Health Insurance for International EU/EEA Students in the Netherlands

Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended as a general guide to the Dutch healthcare system for students. It does not constitute personal financial or legal advice. Rules, premiums, and allowances can change annually.

Navigating healthcare in a new country can feel overwhelming. By Dutch law, whether you need to take out standard Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) depends heavily on whether you are working alongside your studies. This page explains the definitions, costs, and steps you need to take as an EU/EEA student living in the Netherlands.

What is Dutch Health Insurance and Who is it For?

The Dutch healthcare system relies on private insurance companies that offer a standardized basic package determined by the government. Your eligibility—and obligation—to join this system is based on your employment status, not your nationality.

Study-Only Students (No Paid Work)

If you are in the Netherlands solely to study and do not have a paid job or a paid internship, you are generally not permitted to take out Dutch basic health insurance. Instead, as an EU/EEA student, you can usually rely on your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for medically necessary treatment during your temporary stay.

Working Students and Paid Internships

The rules change the moment you start working. If you take on a part-time job, a zero-hour contract, or a paid internship that compensates you at or above the Dutch minimum wage, you fall under the Wlz social insurance scheme. From your very first day of work, you are legally required to take out a Dutch basic health insurance policy. You can read more about the specific health insurance rules for working students.

A common mistake: Assuming you have months to arrange this. While you might have a window to register at your local municipality, the insurance requirement is immediate upon working. If you delay, the insurer will backdate your premiums to your first working day, and you risk receiving fines from the CAK (the Dutch regulatory body).

Coverage and Exclusions

The basic health insurance package is extensive, but it does not cover everything. Policies vary slightly between providers, so it is important to review the terms carefully.

What is Covered?

• Visits and consultations with a general practitioner (GP / huisarts)
• Hospital care, specialist treatments, and surgeries
• Emergency medical services and ambulance transport
• Most standard prescription medications
• Basic mental health treatment (with a referral)

Common Exclusions

• Routine dental care for adults (aged 18 and over)
• Extensive physiotherapy sessions
• Vision care (glasses and contact lenses)
• Treatments provided without a required GP referral

For excluded items, you have the option to purchase supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering).

Costs and Allowances

Understanding the costs involved can help you budget effectively during your studies.

The Monthly Premium and Eigen Risico

If you are required to have Dutch insurance, you will pay a monthly premium to your chosen insurer. In 2026, standard premiums often range between €140 and €155 per month, depending on the provider.

Additionally, the Netherlands has a mandatory annual deductible called the eigen risico. For 2026, this is legally set at €385. This means you must pay the first €385 of specialized medical costs out of pocket before your insurance begins to cover them. Importantly, visits to your GP are usually exempt from the deductible.

Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)

To support lower-income residents, the Dutch government offers a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag). Most working students qualify for this subsidy. In 2026, eligible single individuals can receive up to approximately €123 per month to help offset the cost of their premium. You must apply for this through the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax and Customs Administration).

Common Student Scenarios

To make the rules clearer, here are two typical examples:

• Example 1: The Study-Only Student. Clara from Italy is doing her Master’s degree in Amsterdam. She does not work. She uses her Italian EHIC to visit a Dutch GP when she has the flu. She does not need, and cannot get, Dutch basic insurance.
• Example 2: The Working Student. Jonas from Germany studies in Rotterdam and recently took a weekend job at a café. Because he earns a Dutch wage, he must immediately sign up for Dutch basic health insurance. He chooses a policy, pays the monthly premium, and applies for zorgtoeslag to get most of that money back.

Step-by-Step Plan: How to Arrange Your Insurance

If you are starting a job and need insurance, follow these steps:

1. Register locally: Ensure you are registered at your local municipality (BRP) to receive your Citizen Service Number (BSN).
2. Compare options: Look at different health insurance providers to find a basic policy that fits your needs.
3. Enroll online: Apply for the insurance through the provider’s website. Keep in mind that coverage will backdate to your employment start date.
4. Find a GP: Once insured, proactively register with a local huisarts in your neighborhood. Do not wait until you are sick to do this.
5. Apply for allowance: Log in to the Belastingdienst website using your DigiD to apply for zorgtoeslag.

Leaving the Netherlands

When your studies or your job end and you plan to leave the country, you must actively cancel your health insurance. Inform your insurer of your departure date and deregister from your local municipality. Simply leaving the country does not automatically stop your premium payments, and failing to cancel can lead to accumulating debts.

If you are ready to arrange your coverage or just want to see what policies are available, take a quiet moment to compare basic health insurance options and find a plan that suits your situation.