Dutch health insurance: mandatory, and on a deadline
Basic health insurance is compulsory and backdated to your arrival. Don't put it off — here's what to know.
In the Netherlands, basic health insurance (zorgverzekering) is mandatory. You must take it out within four months of registering, and it's backdated to your arrival date — so delaying just means paying for months you weren't covered.
The essentials
- Basic cover costs roughly €140/month and is bought from private insurers (the basic package is the same everywhere; price and service differ).
- There's a yearly own risk (eigen risico, €385) you pay before most care is reimbursed.
- Compare plans on sites like Zorgwijzer or Independer, then sign up with your DigiD.
- Lower incomes can claim zorgtoeslag to offset the premium.
Tip: Sort insurance the same week you register — it's one of the few things with a real financial penalty for waiting.
Rules change. This post was accurate when written; check the official source it links before you act.