For international EU/EEA students
Health insurance for international EU/EEA students
As an international student studying or working in the Netherlands, it is legally required to have health insurance. The specific type of insurance you require depends on your situation. In this article, we will answer some common questions about health insurance for international EU/EEA students in the Netherlands.
Do I Need Dutch Health Insurance?
You must have Dutch health insurance if you are a Dutch income taxpayer or have a job contract with a Dutch employer. Additionally, you will require Dutch health insurance if you are interning and receiving at least the Dutch minimum wage salary, and your stay in the Netherlands is not temporary (e.g., if you have a residence permit).
For Study Purposes Only
International students who are only in the Netherlands for study purposes are not eligible for Dutch public health insurance. Instead, you should ensure you have health insurance with sufficient coverage from your home country or a private health insurance. If you are an EU/EEA national, you may qualify for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covering necessary medical costs during your stay. However, it is essential to check with your health insurer in your home country, as coverage may vary.
Staying Temporarily in the Netherlands
For international students who are temporarily staying in the Netherlands, a health insurance is usually not mandatory. However, if the Dutch government considers you a resident of the Netherlands, you will require Dutch health insurance.
Internship and receiving the minimum wage
If you’re doing an internship and receiving the minimum wage in the Netherlands, you must have insurance under the Wlz scheme. If you’re uncertain, contact the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) and begin the Wlz assessment.
Moreover, if you start working in the Netherlands while studying, like a part-time job, paid internship, or volunteer work for which you receive an allowance, you’ll likely be insured under the Wlz scheme. This means you’ll be required to have Dutch health insurance. It’s essential to note that a zero-hour contract is also considered a job.
Paid Less Than the Minimum Wage
If your stay in the Netherlands is temporary and you are paid less than the minimum wage, you are typically not eligible for Dutch health insurance. In this case, you can consider obtaining private health insurance. It’s important to visit the Ind.nl website to find out which purposes are classified as temporary or non-temporary.
Study and Work
For those who have a job, whether it is full-time or part-time, it is mandatory to have Dutch public health insurance. If you are self-employed, you should get in touch with the SVB and request an assessment of your Wlz position to determine if you need to take out Dutch public health insurance.
Compare all Dutch Health Insurance?
How Do I Take Out Dutch Public Health Insurance?
You must first register with a municipality to take out basic health insurance. Then, select your health insurance from one of the Dutch public health insurers, fill out the application form, and submit it to the health insurer.
Once you receive an insurance policy, the registration is complete. If you stop working or leave the Netherlands, cancel your insurance and deregister from the municipality.
What Does Dutch Health Insurance Cover?
The Dutch basic health insurance provides coverage for essential healthcare, including visits to general practitioners, treatments, prescribed medications, and hospitalizations.
Additionally, it also includes long-term care and social support care within the Dutch healthcare system. All Dutch healthcare insurance companies are required to offer the basic healthcare coverage package (basisverzekering), which covers most necessary medical expenses. If you require additional dental care, physiotherapy, or international medical care coverage, you may consider purchasing private supplemental insurance packages.
If you have any questions regarding your insurance status or need assistance with health insurance matters in the Netherlands, there are several organizations you can contact. You may call Zorgverzekeringslijn.nl at 0800-6464644 or +31 88 900 6960, or reach out to the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB), the CAK, the Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst), or the Zorgverzekeringslijn hotline for independent advice and practical tips.
If you become ill or have any complaints, the first step is to visit a general practitioner (GP). The GP will assess your condition and determine whether you need to see a specialist or go to a hospital. If you require medication, the GP will provide a prescription that can be filled at a local pharmacy.
Can I get financial assistance for health insurance in the Netherlands?
If you are a resident of the Netherlands, you might qualify for a healthcare allowance, which can assist in covering the monthly premium for Dutch health insurance. Moreover, individuals such as expats or students who are working temporarily in the Netherlands may also meet the criteria for this benefit.
How to Check Your Insurance Status in the Netherlands
If you’re unsure about your insurance status and want to clarify it, you can contact the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) for an assessment to determine if you should be insured.
Additionally, you can call the government health insurance number at 0800 64 64 644 or +31 88 900 6960 for further information and assistance.
What should I do if I receive a letter from the CAK?
If you receive a letter from the CAK regarding your insurance obligation, it is essential to take action within three months; otherwise, you may face a fine of €402.24, even if you received the letter in error. To address this issue, contact the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) to request a free investigation of your insurance position under the Wlz scheme.
After receiving the outcome of the Wlz assessment, send a copy of the decision from the SVB about your insurance position to the CAK using the contact form and selecting the “regeling onverzekerden” option.
If the Wlz assessment outcome confirms that you are not insured, the CAK will close your file.
For any queries or doubts related to your insurance status in the Netherlands, you can contact Zorgverzekeringslijn.nl at 0800-6464644 or +31 88 900 6960, or the following organizations:
- Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB): responsible for implementing national insurance schemes in the Netherlands
- CAK: a government organization responsible for uninsured regulation
- Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst): provides healthcare benefits for eligible Dutch public health insurance holders
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all international students in the Netherlands are required to have health insurance. This includes students from EU/EEA countries and non-EU/EEA countries.
International students must have Dutch public health insurance covering basic healthcare such as general practitioner visits, hospital treatments, and prescription medication. Additional coverage for dental care, physiotherapy, or international medical care may be obtained through private supplemental insurance.
- To apply for Dutch public health insurance, you must first register with a municipality as a new citizen and receive a citizen service number. With this number, you can choose a health insurance policy that meets your needs and apply online or through a paper application. You will receive a confirmation once your policy is active.
- As an EU/EEA student, you can use your home country’s European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in the Netherlands. However, it is also recommended to have a Dutch public health insurance to ensure comprehensive coverage. Non-EU/EEA students may need to take out national health insurance in the Netherlands or purchase private health insurance.
If you receive a letter from the CAK about your insurance obligation, it is essential to take action within three months. Contact the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) to request an assessment of your insurance position under the Wlz scheme. After receiving the assessment outcome, send a copy of the decision to the CAK using the contact form and choose “regeling onverzekerden.”