Compare Dutch Health Insurance
By law, every resident in the Netherlands must have a Dutch basic health insurance package. Compare the most expat-friendly providers below.
The 4-Month Rule: You must take out insurance within 4 months of your BRP registration to avoid a retroactive fine. Still confused? Read our full guide.
Independent Information
Expat Holland is an independent, informative platform. We aim to educate expats on the Dutch healthcare system. We do not provide personal financial or medical advice, and our comparisons are purely objective. Always consult the official policy documents of a provider before making a decision.
Expat Holland is free to use. Some links below are partner links, which may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Zilveren Kruis
From € 147.45 /mo
Industry leader for expats due to their fully translated mobile app.
One of the largest providers in the Netherlands with a strong focus on international clients and a dedicated English app.
ONVZ
From € 147.50 /mo
Industry leading expat support, full English app, and excellent freedom of choice policies.
Premium healthcare with maximum freedom of choice. Known for their dedicated expat desk and fully bilingual (Dutch/English) app and portal.
OOM Verzekeringen
Custom Quote
Perfect score: even without a native app, their fully English 'Mijn OOM' portal is excellent. Crucially, they are the absolute best choice for expats awaiting their BSN.
Specialized expat insurance provider. One of the few options available if you do not have a BSN yet, offering comprehensive interim coverage.
CZ
From € 145.85 /mo
Great service and value, but the app is not 100% English native.
A highly reliable, non-profit health insurer offering wide coverage and English translation support for major documents.
Menzis
From € 146.75 /mo
Solid English support and fun health rewards, but BSN required.
Menzis offers competitive pricing and rewards members with points for healthy behavior through their 'SamenGezond' program.
NN Postcode Zorgcollectief
Check Website
Excellent combination policy with high freedom of choice and a great English app. However, the affiliate application funnel and phone support are exclusively in Dutch, requiring translation tools.
Extensive health insurance. Offers a combination policy (Zorg Vrij) for maximum freedom of choice and discounts on supplementary packages.
About our Expat Score & Recommendations
The Expat Score (1-5 stars) is our editorial rating based specifically on how well a provider caters to internationals. We evaluate factors such as the availability of full English documentation, the quality of English customer support, and the flexibility of their onboarding process (e.g., whether they require a BSN immediately). Price is intentionally not a factor in this score.
Disclaimer: These ratings are based on our generic evaluation and are designed to help expats get started. This is not financial or personal advice tailored to your specific situation, usage, or household needs. Always verify the terms, conditions, and exact pricing on the provider's official website before signing a contract.
How does Dutch health insurance work?
Unlike countries with a national health service, the Netherlands uses a private, heavily regulated insurance system. You are legally required to take out a basic health insurance policy ("basisverzekering") with a Dutch provider.
- The 4-Month Rule: You must finalize your insurance within 4 months of your municipal registration (BSN). If you don't, you will be retroactively billed and potentially fined.
- Basic vs. Supplementary: The basic package covers GP visits, hospital care, and most prescriptions. Dental care for adults and physical therapy are NOT included in the basic package; you need supplementary insurance for these.
- Acceptance is Mandatory: Insurance companies are legally required to accept you for the basic package, regardless of your medical history or age.
The Deductible (Eigen Risico) Explained
The "eigen risico" is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for specialized healthcare before your insurance starts covering the costs. Visits to the General Practitioner (Huisarts) are always exempt from the deductible.
Mandatory Deductible
The legal minimum. You pay the first €385 of hospital visits, specialists, or prescriptions. You pay the highest monthly premium, but have the lowest risk.
Voluntary Maximum
You choose to increase your risk by €500. You pay the first €885 of specialized care. You get a discount on your monthly premium (saving ~€15-25/month).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all basic insurances the same?
Yes, the contents of the basic package ("basisverzekering") are determined by the Dutch government and are identical across all providers. You should choose a provider based on price, customer service, and whether they offer an English app.
Can I cancel or switch anytime?
No. In the Netherlands, you can only switch health insurance providers once a year, between November 12th and December 31st. The new policy will take effect on January 1st. Make sure to choose a provider you are comfortable with for the rest of the year.
What is non-contracted reimbursement in Dutch health insurance?
If you want more freedom to choose non-contracted healthcare providers, check the policy’s specific reimbursement rate for non-contracted care. Some combination policies offer relatively high reimbursement, but the exact percentage and conditions vary by insurer.
Understanding the 4-Month Rule
The Dutch government gives you 4 months to choose an insurer, but the rules around retroactive billing can be confusing. Read our deep dive.
Read the Insurance Guide