VGZ Health Insurance for Students

VGZ is one of the largest health insurers in the Netherlands. Operating on a non-profit basis, VGZ focuses on maintaining the accessibility and quality of healthcare rather than generating shareholder profit. Understanding the Dutch healthcare system is an important step for any student living in the Netherlands. This guide explains how VGZ policies work, who is legally required to register, and what factors influence the monthly costs.

What is VGZ Health Insurance?

VGZ provides standard Dutch public health insurance (basisverzekering) alongside various supplementary packages. They aim to make healthcare more efficient through digital tools, such as their mobile app, and offer extra services like waiting list mediation and free second opinions for their policyholders.

Who Needs Dutch Health Insurance?

Whether you need to register with a Dutch health insurer depends on your employment and residency status.

Study-Only Students

If you are an international student living in the Netherlands strictly for study purposes, you generally cannot take out a Dutch basic health insurance policy. International students from the EU/EEA usually rely on their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), while non-EU students use private international student policies.

Working Students and Interns

The rules change the moment you take on formal employment. If you start a part-time job or a paid internship earning at least the Dutch minimum wage, you are legally required to take out Dutch public health insurance under the Healthcare Insurance Act (Zvw). This requirement applies from your very first working day.

Example scenario: An international student arrives in August and uses an EHIC for their medical needs. In November, they begin a part-time job at a local restaurant. From the official start date of their employment contract, they must choose a Dutch health insurer, such as VGZ, to comply with national laws.

Coverage Options: Basic Policies

The medical care covered by the basic insurance is legally determined by the government and is identical across insurers. However, VGZ offers different policy variations based on your freedom to choose healthcare providers:

• Budget in-kind (Ruime Keuze/Bewuste Keuze): A policy with a lower monthly premium. It limits full reimbursement to a specific network of contracted hospitals and clinics.
• In-kind (Natura): A standard policy where care from a broad network of contracted providers is fully covered. Non-contracted care is generally reimbursed up to a set percentage of the average rate.
• Combination (Combinatie/Restitutie): A premium option offering greater freedom of choice. You can visit almost any provider, and you will typically receive reimbursement up to the standard market rate.

Supplementary and Dental Insurance

Because the basic package does not cover everything, VGZ offers three supplementary packages:

• Aanvullend Goed (Good): Covers basic needs such as a limited number of physiotherapy sessions, contraception, and emergency care abroad.
• Aanvullend Beter (Better): Reimburses the same care categories as the Goed package, but with higher maximum limits.
• Aanvullend Best (Best): The most comprehensive option, offering the highest reimbursement limits for supplementary care.

Basic insurance also excludes adult dental care. VGZ provides three dental modules:

• Tand Goed: Reimburses 100% of check-ups and 80% of other treatments up to €250 per year.
• Tand Beter: Reimburses 100% of check-ups and 80% of other treatments up to €500 per year, and includes an orthodontics allowance.
• Tand Best: Reimburses 100% of check-ups and 80% of other treatments up to €1,000 per year, with a higher limit for orthodontics.

General Exclusions

It is important to review the policy conditions carefully. Standard exclusions in the basic package include adult dentistry, vision care, and full coverage for non-contracted care if you hold a budget policy. Furthermore, supplementary packages have strict annual limits. Any costs exceeding your chosen maximum will not be reimbursed.

VGZ Premium Overview 2026

Below is a historical overview of the monthly premiums for VGZ. Final coverage, pricing, and eligibility depend on the specific policy terms.

Cost Factors: Deductible and Healthcare Allowance

Your actual health insurance costs are determined by the deductible you select and your eligibility for government allowances.

In 2026, the standard mandatory deductible (eigen risico) is €385. You are required to pay this amount out of pocket for most medical treatments (like hospital visits or blood tests) before the basic insurance covers the remaining costs. General practitioner (GP) visits are exempt from the deductible. You have the option to voluntarily increase your deductible by up to €500 to lower your monthly premium.

Many working students apply for the healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) via the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst). For 2026, the maximum allowance is generally €131,- per month for eligible individuals earning under €39.719,- per year.

Advantages and Disadvantages for Students

Advantages

• Extensive supplementary packages mean you can likely find coverage for specific medical needs.
• Clear options between ‘natura’ (in-kind) and ‘restitutie’ (combination) policies based on your preference for provider freedom.
• Access to useful extra services, such as a free second opinion and waiting list mediation.

Disadvantages

• The online portal can sometimes be difficult to navigate when trying to find specific reimbursement details.
• Understanding the exact benefit specifications in supplementary packages can be complex, potentially leading to confusion during the declaration process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring CAK Warnings: If you are legally required to be insured but fail to register, the Central Administration Office (CAK) will send warning letters. Ignoring these results in fines of €419.16 per quarter (in 2026) and forced registration.
• Assuming Allowances are Automatic: The healthcare allowance is not granted automatically. You must actively apply for it via the toeslagen portal.
• Choosing Budget Policies Blindly: Selecting a budget in-kind policy without checking if your local hospital or preferred therapist is contracted can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Step-by-Step Plan: Arranging Your Insurance

• Step 1: Check your legal obligation. Confirm whether your work or internship status legally requires you to have a Dutch public policy.
• Step 2: Select a basic policy. Choose between a Budget, In-kind, or Combination policy based on your budget and preferred healthcare providers.
• Step 3: Consider supplementary needs. Decide if you want to add dental, physical therapy, or travel modules.
• Step 4: Set your deductible. Keep the mandatory €385 or voluntarily increase it for a premium discount.
• Step 5: Apply online. Complete your registration via the VGZ website using your DigiD, then apply for the healthcare allowance via the Dutch tax authority.

Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

Students increasingly consider sustainability when choosing a financial provider. The VBDO (Association of Investors for Sustainable Development) regularly assesses the environmental, social, and governance policies of Dutch health insurers. While past surveys showed varying results for VGZ, sustainability benchmarks in the insurance sector evolve rapidly. To view their current sustainable investment performance, it is advisable to consult the latest independent VBDO reports.

Contact Details VGZ

VGZ website