Compare Dutch Health Insurance
Do you usually need Dutch basic health insurance?
If you live or work in the Netherlands, you will usually need Dutch basic health insurance. Arrange it within 4 months — if you apply in time, cover is backdated. Check start dates and exceptions →
Different rules can apply to students, employees of foreign employers, and EU institution staff. See FAQ below or ask the SVB.
Coming to the Netherlands to study? Check home-country cover, EHIC and private student policies separately from Dutch basic insurance.
Compare international student insuranceSome links below are partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we review providers.
ONVZ
€ 166.10 /mo
Full English app and portal support, English-language information and a broad-choice combination policy make ONVZ particularly accessible to internationals.
ONVZ Vrije Keuze offers broad provider choice, English-language information and app support, and an English signup route through Feather.
HollandZorg
€ 160.80 /mo
Explicit international-worker focus, English communication and documents, English customer service and a straightforward Dutch basic policy make HollandZorg exceptionally accessible to newcomers.
Dutch basic health insurance focused on international workers, with English customer service and multilingual insurance information.
Zilveren Kruis
From € 153.95 /mo
Several basic-policy options, an English-capable app and English service information make day-to-day use accessible, although some documents and functions remain Dutch-only.
Large Dutch insurer with several basic-policy options, an English-capable app and English service information.
VGZ
Custom Quote
A fully English app and extensive English insurance information make day-to-day policy management unusually accessible for internationals.
Large Dutch health insurer with a substantial English information environment and a fully English VGZ app for managing insurance and claims.
Loonzorg / Glider
From € 166.80 /mo
English-focused expat service and the No Risk I supplement can reduce deductible exposure; contracted-care limits should be checked for the selected policy.
Specialized digital expat brokers offering a unique No Risk I-supplement that covers your mandatory €385 deductible completely.
Menzis
From € 151.25 /mo
English web information and contact options help internationals, while the consumer app remains primarily Dutch.
Menzis offers competitive pricing and rewards members with points for healthy behavior through their 'SamenGezond' program.
Nationale-Nederlanden (NN)
From € 142.45 /mo
Competitive policy choice is useful, but the digital journey is substantially more Dutch-focused than the strongest expat-oriented insurers in this comparison.
Extensive health insurance offering one of the cheapest basic insurances (Budget Natura), as well as a combination policy (Zorg Vrij) for maximum freedom of choice.
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). While price is generally not a factor in our scores, we make an exception in banking to reward free tiers that enable powerful hybrid account combinations.
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.
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Compare health insurance premiums and cover to find a policy that fits your needs. The comparison tool is in Dutch; an English introduction is available below.
- English insurance introduction
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How does Dutch health insurance work?
Unlike countries with a national health service, the Netherlands uses a private, heavily regulated insurance system. If Dutch basic insurance is compulsory for your situation, you must take out a statutory basic policy ("basisverzekering") with a Dutch insurer.
- The 4-Month Rule: Insurance arranged within four months is backdated to the applicable start of your obligation. After that period, coverage is not retroactive and uninsured medical costs remain yours. CAK warnings and fines follow a separate enforcement process.
- Basic vs. Supplementary: The basic package covers GP care, hospital care and covered prescription medicines. Most routine adult dental care and many forms of physiotherapy fall outside the basic package, but there are exceptions depending on age, condition and treatment. Supplementary insurance can cover additional care.
- 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 annual amount adults pay themselves for covered care that is subject to the deductible. The GP consultation itself is exempt, but medicines, laboratory tests or other care ordered by your GP can still fall under the deductible.
Mandatory Deductible
The compulsory deductible is €385 in 2026. It applies to many forms of care under the basic package, including much hospital and specialist care, but several categories are exempt.
Voluntary Maximum
You can add up to €500 of voluntary deductible on top of the compulsory €385, bringing the total to €885. Insurers usually reduce the premium in return; the exact discount depends on the insurer and policy.
Pro Tip: The 30% Ruling & Healthcare Allowance
Many expats assume they earn too much to qualify for the Dutch healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag), a monthly government subsidy that can reach up to €129/month for singles and €246/month for couples in 2026. However, if you have the 30% ruling, you might be eligible!
Eligibility depends on your annual assessment income (toetsingsinkomen), partner circumstances and assets. The ruling can reduce taxable salary, but the exemption may be less than 30% because a minimum taxable salary must remain.
Example 1: Ordinary salary threshold
Suppose you earn €55,000 gross per year and the ordinary 2026 ruling salary threshold applies. The 2026 healthcare allowance income limit for a single person is €40,857. Assume no other income or deductions in this example.
- ✕Without the ruling: €55,000 exceeds the single-person income limit.
- ✕With the ruling:Taxable salary must remain above €48,013 under the ordinary threshold. You cannot simply deduct 30% to reach €38,500. This example still exceeds the allowance income limit. A lower ruling threshold applies to qualifying under-30 master's graduates, so their situation can differ.
Example 2: Eligible under-30 master's graduate
Assume you qualify for the reduced salary threshold throughout 2026, have an approved ruling applied at the full 30% for the whole year, and earn €55,000 total gross salary. After the €16,500 tax-free allowance, your taxable salary is €38,500. This exceeds the reduced ruling threshold of €36,497 and is below the single-person healthcare allowance income limit of €40,857.
You could therefore qualify for healthcare allowance. This assumes no other income or deductions and no allowance partner; your assessment income, assets, qualifying health insurance and other eligibility conditions still determine the outcome. A qualifying Dutch academic master's degree or equivalent foreign degree is required. Turning 30 or using the ruling for only part of the year can change the calculation.
Check the official ruling conditions and healthcare allowance income limits before applying.
Note: You must also meet the wealth limit. For 2026, your worldwide savings and investments cannot exceed €146,011 (single) or €184,633 (with partner).
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm a student. Do I need Dutch basic insurance?▾
My employer is based outside the Netherlands. Do I still need Dutch basic insurance?▾
I work for an EU institution. Do I need Dutch basic insurance?▾
What is the 4-month rule?▾
Do I need a BSN before I can apply?▾
Are all basic insurances the same?▾
Can I cancel or switch anytime?▾
What is non-contracted reimbursement in Dutch health insurance?▾
Sources: Government.nl · SVB FAQ
Understanding the 4-Month Rule
If Dutch basic insurance becomes compulsory for you, the four-month period affects backdating and premiums. Read our guide for the start-date rules and exceptions.
Read the Insurance Guide