ZieZo Health Insurance for Students in the Netherlands

Disclaimer: The information on this page serves as a general guide to ZieZo health insurance. Premiums, coverage details, and legal obligations are subject to Dutch legislation and the specific policy conditions issued by the insurer.

Established in 2015, ZieZo is the online, budget-friendly label of Zilveren Kruis, one of the largest health insurers in the Netherlands. Designed for people who want clear, simple coverage without paying for unnecessary extras, ZieZo is a popular choice among students. This guide explains how their policies work, the expected costs for 2026, and whether you are legally required to sign up.

What is ZieZo Health Insurance?

ZieZo focuses on digital convenience. By offering only one streamlined basic insurance policy (basisverzekering) and managing customer service primarily via chat and an app, they keep their monthly premiums relatively low. Policyholders still benefit from the extensive healthcare network and experience of the parent company, Zilveren Kruis.

Who is ZieZo For? (The Legal Obligation)

Before considering ZieZo, international students must determine if they are legally permitted—or required—to take out a Dutch basic health insurance policy. This is determined by your employment status.

Study-Only Students

• If you live in the Netherlands exclusively to study and do not have a paid job or a paid internship, you are generally not allowed to take out a Dutch basic policy like ZieZo.
• You should rely on your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a private international student policy.

Working Students and Interns

• If you take on a part-time job, you usually fall under the health insurance rules for working students and must arrange Dutch basic insurance from your first working day. Paid internships require a separate SVB/Wlz check: since 1 September 2025, payment, country group and employee-insurance status matter.
• You are legally required to take out a Dutch basic insurance policy immediately upon starting work.

A common mistake: Many students wait to arrange insurance until they need a doctor. If the CAK (the Dutch regulatory authority) registers you as working without insurance, you can face retroactive fines and forced premium back-payments that often exceed €400. Do not ignore your insurance obligation.

Coverage and Policy Types

ZieZo keeps things simple by offering exactly one basic package. The medical coverage within this package is determined by the Dutch government, meaning it covers the same essential care as any other basic policy in the country.

The Natura Policy (In-Kind)

ZieZo’s basic insurance is a “natura” (in-kind) policy. This means ZieZo has contracts with a wide selection of healthcare providers and pharmacies. If you visit a contracted provider, the bill is sent directly to ZieZo and covered at 100%. If you choose to visit a non-contracted provider for planned care, ZieZo typically reimburses a maximum of 75% of the average market rate, leaving you to pay the remainder out of pocket.

What is Covered and Excluded?

• General Practitioner (GP/huisarts) consultations.
• Emergency medical care, ambulance transport, and hospital stays.
• Standard prescription medications (often required to be ordered via their online pharmacy partners).
• Psychological care (with a valid GP referral).

• Routine dental care for adults aged 18 and older.
• Extensive physiotherapy for non-chronic sports injuries.
• Alternative medicine, vision care, or orthodontics.

Costs, Deductibles, and Allowances

To accurately budget for your healthcare, you must consider the premium, the deductible, and potential government allowances.

ZieZo Premium Overview

Below is a historical overview of the ZieZo basic “natura” premium. Prices adjust annually based on national healthcare costs.

The Mandatory Deductible (Eigen Risico)

All Dutch basic insurance policies include a mandatory annual deductible (eigen risico). For 2026, the government has set this at €385. This means you must pay the first €385 of most specialized treatments or hospital care yourself before ZieZo covers the rest. General Practitioner (GP) visits are exempt from this deductible.

Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)

Because ZieZo provides a recognized Dutch basic policy, policyholders with a low income can apply for the healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag). In 2026, this subsidy from the Belastingdienst can be up to approximately €129 per month for a single person, which offsets the majority of the monthly premium.

Advantages and Disadvantages for Students

Advantages

• Clear, simple structure with no confusing package variations.
• Backed by the reliable service network of Zilveren Kruis.
• 100% digital management via a user-friendly app and online chat.

Disadvantages

• Only offers a ‘natura’ policy, limiting your reimbursement if you use non-contracted clinics.
• Very limited options for supplementary coverage.
• Medications often must be ordered through designated online pharmacies for full reimbursement.

Common Student Scenarios and Mistakes

Scenario 1 (The Working Student): David works 10 hours a week alongside his studies. He takes out ZieZo for €157.95 per month. He applies for the maximum zorgtoeslag of €129. His actual net cost for premium coverage is around €28.95 a month. He avoids CAK fines and is fully covered for emergencies.

Scenario 2 (The Study-Only Mistake): Sarah does not work but signs up for ZieZo anyway because she thinks she needs it. The SVB eventually assesses her as ineligible for the Dutch system. Her policy is canceled retroactively, and she has to deal with complex administrative refunds. Study-only students should stick to their EHIC or private international insurance.

Step-by-Step Plan: Arranging Your Insurance

1. Check your obligation: Confirm that you have a signed contract for paid work or a qualifying paid internship.
2. Compare policies: Use our tool below to explore health insurance plans and ensure ZieZo fits your needs.
3. Sign up online: Register via the ZieZo website. You will need your Citizen Service Number (BSN).
4. Apply for allowance: Log in to the Belastingdienst’s Mijn Toeslagen portal using your DigiD to claim your monthly subsidy.
5. Check the Care Finder: Before scheduling non-emergency treatments, use the ZieZo app to verify if the provider is contracted.

Use our tool to explore health insurance plans and view current options.

ZieZo website

If you are setting up your student life and need to arrange your coverage, take a quiet moment to compare basic health insurance options to ensure you find a policy that fits your budget.