandatory Deductible (Eigen Risico)

In the Netherlands, there is a mandatory annual deductible (eigen risico). For 2026, this is set at €385. This means you pay the first €385 of most specialized medical care yourself each year before the insurance kicks in. Note: Visits to your GP are exempt from this deductible.

Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)

If you are a student with a low income and you are required to have Dutch basic insurance, you can apply for a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag). In 2026, this subsidy can be approximately €129 per month, significantly reducing your net insurance costs.

Advantages and Disadvantages for Students

Advantages

• Vitality App: Earn rewards and cash back on your supplementary premium by staying active.
• Accident Assistance: Extra reimbursement (up to €10,000) for dental or physio care following an accident.
• Digital Convenience: Manage everything via the app or WhatsApp.

Disadvantages

• Dental Costs: Many dental plans only cover 75% of the bill, leaving a 25% co-payment.
• Alternative Medicine: No coverage for things like acupuncture or homeopathy in supplementary plans.

Common Student Scenarios

Scenario 1: Maria is a German student who works 8 hours a week. She must take out Dutch insurance. She chooses a.s.r. Natura, pays €154.50, but receives up to €129 back in healthcare allowance. Her net cost depends on her income and final allowance.

Scenario 2: Lukas is a French student who only studies. He uses his EHIC. He is not allowed to take out a.s.r. basic insurance and does not pay a monthly premium in the Netherlands.

Step-by-Step: How to Arrange Your Insurance

1. Check your obligation: Use our guide to see if your work status requires Dutch insurance.
2. Choose your plan: Decide between a Natura or Combination policy based on your preference for healthcare providers.
3. Sign up: Apply via the a.s.r. website. You will need your Citizen Service Number (BSN).
4. Apply for Zorgtoeslag: Once your policy is active, head to the Belastingdienst website to claim your monthly allowance.

Ready to see if a.s.r. is the right choice for your student life in the Netherlands? Use our tool to explore all plans or visit the insurer directly to secure your coverage.