OHRA Health Insurance for Students

What is OHRA Health Insurance?

Navigating the Dutch healthcare system as a student can feel complex, particularly when balancing costs and coverage. OHRA, founded in 1925 and part of the CZ group, operates as a “direct writer.” This means they offer their services and packages directly to the customer without intermediaries. Known for digital convenience and freedom of choice, OHRA provides standard public health insurance policies alongside various supplementary packages that can be tailored to young adults.

Who is OHRA For?

Determining whether you need a Dutch health insurance policy depends largely on your work and residency status.

If you are an international student living in the Netherlands strictly for study purposes, you are generally excluded from taking out Dutch public health insurance. In this case, you would rely on a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a private student insurance policy.

However, if you take on a part-time job or zero-hour contract, you are usually legally required to hold Dutch public health insurance under the Healthcare Insurance Act (Zvw). Paid internships require a separate SVB/Wlz check: since 1 September 2025, payment, country group and employee-insurance status matter. OHRA is an option for both working international students and Dutch students seeking a policy with broad freedom to choose their healthcare providers.

Example scenario: An international student arrives in September and studies for several months using their home country’s coverage. In January, they start a part-time job at a restaurant. From the official start date of their employment contract, they are required to register with a Dutch public insurer like OHRA.

Coverage Options: Basic Policies

The medical care covered under the basic policy is determined by the Dutch government. While many insurers offer multiple tiers of basic coverage, OHRA focuses on a combination policy (restitutie/combinatie). This structure generally offers a high degree of freedom, allowing you to choose almost any hospital or general practitioner (GP) and typically receiving reimbursement up to the standard market rate, even if the provider is not directly contracted with OHRA.

Supplementary Insurance Packages

Because the basic package does not cover every medical need, OHRA offers several supplementary add-ons (Aanvullende verzekeringen):

• OHRA Aanvullend (Supplementary): A baseline package that reimburses up to four physiotherapy treatments per year. It also includes partial coverage for contraception and travel vaccinations up to a specified limit.
• OHRA Extra Aanvullend (Extra Supplementary): This package increases the maximum reimbursement limits for the services mentioned above and adds partial coverage for prescription glasses and contact lenses.
• OHRA Uitgebreid (Extensive): The most comprehensive tier, offering the highest maximum reimbursement limits for physiotherapy, alternative medicine, and vision care.

Additional Dental Insurance

Basic health insurance in the Netherlands does not cover dental costs for adults aged 18 and older. OHRA provides two main dental modules:

• OHRA Tand Sterk (Strong Dental): Offers partial or full reimbursement for common dental treatments like check-ups and fillings, up to a set annual limit. Crowns and implants are generally excluded.
• OHRA TandenGaaf (Perfect Teeth): A more extensive option that reimburses treatments from the dentist and dental hygienist up to a higher insured amount that you select yourself.

General Exclusions

It is important to review the policy conditions to understand what is not covered. Common exclusions under the basic package include adult dental care, cosmetic procedures, and specific alternative therapies. Supplementary packages have strict annual limits; any costs exceeding your chosen limit will be your own responsibility.

OHRA Health Insurance Premiums 2026

Explore the available health insurance plans from OHRA using our tool. Coverage, pricing, eligibility, and conditions depend heavily on the specific policy terms.

OHRA website

Cost Factors: Deductible and Healthcare Allowance

Your total monthly cost relies on two key factors: your deductible and government subsidies.

The standard mandatory deductible (Eigen Risico) in 2026 is €385. You must pay this amount out-of-pocket for most medical care (such as hospital visits or blood tests) before your insurance begins to cover the costs. General practitioner visits are exempt from this rule. You can choose to increase your deductible voluntarily up to €885 in exchange for a lower monthly premium.

Many working students qualify for the healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) from the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst). For 2026, the maximum allowance is generally €129 per month per month if your annual income falls below €40,857. This subsidy can significantly offset your OHRA premium.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring CAK Warning Letters: If you work and fail to register for Dutch health insurance, the Central Administration Office (CAK) will send warnings followed by hefty fines.
• Forgetting the Healthcare Allowance: Zorgtoeslag is not applied automatically. You must actively apply for it via the toeslagen.nl portal.
• Assuming Dental is Covered: Standard public insurance does not cover adult dentistry. Without an OHRA Tand module, you pay out-of-pocket for check-ups.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Plan

Setting up your insurance is relatively straightforward. Ensure you have your Citizen Service Number (BSN) and a Dutch bank account ready.

1. Verify your obligation: Check if your employment or internship status legally requires you to have a Dutch public policy.
2. Choose your deductible: Decide whether to keep the standard €385 deductible or increase it for a premium discount.
3. Select supplementary packages: Evaluate if you need physical therapy coverage (OHRA Aanvullend) or dental care.
4. Apply online: Submit your application via the OHRA website using your DigiD.
5. Request your allowance: Apply for the healthcare allowance via the Dutch tax authority to help manage monthly costs.

Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

Many students consider sustainability when choosing a financial provider. The VBDO (Association of Investors for Sustainable Development) investigates how responsibly Dutch health insurers invest their capital, looking at environmental impact, human rights, and societal contributions. While OHRA has participated in these benchmarks, policies evolve quickly. For the most current view of their sustainable investment performance, it is recommended to consult recent independent VBDO reports.

Contact Details OHRA

OHRA website