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Social system

The system of social security in the Netherlands is one of the most comprehensive ones in the EU. There is an EC agreement which enables you to get urgent medical treatment free in The Netherlands.

When you start working in The Netherlands, you will automatically contribute to the Dutch social security system and consequently be entitled to the same benefits as anywhere else in the EEA.
Most social security contributions are automatically deducted from your salary. These general social security contributions form part of even the lowest income tax bracket. In addition to these contributions, certain social security premiums on employment income (werknemersverzekeringen) are payable by both employers and employees. The employer makes a contribution of 2% of the employee's salary (overhevelingstoeslag). The "overhevelingstoeslag" is not considered as salary!

Health care

Most people in the Netherlands are compulsorily insured for medical expenses by the national health service (Verplicht Ziekenfonds verzekerd). Additional insurance (aanvullende verzekering), also offered by the national health service, may be considered to cover ante and postnatal services as well as certain health assistance expenses abroad. Exceptions to the national health insurance are civil servants, self-employed and people who earn more than a certain limit. These people are obliged to take a private insurance (Privé-verzekering). A national insurance called "Algemene Wet Bijzondere Ziektekosten" (AWBZ) covers certain medical expenses - like prescriptions - for everybody who lives in the Netherlands. In the coming years, this national insurance will be extended to a basic insurance for everyone.

EU nationals in employment in the Netherlands are fully entitled to national health (Ziekenfonds) care on the same basis as Dutch nationals. Free emergency treatment is available to visitors/employment seekers; you should bring the appropriate E-forms with you. (E119 and E111) Private medical insurance is also widely available for people who earn above the limit of the "Ziekenfondsgrens".

You may register with the medical practitoner of your choice although this has to be within a certain area (Werkgebied Ziekenfonds). Often doctors have definite hours (spreekuur), which you can visit without appointment, early in the morning. Afternoon consultations are mostly by appointment. If special examination or treatment is required, the general practitioner refers patients to the hospital and specialist services. The general practitioner has always to be contacted first. However, you may visit a dentist directly.

Under the national health insurance (Ziekenfonds), hospital treatment (third class) in your area is provided free. A doctor's (GP) recommendation is required, except in emergencies, when first aid is free (including EU visitors, E-forms necessary).
Privately insured people can choose between different classes of hospital treatment (contributions vary equally). People insured under the "Ziekenfonds" are normally nursed third class. However, they can also be treated under a higher class but they have to take an optional insurance for it.

Sickness insurance

Under the national health insurance (Ziekenfonds), treatment by a doctor is free, as is hospital treatment, with a maximum of 365 consecutive days (after 365 days the AWBZ starts to pay these expenses). Specialist treatment, in the working area of your own Ziekenfonds, is provided free but only when the doctor has referred a patient (Verwijskaart). Prescribed medicines are provided free but only when they are mentioned in the Medicine compensation system (geneesmiddelen vergoeding systeem). For dental treatment, you have to effect a separate insurance which can be done together with the health care insurance or with any other insurance company.

Physiotherapy is free; however, there is a limit to the amount of physiotherapy a person can get under the national health insurance. Psychiatric treatment is provided free when a doctor has referred a patient to the RIAGG (Regional Institute for Ambulatory mental health). This institute decides if this kind of treatment is needed and in what form.

There is an EC agreement which enables you to get urgent medical treatment free in The Netherlands. The form E111 should be obtained before you leave your country. If you have not obtained or are not covered by this form or you are not paying Dutch national insurance contributions, you should consider taking out private medical insurance or you may face the possibility of paying the full price of any treatment.

E-forms