ResideNL · Moving to NL · Health insurance

Dutch health insurance for expats

Almost everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands is legally required to take out basic Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering). It's not optional, and there's a real deadline — so it's one of the first things to arrange.

Deadline: you generally have 4 months from when you become insurable (usually your registration/arrival) to take out a policy — and cover is backdated to that date, so you pay from day one regardless. Going without can mean fines and a bill for the missed period.

Who must take it out

People who live in the Netherlands.
People who work in the Netherlands (even if living elsewhere in some cases).
Students and non-workers usually must too — but there are specific exceptions (for example some EU students who don't work here). Your exact situation matters.

What the basic package covers

The government sets the basic package, and every insurer must offer it. It covers essentials like GP visits, hospital treatment, and prescription medicines. You can add optional supplementary cover (dental, physio) on top, but that's your choice.

How to take it out

Get your BSN (you'll need it).
Compare insurers — the basic package is the same everywhere, so compare on price, excess (eigen risico), and supplementary options.
Sign up online with a Dutch insurer, with cover backdated to your start date.

Official source: government.nl — Compulsory standard health insurance.

Know your exact deadline.

Whether health insurance applies to you, and the exact date it's due, depends on your situation and your dates. ResideNL works it out and reminds you before the deadline — alongside registration, BSN, DigiD and the rest.

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ResideNL is not a government service and does not provide legal, medical or financial advice. Rules, fees and deadlines change — always confirm on the official pages we link to.