

Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering)

Dutch basic health insurance

You are required to take out Dutch basic health insurance:

  • If you start a (part-time) job

You are not allowed to take out a Dutch basic health insurance if you are in the Netherlands for study purposes only.


Dutch basic health insurance is more expensive than private insurance, costing around €1,500 a year. This might be more expensive than your current insurance. Keep this in mind if you want to seek employment in the Netherlands in addition to studying. The cost of Dutch basic health insurance may make working less worthwhile for you as you would merely be working to pay your insurance.


The Dutch basic health insurance gives limited coverage for medical expenses.

It will cover the most basic health care costs and medical emergency expenses. For example:

  • General Practitioner (huisarts)
  • Maternity care
  • Hospital care

Dental costs

Do realize that the basic health insurance does not cover dental costs if you are over 18. Make sure your insurance company at home covers dental care costs abroad, or take out a supplemental medical insurance including dental care.

Taking out Dutch basic health insurance

To learn more about Dutch insurance companies, policy excess and how to obtain your Citizen service number, go to Taking out Dutch basic health insurance.

Financial penalty

If you are required to take out Dutch basic health insurance but fail to do so in time, you risk having to pay a penalty of around 130% of the nominal premium for each month that you are uninsured.


You can contact Zorgverzekeringslijn for any questions about basic Dutch health insurance.

  • Visit or (if you are in the Netherlands) call 0800 64 64 644 (week days 09:00-17:00).
  • From abroad, you can call +31 88 900 6960.