Health insurance in the Netherlands

A health insurance is required for everybody that works and/or lives in the Netherlands. This way, the Dutch can keep their national healthcare system affordable and accessible for everyone. This is important, because health care costs are usually very high. By having a good insurance you'll be able to avoid the risk of ending up with overwhelming bills, which most of us can’t afford.

Health insurance UnitedConsumers

If you apply for a health insurance with UnitedConsumers, you will receive up to 5% discount on the mandatory basic health insurance from one of the more popular insurance companies in the Netherlands: VGZ. Also, you'll receive a 15% discount on all of the UC ZorgZeker and UC TandZeker additional insurances. Thanks to our discount, you can save money that you can spend on something fun! 

Dutch healthcare: how does it work?

Every year - on the third Tuesday of September (Prinsjesdag) - the Dutch government decides what medical care has to at least be covered in the basic health insurance. As soon as the health insurance companies know what health care has to be covered by law, it’s time for them to determine their prices for the monthly premium. This happens on the 12th of November at the latest.

Because the Dutch healthcare system is based on a free market principle, there are several insurance companies that offer health insurance plans. For that reason, the prices and coverage can differ and it is advisable to compare health insurances. If you compare health insurances, you will find one which best fits your situation - for the best price. For example, elderly people obviously don't need the same health care as an 18-year old.

If you need any advice on what kind of health insurance fits your situation best, we highly advice you to contact our service desk. Our trained healthcare experts are happy to help you out with any questions you may have regarding your health insurance.

Contact us

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Basic health insurance

The basic health insurance covers most of the basic medical expenses. For specific health care, like physiotherapy or treatments by your dentist, you might need an additional insurance. This is what the basic health insurance covers: 

Basic health insurance with UnitedConsumers

At UnitedConsumers you can choose three different kinds of basic health insurances. On the basic health insurances of VGZ we offer you a 5% discount. Each basic health insurance has a different coverage for contracted and non-contracted healthcare providers. 

Important note: these are the premiums for the health insurance of 2020. If you have to apply for a health insurance right know because you don't have one, please don't hesitate to do so. If you already have a Dutch health insurance, please wait until the 12th of November. On the 12th of November the new premiums of 2021 will be announced. At that moment you can apply for a new health insurance for the upcoming year. 

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Additional health insurance

The additional health insurance is not mandatory in the Netherlands. However, they can be very useful if you need additional coverage for healthcare. The additional health insurance covers, for example, extra treatments and therapy or alternative healthcare or extra visists to the physiotherapist. People who know in advance what medical care they might need in the coming year, are wise to choose an additional health insurance.

Additional health insurance UnitedConsumers

UnitedConsumers gives you a 15% discount on all the UC ZorgZeker additional health insurances. You can choose between three different additional supplementary insurances, which have different health plans:

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Dental insurance

An additional dental insurance is one of the most used additional insurances in the Netherlands. With a dental insurance you are covered for some extra dentist cotst - depending on which dental insurance you choose. It's not always wise to choose a dental insurance. If you have good teeth, it can be cheaper to pay for the dental check-ups yourself, rather than pay 12 monthly premiums for a dental insurance you barely use.

Dental insurance UnitedConsumers

UnitedConsumers provides you with 15% discount on the UC TandZeker additional dental insurances. You can choose between a dental insurance coverage of € 250,- or a dental insurance coverage of € 500,-. 

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Expat health insurance Netherlands

If you work and live in the Netherlands you are required to have a mandatory basic health insurance plan. Expats from within or outside of the EU also need a Dutch health insurance. Make sure you are insured at least within 4 months after your Dutch residence permit commences.

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Student health Insurance

Studying abroad in the Netherlands for a while? You do not have to have a Dutch health insurance as long as you don’t work in the Netherlands. If you are a student in the Netherlands, we give you the following advice:

• In case you have a paid internship during your study, it’s important to check your insurance situation at the SVB.
• In case you are sick or have complaints, just look for a General Practitioner in your area.
• In case of an emergency you can call 112 for an ambulance.

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Healthcare benefit

When you have a Dutch health insurance, you may be eligible for a healthcare benefit. The healthcare benefit ('zorgtoeslag' in Dutch) is a contribution paid by the government. How much you might receive, depends on your income. Visit the website of the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) to calculate whether you qualify for receiving a healthcare benefit.

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What happens if I’m uninsured?

If you are not insured, you will receive a letter from the Central Administration Office (CAK: Centraal Administratie Kantoor), reminding you to apply for mandatory health insurance. If you do not apply for a health insurance within four months of your arrival, you will be ordered to pay a fine.

Apply for health insurance