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    Netherlands

    International Health Insurance in the Netherlands

    The Netherlands may be small but it’s a beautiful place to be. Famous for canals, windmills and a relaxed culture – the Dutch country is a popular expat destination.

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    Everyone living and working in the Netherlands requires some form of health insurance. So, get yours ahead of your European adventure with international health insurance in the Netherlands from Cigna Healthcare.

    Read on to find out more about the national healthcare system and our insurance packages below.

    How does the healthcare system work in the Netherlands?

    All expats working in the Netherlands must sign up for public health insurance within four months. Up until then, you can use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), depending on which country you’re from. Failure to sign up will result in fines and eventually your employer will sign you up and deduct premiums from your salary.

    Even the basic public healthcare system is comprehensive in the Netherlands. However, certain treatments require additional insurance.

    Some private healthcare options in the Netherlands allow access to hospital treatment quicker than basic healthcare.

    Cigna Leaf

    Pros and cons of using the Netherlands' local healthcare system

    Pros

    • High-quality healthcare is highly accessible.
    • People with low income can receive a healthcare allowance.
    • Prescriptions and GP appointments are free.

    Cons

    • Patients must be registered with a GP to see any doctor.
    • Most patients needing non-emergency hospital care must be referred by a GP.
    • The majority of government healthcare information online is only in Dutch.

    What’s the difference between public and private healthcare in the Netherlands?

    Public Private

    Prerequisite for life in the Netherlands as an expat.

    Access to wider range of treatments than public cover.

    Costs are usually salary dependent.

    Can cover you while you wait for public access.

    Read more on life in the Netherlands

    Cigna Leaf

    How can international health insurance help you in Netherlands?

    The basic public health insurance package in the Netherlands is very good. However, there are certain services you’re not covered for, including:

    • Extra maternity care
    • Glasses
    • Dental care for over-18s
    • Some vaccinations
    • Some psychiatric care and counselling

    International health insurance can provide you with reassurance in knowing you won’t be hit with bills, should you unexpectedly require these treatments, and others. You can find a plan that suits your needs and budget.

    greenLeaf

    Choosing your international health insurance

    Get started

    Answer a few questions and enter your personal details to get started.

    Choose your plan

    Compare plans and find a flexible package to suit your needs.

    Get protected

    Receive your quote and get protected today.

    Cigna Global Health Options Plans

    Silver

    Worldwide or worldwide excluding USA cover

    Overview

    The core benefits on the Silver plan provide international inpatient and daypatient cover, including hospital stays and treatment.

    Available additional modules:

    • Outpatient
    • Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
    • Health and Wellbeing
    • Vision and Dental

    Core hospitalisation cover overview:

    • Annual benefit limit: $1,000,000

    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment

    • Private room

    • Full cancer care

    • Newborn care cover

    Gold

    Worldwide or worldwide excluding USA cover

    Overview

    Comprehensive coverage, with higher overall annual limits and added benefits including inpatient maternity care.

    Available additional modules:

    • Outpatient
    • Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
    • Health and Wellbeing
    • Vision and Dental

    Core hospitalisation cover overview:

    • Annual benefit limit: $2,000,000

    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment

    • Private room

    • Full cancer care

    • Inpatient Maternity

    Platinum

    Worldwide or worldwide excluding USA cover

    Overview

    Our highest level of coverage offers an unlimited overall annual limit, with most benefits being paid in full.

    Available additional modules:

    • Outpatient
    • Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
    • Health and Wellbeing
    • Vision and Dental

    Core hospitalisation cover overview:

    • Annual benefit limit: Paid in full

    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment

    • Private room

    • Full cancer care

    • Inpatient Maternity

    • Mental and Behavioural Health care paid in full

    Cigna Close Care℠ Plan

    Close Care
    Country of residence + Country of nationality
    Overview

    An essential health plan created for those who need coverage only in their country of residence, and their country of nationality.

    Available additional modules:
    • Outpatient and Wellness Care
    • Dental Care and Treatment
    Core hospitalisation cover overview:

    • Annual benefit limit: $500,000
    • Condition limit: $250,000
    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment
    • Semi-private room
    • Full cancer care

    Why choose Cigna Healthcare for health insurance in Netherlands?

    Cigna Healthcare makes it easy to take up expat health insurance in the Netherlands.

    • A range of plans that move with you. We cover over 192 countries, perfect whether you’re staying put or on the move.
    • Global network of 2.2 million hospitals and healthcare professionals.
    • 24/7 access to our leading Customer Care Team to ensure you get the help you need, when you need it.
    • Access to additional treatments and practices beyond those available on public healthcare in the Netherlands.

    Get a quote today

    FAQs
    Is international health insurance necessary in the Netherlands?Expats working in the Netherlands must sign up to the basic health insurance system within four months. Otherwise, they will be fined and/or have money deducted from their salary.

    While international health insurance isn’t necessary, some of the treatments that they cover can be very expensive without it. If you need extended physiotherapy or dental treatment, international healthcare can give you peace of mind.

    European expat students who won’t be working in the Netherlands can use their GHIC/EHIC cards. Expat students from other countries can use existing insurance plans, but all may want to consider international student health insurance in the Netherlands for extra peace of mind.
    What expats are or are not covered for without a health insurance planHealth insurance is compulsory in the Netherlands. You’re required to take out insurance with a Dutch insurer from your day of arrival. Although you’ll have four months to register, you won’t be covered for any treatment you received in the period between your arrival and the day you took out insurance. How do I submit a claim?You’ll need to get in touch with us to submit your claim. You can do so via our Online Customer Area. You’ll need a few personal details and your policy number to get started.

    Online Customer Area

    © 2025 Cigna Healthcare. All rights reserved.

    *Please note, this is a representation of the benefits available and does not contain the terms, conditions, and exclusions specific to each benefit. The benefits may be subject to change. Some benefits may be part of an optional module. Please see the Customer Guide for full details.

    This website is provided by Cigna European Services (UK) Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales having its registered address at 13th Floor, 5 Aldermanbury Square, London EC2V 7HR and registered number 00199739. The Cigna Healthcare name, logo and other Cigna Healthcare marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc., licensed for use by The Cigna Group and its operating subsidiaries.