Dutch Basic Insurance (Basisverzekering)
€130–€150/month
Best for: Students working more than 16 hours/week
Mandatory if employed >16h/week. Choose from ~20 providers. Basic coverage is standardized by law.
Learn more
Health Insurance for Students in the Netherlands
Complex but manageable: Dutch basic insurance required if working >16h/week. Otherwise, international student insurance accepted.
5 requirements 3 plan options 5 setup steps
Compare Plans Insurance Requirements
- If you work more than 16 hours/week in the Netherlands, you MUST get Dutch basic insurance (basisverzekering)
- If not working or working <16h/week, insurance from home country may suffice
- EU students can use EHIC + supplementary insurance
- Non-EU students not working can use international student insurance
- All residents must have valid health insurance — fines apply for non-compliance
Available Insurance Options
International Student Insurance
€30–€50/month
Best for: Students not working or working <16h/week
Covers medical emergencies, GP visits, hospital care. Accepted for visa and residence permit.
Learn moreEHIC + Supplementary Insurance
€15–€30/month (for supplement)
Best for: EU/EEA students
EHIC covers basic care. Supplementary insurance recommended for full coverage and repatriation.
Learn moreCost Overview
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch Basic Insurance (Basisverzekering) | €130–€150/month | Mandatory for those working >16h/week. Includes €385 annual deductible (eigen risico). |
| International Student Insurance | €30–€50/month | For students not required to have Dutch insurance. No deductible. |
| Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag) | Up to €144/month | Government subsidy for low-income students with Dutch insurance. Apply via Belastingdienst. |
| Annual Deductible (Eigen Risico) | €385/year | Applies to Dutch basic insurance. You pay first €385 of care yourself each year. |
Item
Dutch Basic Insurance (Basisverzekering)
Cost
€130–€150/month
Details
Mandatory for those working >16h/week. Includes €385 annual deductible (eigen risico).
Item
International Student Insurance
Cost
€30–€50/month
Details
For students not required to have Dutch insurance. No deductible.
Item
Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)
Cost
Up to €144/month
Details
Government subsidy for low-income students with Dutch insurance. Apply via Belastingdienst.
Item
Annual Deductible (Eigen Risico)
Cost
€385/year
Details
Applies to Dutch basic insurance. You pay first €385 of care yourself each year.
Visa & Insurance Requirements
- Proof of health insurance required for residence permit (MVV/VVR)
- International student insurance accepted if not employed >16h/week
- Dutch basic insurance required if working >16h/week
- EU students can show EHIC + supplementary insurance
- Insurance must be valid for entire stay duration
How to Get Insured
Determine Your Work Status
Are you working more than 16 hours/week in the Netherlands? If yes, you need Dutch basic insurance. If no, international student insurance is sufficient.
Choose Your Insurance
If Dutch insurance required: compare providers like Zilveren Kruis, VGZ, or CZ. If international: choose a plan accepted for residence permits.
Apply for Insurance
Submit your application with passport, student visa, and enrollment certificate (if applicable).
Apply for Healthcare Allowance (if eligible)
If you have Dutch basic insurance and low income, apply for Zorgtoeslag (up to €144/month subsidy) at Belastingdienst.
Register with a GP (Huisarts)
Find a local GP (huisarts) near your accommodation and register as a patient.
Student Health Insurance in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has a unique healthcare system with mandatory private health insurance for all residents. As a student, your insurance requirement depends on one key factor: are you working more than 16 hours/week?
The 16-Hour Rule
If you work >16 hours/week: You MUST get Dutch basic insurance (basisverzekering) from a Dutch provider like Zilveren Kruis, VGZ, or CZ. This costs €130–€150/month and includes a mandatory €385 annual deductible (eigen risico).
If you work <16 hours/week or don’t work: You can use international student insurance (€30–€50/month), which covers medical emergencies, GP visits, and hospital care without the deductible.
Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)
If you have Dutch basic insurance and a low income (below ~€35,000/year), you can apply for Zorgtoeslag — a government subsidy of up to €144/month. This significantly reduces your monthly insurance cost.
What’s Covered?
Dutch basic insurance (basisverzekering) covers:
- GP (huisarts) consultations
- Hospital care and specialists
- Emergency treatment
- Prescription medications
- Maternity care
NOT covered: Dental care for adults (need separate insurance), physiotherapy beyond 20 sessions, alternative medicine.
Why the Netherlands?
With over 115,000 international students and top universities offering English-taught programs, the Netherlands is Europe’s leading destination for international education. Expect high-quality care, excellent infrastructure, and a student-friendly environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I start working more than 16 hours/week?
You must immediately switch to Dutch basic insurance (basisverzekering). Notify your employer and choose a Dutch health insurer within 4 months.
What is the eigen risico (deductible)?
The eigen risico is a mandatory annual deductible of €385 for Dutch basic insurance. You pay the first €385 of healthcare costs yourself each year before insurance kicks in.
Can I get a subsidy for Dutch insurance?
Yes, if your income is below ~€35,000/year, you can apply for Zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance) of up to €144/month via the Belastingdienst.
Is dental care covered?
Basic dental care is NOT covered by Dutch basic insurance for adults. You need separate dental insurance (€10–€25/month) or pay out-of-pocket.
Can EU students use EHIC?
Yes, EU/EEA students can use EHIC for basic care, but supplementary insurance is highly recommended for full coverage, dental, and repatriation.
Ready to Study in the Netherlands?
Understand your insurance requirements and compare Dutch basic insurance or international student plans.
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