Register with a huisarts — your gateway to healthcare
Your huisarts (general practitioner) is the gatekeeper to Dutch healthcare. You usually can't see a specialist without a referral, so registering with a GP near you is an early priority — some practices have waiting lists.
How to do it
- Find a practice nearby on ZorgkaartNederland and check if they're accepting patients.
- Register with your BSN and insurance details.
- For non-urgent medical questions, Thuisarts.nl is a trusted, doctor-written resource.
- Outside opening hours, the huisartsenpost handles urgent (non-emergency) care; call 112 for emergencies.
Tip: Dutch GPs are famously measured with medicine — expect advice to "rest and drink tea" before stronger treatment. It's normal.
Good to know: Adapty offers guidance grounded in verified Dutch sources — it is not legal, tax, or medical advice, and it does not replace official institutions. For decisions with real consequences, check the official source or consult a qualified professional.
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