Zorgverzekering: what it is and how to choose
Short answer: if you live or work in the Netherlands, Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) is compulsory. Arrange it within 4 months of arriving to live or work here. Your cover, and your premium, then starts from the day you became obliged to be insured.
Who has to take it out?
Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands, by law. Each adult takes out their own policy. Children under 18 are added to a parent's policy and are insured for free.
There are exceptions, for example some posted workers who stay insured in their home country. If you are not sure, check before you skip it; a wrong guess costs money.
The 4-month window
- You have 4 months from the moment you became obliged to be insured.
- If you take out insurance within that period, cover starts retroactively from that date.
- You also pay the premium for those months. Late insurance does not save money.
- Medical costs from that period can be claimed once you are insured.
What it costs
| Item | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Monthly premium (basic policy) | Set by each insurer; compare before you choose |
| Compulsory deductible (eigen risico) | €385 per year for adults (18+) |
| GP (huisarts) visits | Not subject to the deductible |
| Children under 18 | No premium, no deductible |
The deductible is announced to rise to €400 in 2027. Low income? You may be able to get a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) from the Belastingdienst; you need DigiD to apply.
How to choose (in 10 minutes)
- Restitutie or natura? A restitutiepolis lets you choose any care provider. A naturapolis is usually cheaper but limits you to contracted providers. Not sure? Check whether your preferred hospital or therapist is contracted.
- Voluntary deductible. You can raise the deductible above €385 for a lower premium. Only worth it if you rarely need care.
- Supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering) covers things like dental care and physiotherapy. Optional; buy it only for what you will use.
- Switching: you can switch insurer for 1 January each year.
What happens if you stay uninsured?
The CAK, the government body for this, will send you a letter. If you still have no Dutch health insurance 3 months after that letter, you receive a fine of €529.74 (2026). A second fine can follow. After that, the CAK can take out insurance for you, and you pay the costs of it to the CAK.
Your checklist
I arrive in the next 30 days
- Find out whether you will be obliged to insure from day one (work or residence)
- Shortlist two insurers
I am already here
- BSN received? Take out a basic policy now
- Add your children to your policy
- Register with a GP (huisarts) near your home
I have a child
- Children are free on a parent's policy, but you still have to add them
Get this as your personal plan
Stapje tracks your 4-month window as a deadline and shows where insurance fits after BSN and DigiD. Got a letter from the CAK or your insurer? Photograph it and see what it means. No account needed.
Get Stapje on the App StoreFAQ
Is Dutch health insurance mandatory for expats?
Yes, if you live or work in the Netherlands, with a few exceptions such as some posted workers. Check your situation before deciding.
Can I keep my insurance from home?
Usually not as a replacement for the Dutch basic policy if you live or work here.
How soon do I need to take out health insurance?
Within 4 months. Cover and premium are back-dated to the day you became obliged to insure.
Does the GP count towards my deductible?
No. Visits to your huisarts are not subject to the compulsory deductible.
Official sources
Last checked 6 October 2026. Amounts change every year. The CAK, Zorginstituut Nederland and your insurer are the official sources. Stapje is not an insurer and does not sell insurance.