Zilveren Kruis Health Insurance for Students

Figuring out the Dutch healthcare system can be challenging for students, especially when balancing legal obligations and monthly costs. Zilveren Kruis, part of the Achmea insurance group, is one of the largest health insurance providers in the Netherlands. Operating from their central office in Leiden, they offer standard public health insurance alongside flexible supplementary packages. This guide explains how Zilveren Kruis policies work, who is required to register, and what factors determine your premium.

What is Zilveren Kruis Health Insurance?

Zilveren Kruis provides the legally mandated Dutch public health insurance (basisverzekering) and offers a variety of extra coverage options tailored to different healthcare needs. They are known for offering useful extra services to policyholders, such as waiting list mediation and access to a personal care coach to help navigate the medical system.

Who Needs Dutch Health Insurance?

Whether you need to register with a Dutch health insurer depends entirely 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. Students from the EU/EEA usually rely on their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), while non-EU students take out private international student policies.

Working Students and Interns

The rules change as soon as you take on formal employment. If you start a part-time job or zero-hour contract, you are usually legally required to take out Dutch public health insurance under the Healthcare Insurance Act (Zvw) 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.

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 store. From the official start date of their employment contract, they must choose a Dutch health insurer, such as Zilveren Kruis, to comply with national laws.

Coverage Options: Basic Policies

The standard medical care covered by the basic insurance is determined by the Dutch government. However, Zilveren Kruis offers three variations based on the freedom to choose your healthcare providers:

• Basis Budget: An online-focused policy with the lowest monthly premium. You have a limited choice of contracted healthcare providers. Visiting a non-contracted provider results in a significantly lower reimbursement.
• Basis Zeker (In-kind/Natura): A standard policy where care from a wide range of contracted providers is fully covered. Non-contracted care is generally reimbursed up to a set percentage. Zilveren Kruis arranges direct payments with contracted providers.
• Basis Exclusief (Combination/Restitutie): This premium option provides maximum 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, Zilveren Kruis offers a unique ‘Basis Plus Module’. For a small extra monthly fee, this module provides a basic layer of supplementary coverage, suitable for those who want just a little extra security without buying a full comprehensive package.

For more extensive needs, they offer star-rated supplementary and dental packages. Basic insurance excludes adult dental care, so Zilveren Kruis provides dental policies ranging from 1 to 4 stars. The more stars the dental insurance has, the higher your annual reimbursement limits for check-ups and treatments.

General Exclusions

It is crucial to read the policy conditions carefully. Standard exclusions in the basic package include adult dentistry, vision care, and full coverage for non-contracted care on a budget policy. Furthermore, supplementary packages have strict annual limits, and any costs exceeding these maximums will remain your financial responsibility.

Zilveren Kruis Premium Overview 2026

Below is an overview of the monthly premiums for Zilveren Kruis. Final coverage, pricing, and eligibility depend on the specific policy terms.

Zilveren Kruis website

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 €129 per month per month for eligible individuals earning under €40,857 per year.

Advantages and Disadvantages for Students

Advantages

• Customer service is widely reported to be responsive and helpful.
• Option to pay your mandatory deductible in installments without incurring extra costs.
• Access to useful services like a personal care coach and waiting list mediation.

Disadvantages

• The medicine policy can be complicated, utilizing different contracts with their own specific conditions.
• The online portal can sometimes make it difficult to get a clear overview of submitted declarations.

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 substantial fines 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 the Basis Budget policy without checking if your local hospital is contracted can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Step-by-Step Plan: Arranging and Cancelling 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 the Budget, Zeker, or Exclusief policy based on your budget and preferred healthcare providers.
• Step 3: Consider supplementary needs. Decide if you want to add the Basis Plus Module or a star-rated dental package.
• Step 4: Set your deductible. Keep the mandatory €385 or voluntarily increase it for a premium discount.
• Step 5: Apply and request allowance. Register via the Zilveren Kruis website using your DigiD, then apply for the healthcare allowance via the Belastingdienst.
• Step 6: Cancel when leaving. If you stop working or deregister from your Dutch municipality, you must proactively cancel your Zilveren Kruis policy.

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 older surveys indicated moderate scores for Zilveren Kruis, 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 Zilveren Kruis

Zilveren Kruis website