Insurance options foreign students

As a foreign student in The Netherlands, it’s not always clear what kind of healthcare insurance you need. You might need to take out Dutch (or private) healthcare insurance, although it is also perfectly possible you can keep your home country’s healthcare insurance. How to find out which situation applies to you? That depends, on your country of origin, age and activities in the Netherlands. On this page, we will give you a detailed description of the different possible situations.

Dutch Health Insurance needed?

Why do I need health insurance?

Dutch healthcare costs are among the highest in Europe. Without adequate cover a single emergency visit can cost thousands of euros. If you are uninsured when the Dutch authorities decide you should be insured, you will be listed as a defaulter and face fines from the CAK. Always make sure you are adequately insured for the entire period you stay in the Netherlands.

When do I have to take out Dutch basic insurance?

If you start any paid work in the Netherlands (including part‑time, on‑call, zero‑hour or freelance work) or if you receive an internship allowance at or above the statutory minimum wage, you must:

• Register with a Dutch municipality (BRP) and obtain a BSN ;
• Take out Dutch basic health insurance within four months of your first working day – premiums are collected retroactively;
• Pay the monthly premium and the annual deductible (eigen risico).

The CAK monitors compliance and will send a reminder letter if you are registered in the BRP but not insured. Ignore the letter and you risk a fine.

Conditions & Rules

• Working in NL: Dutch insurance compulsory from day one.
• Country of origin: EU/EEA students may use an EHIC if they don’t work; non‑EU often need private cover.
• Age: Everyone aged 18+ must be insured if Dutch rules apply.
• Paid internship: At ≥ minimum wage triggers the same obligation as a job.

Options at a Glance

Dutch Basic Health‑Insurance Package

The government‑defined basic package covers GP care, hospital treatment, prescription medication and emergency services. You only need it if you work or do a paid internship.

Private International Student Insurance

Designed for students who are not eligible for Dutch insurance. Coverage typically includes emergency medical care, repatriation and liability. Example: Swisscare International Student.

Home‑Country Insurance + EHIC

EU/EEA/Swiss students who neither work nor do a paid internship may keep their home insurance and obtain a European Health Insurance Card for medically necessary care in the Netherlands.

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