As an international student, you are legally required to have Dutch public healthcare insurance only if you are working or doing a paid internship. If you have a working contract (including zero-hour contracts) or receive an official income, you must take out Dutch public healthcare insurance. This insurance is subsidized by the government, meaning you cannot take it out unless you have a working contract or a paid internship. Once you start working, you have 4 months to obtain Dutch basic healthcare insurance. If you’re unsure whether you need to get insurance, consult the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB). I Am Not Working; How Can I Be Insured? If you are not working, you have the following options: Home insurance: In some cases, an international student can keep their home insurance, provided it covers healthcare costs in the Netherlands. For the extent of coverage, you will have to consult with your national insurance. European Health Insurance Card: You can keep your home country’s insurance by obtaining a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC will serve as your healthcare insurance during your stay in the Netherlands. The card will allow you to receive emergency and unplanned treatment. However, it will not cover any scheduled medical treatment. For more information on what the EHIC covers, visit the EHIC website.Do I Need Dutch Healthcare Insurance?
When getting insurance, there is a minimum premium of €385. This is the amount of money that you need to pay for treatment before the insurance can come into effect. Deductible excess is only applicable when medical costs were incurred. In case of a visit to the general practitioner, this will most often not be the case. However, it is important to keep in mind that, even if you are insured, the first €385 of medical costs each year will not be covered by insurance.
A general practitioner (GP) is crucial in the Dutch healthcare system. A GP will usually be your first stop whenever seeking medical care. However, there is a serious shortage of GP’s in the Tilburg area. You should call or email GP offices in Tilburg to see if they have space to register you. Attempting to find a GP is usually a matter of persistence, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a while. In addition, you can receive acute general practitioner care from the PC4I.
Healthcare allowance is a government subsidy for your mandatory Dutch health insurance, with the amount depending on your income. The only requirement is having Dutch health insurance. If you meet this condition, you are eligible for the allowance. In 2024, the allowance will be €124.