Student health insurance

Do you have plans to study, work or do an internship in Holland? In any case it is important to make sure that you are sufficiently insured for any necessary healthcare during your stay and, if applies, find (Dutch) student health insurance that best fits your needs. There are different possible scenarios. In some cases you are obliged to take out public healthcare insurance in the Netherlands. Depending on your personal situation, you also might be able to keep your home country public healthcare insurance. If this isn’t possible and you’re not obliged to take out Dutch basic health insurance, it might be necessary to take out private healthcare insurance. This page will help you figure out which situation applies to you.

Compare all student health insurances:
Top 5 Health Insurances for Students

Welcome to Holland

We are happy to welcome you to Holland! If you’re moving here to study, work and/or do an internship, you’re probably figuring out all necessary preparations. To help you get started and find all the necessary information, we’ve created a website section especially for international students that want to study abroad in the Netherlands. All important information on for example student finance, insurance, housing, benefits & allowances and visa & permits is bundled here.

Visit our Welcome to Holland section.

Health care insurance for foreign students in the Netherlands

Before arriving to Holland it’s important to determine what kind of health care insurance you need. Furthermore you need to have a clear overview of the different options and obligations, depending on your personal situation.

On this page you can find more information about the insurance options for foreign students

Public healthcare insurance in The Netherlands

If you are planning to work during your studies or if you are planning to do a paid internship, you need to take out public healthcare insurance in Holland. In order to take out a Dutch public healthcare insurance, you must have a Dutch ID-number (Citizen Service Number or BSN). You can apply for an ID-number at your local municipality.

Healthcare insurance companies

Where can you take out public healthcare insurance in Holland? There’s a large number of public healthcare insurance companies in Holland, with different premiums and a variety of insurances. If you are looking for public healthcare insurance companies in Holland, especially for students, please visit our top 5 public healthcare insurances.

Private healthcare insurance

If you are from a non-EU country, the public healthcare insurance from your home country is not valid in the Netherlands. Are you from a non-EU country, temporarily staying in the Netherlands and not planning on working or doing a paid internship? In that case you can consider taking out private healthcare insurance.

Public healthcare insurance in your home country

When is a public healthcare insurance in your home country sufficient?

In case you are only planning to study in Holland and you are not planning to work or do a paid internship.
If you are planning a temporary stay in Holland (see explanation above)
If you are a citizen of the EU (including Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway)

Make sure to check the coverage abroad of your current public healthcare insurance. Don’t hesitate to contact your public healthcare insurance company in your home country. Here you can also apply for an EU Health Insurance Card that is valid in Holland if you need to go to a hospital.

Healthcare allowance

For lower income groups the Dutch government provides extra support through financial compensation for the payment of your insurance premium. The so-called ‘zorgtoeslag’ is a benefit issued by the Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst). The amount of healthcare allowance you can receive depends of your income and capital.

Coronavirus & living or studying in the Netherlands

The COVID-19 pandemic is having an enormous impact worldwide on societies and human behaviour. In the Netherlands the government has taken measures to control the outbreak of the virus until there is a vaccin or treatment available. There were many international students in the Netherlands at the time of the coronavirus outbreak, while at the same time new students were about to arrive. We understand there are many questions regarding healthcare, insurance, residence permits, housing, educational institutions & admissions and travel restrictions.

Find up to date information on our page about Corona & studying in the Netherlands

Supplementary health insurance

Besides the basic coverage of the Dutch health insurance, insurance companies offer a variety of supplementary coverage. Every insurance company offers the same basic coverage as it is determined by the Dutch government. Do you need supplementary coverage for physiotherapy, additional health care coverage abroad, alternative health care or dental insurance? In that case you will have to take out supplementary health insurance.

Read more about supplementary health insurance

Dutch healthcare system

You are probably not familiar with the ins and outs of the Dutch healthcare system. It is mainly divided in basic health insurance (obliged for every Dutch citizen) and supplementary health insurance options.

On this page we will further introduce you to the dutch healthcare system

Health insurance from the age of 18

When you become 18 years old, you are officially considered an adult in the Netherlands. One of the obligations that comes with adulthood is having to take out your own healthcare insurance. You have one month to take out the insurance, if you don’t you risk a fine.

Did you just turn 18 years old? You are obliged to take out Dutch health insurance!

Health insurance from the age of 18

Study limitations

As a student you may suffer physical of psychological conditions that result into study limitations. Common examples are students dealing with a burn out or depression. Other conditions might be dyslexia, visual impairment or a hearing impairment. Your healthcare insurance may cover treatment or tools. Also your educational institution can offer additional support.

Find out more about study limitations

Compare, switch & apply

First of all, you need to determine if you are obliged to take out Dutch health insurance. In case you do, the next three steps would be to compare insurances, switch (only if you already have a Dutch insurance) and apply for a new health care insurance.

More information about how to compare, switch & apply

Problems with health insurance

What actions can you take if you have problems with your health insurance company or (the payment of) your health insurance?

Find out your options on our page about problems with health insurance

FAQ Student health insurance

What are important points of attention when you move to the Netherlands and take out Dutch healthcare insurance? Our tips & frequently asked questions can help you on your way for all necessary preparations.

What is Dutch student health insurance?

Dutch student health insurance consists of the obligatory basic package and optional supplementary packages. The Dutch government determines the coverage of the basic healthcare insurance for all insurers. In case the basic coverage of amongst others GP and hospital care is not sufficient, you can take out supplementary health insurance. Private health insurance companies determine the coverage of these packages, that provide for example additional dental care, physiotherapy or alternative care.

Do I need to take out Dutch student health insurance?

Dutch student health insurance is obligatory for all students that temporarily live and study in the Netherlands and work or do a paid internship at the same time. If your stay is temporary and you only study in the Netherlands, you can keep your home country insurance or take out private healthcare insurance if necessary.

What is the most popular student health insurance plan?

Through our website the student health insurances of Zilveren Kruis (ZieZo), CZdirect, Just and Ditzo are very popular amongst international students. However, choosing healthcare insurance is very personal. Always compare insurances, for example using our top 5 student healthcare insurances, to select one that best fits your needs.

How can I save on my Dutch student health insurance?

To save on your premium, you can choose for a higher voluntary deductible excess. Furthermore, you can select a policy that limits the freedom of selecting healthcare providers only to those who have a contract with your insurer. With such a policy you can still visit another healthcare provider, however with lower coverage.

Check out our tips & FAQ health insurance