Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag) Calculator and Guide

Disclaimer: The calculator and information on this page provide an estimate and general guidance based on current tax rules. No rights can be derived from this tool. For exact eligibility and final calculations, always consult the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst).

Balancing tuition, rent, and daily expenses as a student leaves little room for high medical costs. The required monthly premium for Dutch health insurance can take up a large portion of your budget. To assist lower-income residents, the Dutch government offers a monthly financial subsidy called the healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag). This guide explains how the allowance works, who qualifies, and how you can estimate your potential compensation.

Estimate Your Healthcare Allowance

Use our integrated calculator below to get an indication of your potential monthly allowance based on your expected gross annual income.

What is the Healthcare Allowance?

The healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) is a monthly financial contribution from the Dutch government managed by the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst). It is specifically designed to help individuals with a lower income pay their mandatory health insurance premiums, ensuring that basic healthcare remains affordable for everyone in the Netherlands.

Who is it For? Eligibility Criteria

Many international students assume they can apply for this subsidy simply because they live in the Netherlands. However, eligibility is strictly tied to your insurance status, age, and income.

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must possess a valid residence permit or EU/EEA nationality.
• You must have a Citizen Service Number (BSN).
• You must be registered for a Dutch basic health insurance policy.
• Your income and total assets must fall below the annual government thresholds.

Working Students vs. Study-Only Students

The most critical requirement is having a Dutch basic health insurance policy. Your student status dictates whether you can get one:

• Working students: If you take on a part-time job, you usually fall under the health insurance rules for working students and Dutch basic insurance is required. Paid internships need a separate SVB/Wlz check because payment, country group and employee-insurance status can change your obligation. Once Dutch basic insurance is required, you can apply for zorgtoeslag if you meet the financial conditions.

• Study-only students: If you do not work, you generally use an EHIC or private international insurance. Because you do not hold a Dutch basic policy, you cannot claim the healthcare allowance.

Coverage and Exclusions

The healthcare allowance is intended solely to offset your monthly premium costs. It does not cover the mandatory deductible (eigen risico). In 2026, the eigen risico is legally set at €385. If you require hospital care, specialist treatments, or specific medications, you must pay the first €385 out of your own pocket. The allowance cannot be used to waive this deductible.

Cost Factors

The amount of zorgtoeslag you receive depends directly on your gross annual income. In 2026, the maximum allowance is €129 per month for a single person and €246 per month together with a toeslagpartner. Your annual income may not be above €40,857 without a toeslagpartner or €51,142 together with a toeslagpartner. Your assets on 1 January 2026 may not be higher than €146,011 if you are single or €184,633 together with a toeslagpartner.

Student finance loans and grants from DUO, as well as allowances from your parents, generally do not count as taxable gross income for this calculation.

Practical Student Scenarios

To understand how these rules apply in practice, consider these examples:

• Scenario A (The Working Student): Ali is a non-EU student who works 8 hours a week as a delivery driver. Because he works, he is legally required to take out Dutch basic insurance for €145 per month. He applies for zorgtoeslag and receives the maximum monthly allowance. His effective insurance cost drops significantly.
• Scenario B (The Study-Only Student): Marie is a German student who does not work. She relies on her German EHIC. Because she does not have a Dutch basic policy, she pays no Dutch premium, but she also cannot apply for the healthcare allowance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not reporting income changes: Your allowance does not adjust automatically. If you start earning more money and fail to report it to the Belastingdienst, you may have to repay the excess allowance at the end of the year.
• Forgetting to cancel the allowance: If you leave the Netherlands or stop working and cancel your Dutch health insurance, you must manually stop your zorgtoeslag to prevent unwarranted debt.
• Applying without basic insurance: Attempting to claim the allowance while insured under a private international policy will result in a rejection or a demand for repayment.

Step-by-Step Plan: How to Apply

If you meet the criteria, follow these steps to secure your subsidy:

1. Get your DigiD: Ensure you have an active digital identification (DigiD) linked to your Citizen Service Number (BSN).
2. Log in to Mijn Toeslagen: Visit the official website of the Dutch Tax Administration and log in to the Mijn Toeslagen portal.
3. Estimate your income: Enter your expected gross annual income for the current year. It is generally safer to slightly overestimate your income to avoid repayments later.
4. Submit and wait: After applying, you will usually receive a decision within 5 to 8 weeks. The allowance is typically paid around the 20th of each month to cover the premium for the upcoming month.