Last updated: March 2026

Dutch Health Insurance for Expats: Complete 2026 Guide

Everything you need to know about zorgverzekering — what is mandatory, what it covers, how much it costs, and how to find the best deal as an expat.

Dutch Health Insurance: The Key Facts

⚠️
Mandatory?
Yes
For all residents & workers
💶
Average premium
~€145/mo
Basic package 2026
🏥
Annual deductible
€385
Eigen risico 2026
📅
Register by
4 months
After arrival/start work

⚠️ Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands

Every person who lives or works in the Netherlands is legally required to take Dutch health insurance (zorgverzekering). You must register within 4 months of arriving or starting work. If you don't, the government will register you automatically — often at a higher premium — and you'll receive a fine.

What the Basic Package Covers

  • ✓GP (huisarts) visits
  • ✓Hospital care and specialist visits
  • ✓Mental health care (GGZ)
  • ✓Prescription medication (formulary list)
  • ✓Maternity and obstetric care
  • ✓Physiotherapy (limited)
  • ✓Dental care for children under 18

The basic package content is set by law and is identical across all insurers. Only the premium and service quality differ.

Understanding the Costs

Monthly premium
~€130–160/month

Varies by insurer. Compare to find the best rate.

Eigen risico (deductible)
€385/year

You pay the first €385 of non-GP care per year.

Zorgtoeslag (allowance)
Up to €162/month

Government contribution if income below €37,496. Check your eligibility →

Compare

Find the Best Dutch Health Insurance

Use a comparator to see all Dutch insurers side-by-side. Prices for the same basic package can vary by up to €700/year.

★ FeaturedLargest NL comparator

Independer

Compare all Dutch health insurances — save up to €700/year

  • ✓Independent comparison
  • ✓9.3/10 rated
  • ✓Instant online results
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★ FeaturedExpat specialist

HollandZorg

Health insurance designed specifically for expats in the Netherlands

  • ✓English customer support
  • ✓Expat-focused policies
  • ✓Fast registration
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Int. coverage

Expatverzekering

International health insurance with comprehensive worldwide coverage

  • ✓International coverage
  • ✓Multiple plan tiers
  • ✓Online claims management
Compare & Save →

How to Choose Dutch Health Insurance

💰

Compare the premium

The basic package is identical by law. A lower premium for the same coverage is always better. Premiums can differ by €500–700/year between the cheapest and most expensive insurer.

🏥

Check the hospital network

Some policies (naturapolis) require you to use contracted hospitals. Others (restitutiepolis) let you choose any hospital but cost more. For expats, a restitutiepolis offers the most flexibility.

🦷

Consider supplemental coverage

Dental care, glasses, and physiotherapy beyond the basic limit are not covered by the basic package. Supplemental insurance (aanvullende verzekering) covers these at extra cost.

📞

English-language support

Not all Dutch insurers offer English support. Expat-focused options like HollandZorg have English customer service, which can make a significant difference in everyday use.

→ Check zorgtoeslag eligibility→ Calculate net salary→ Open a Dutch bank account

Frequently Asked Questions

Is health insurance mandatory in the Netherlands?▼
Yes — zorgverzekering is mandatory for all residents and workers in the Netherlands. Register within 4 months of arriving. Not registering leads to fines and automatic (often more expensive) registration.
How much does Dutch health insurance cost in 2026?▼
The basic package costs approximately €130-160/month depending on the insurer. On top of this, there's a mandatory annual deductible (eigen risico) of €385 — the first €385 of medical costs you pay yourself each year.
What is the eigen risico?▼
The eigen risico is the mandatory annual deductible: €385 in 2026. You pay the first €385 of your healthcare costs per year (excluding GP visits, maternity care, and some other services which are always covered).
Can I keep my international health insurance?▼
No — if you are a resident or employed in the Netherlands, Dutch zorgverzekering is legally required. International insurance does not fulfil the Dutch obligation. Limited exceptions exist for temporary assignments.
When do I need to register?▼
Within 4 months of starting residence or employment. Coverage is backdated, so you'll owe back-premiums — but registering quickly avoids penalties and ensures you're covered from day one.

Compare health insurance and save up to €700/year

Independer compares all Dutch health insurers instantly. The basic package is the same — find the best price.

Compare & Save →Check Zorgtoeslag →