Students from outside the EU/EEA
Health insurance for students
from outside the EU/EEA
If you are a non-EU/EEA student, it’s essential to understand your options for health insurance while studying abroad. Here’s what you need to know.
What are my insurance options while studying abroad?
If you are a non-EU/EEA student, it’s essential to understand your options for health insurance while studying abroad. Here’s what you need to know.
Travel Insurance May Be Enough
A travel insurance policy may be sufficient if you are only staying for study purposes. Check with your home country’s insurance provider to see if your policy covers you in your destination country. If you still need to, you may need to take out national health insurance in the country where you are studying.
National Health Insurance May Be Required
You may be required to purchase national health insurance if you have a permanent or long-term residence permit or if you are employed in the country where you are studying. To find more specific information about health insurance for students in any particular country, check the country profiles section on your school’s website.
Non-EU/EEA Students Can't Take Out Dutch Public Health Insurance
If you are from a non-EU/EEA country and are not working or doing an internship during your studies, you cannot take out Dutch public health insurance. Your best option is to take out private health insurance. Be sure to research and compare different private insurance policies to find the best one.
Compare all Dutch Health Insurance?
Agreement with certain non-EU countries
You have up to four months to arrange your health insurance if you’re from a non-EU/EEA/Swiss country. You may need to take out private insurance depending on your origin, personal circumstances, or illnesses. The Netherlands has an agreement with certain non-EU countries that reimburses medical expenses.
Students from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cape Verde, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Morocco, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey, Switzerland, and Australia (for a stay of less than one year) can benefit from the treaty. Before applying for health insurance, arrange your residence permit within three months of arriving in the Netherlands.
Understanding Health Insurance Options for International Students
Regarding studying abroad, health insurance is an essential consideration for international students. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Private Health Insurance May Be Required
Depending on your country of origin and the country where you are studying, you may be required to purchase private health insurance. Be sure to research different policies and compare prices and coverage to find the best option.
Emergency Coverage is Essential
In addition to regular health insurance, it’s essential to have emergency coverage in case of accidents or unexpected health issues. Familiarise yourself with emergency services and numbers in the country where you are studying.
Check Your School’s Requirements
Be sure to check with your school to see their health insurance requirements for international students. They may have specific policies or providers that they require you to use.
What You Need to Know About Emergency Services Abroad
When studying abroad, it’s essential to be prepared for emergencies. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Know Emergency Numbers
Make sure you know the emergency numbers in the country where you are studying. In many countries, the emergency number is 112, but it’s important to double-check for your specific location.
Understand Emergency Services
Familiarise yourself with the emergency services available in your destination country. This includes hospitals, ambulances, police, and fire departments.
Carry Important Documents
Be sure to carry essential documents with you at all times, such as your passport and insurance information. It’s also a good idea to keep copies of these documents safe in case of loss or theft.
By understanding your health insurance options and being prepared for emergencies, you can have a safe and successful study abroad experience.
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.
How to Get Health Insurance and a Residence Permit in the Netherlands
If you’re a non-EU/EEA student planning to study and stay long-term in the Netherlands, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit at the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Gather the Required Documents
You will need to provide a legal and certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of sufficient financial means, and a valid passport.
Register with a Municipality
Once you arrive in the Netherlands, you’ll need to register with a municipality as a new citizen. Upon registration, you’ll receive a citizen service number.
Choose a Health Insurance Policy
With your citizen service number, you can choose a health insurance policy that meets your needs. Make sure to select a policy that meets the requirements of the IND.
Apply Online or Submit a Paper Application
You can apply for health insurance online or submit a paper application.
Receive Confirmation
Once your policy is active, you’ll receive confirmation.
Meet the IND Requirements
Make sure that your health insurance policy meets the requirements of the IND when applying for a residence permit.
By following these steps, you can get health insurance and a residence permit in the Netherlands as a non-EU/EEA student.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you are required to have health insurance while studying in the Netherlands.
If you are not employed, doing an internship, or working part-time, your best option is to take out private health insurance.
If you are already insured in your home country, check with your insurance provider that your policy covers you in your destination country. If your health insurance is not recognized in the Netherlands, you may need to take out national health insurance in the country of your study destination.
If you are not working (part-time) or doing an internship during your studies, you cannot take out Dutch public health insurance.
Yes, you can contact the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) or the governmental health insurance number for assistance with health insurance issues.