Insurances types
Many international student insurance providers offer packages that include health, liability, household contents, and travel coverage in one plan. This can be a simpler way to ensure you have all the protection you need while studying in the Netherlands.
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Health insurance (mandatory)
Find below which health insurance you need. This insurance covers GP visits, hospital care, and essential healthcare.
Read more -
Liability insurance (recommended)
Provides protection if you accidentally cause injury to someone or damage someone else鈥檚 property; if you own a car, liability insurance is legally required.
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Household insurance (optional)
Covers costs if your home or personal belongings are damaged or stolen, with coverage depending on your chosen policy.
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Travel insurance (optional)
Protects against financial losses during domestic or international travel, with coverage depending on your chosen policy.
Which health insurance you need:
Students from EU/EEA countries and countries with a Dutch health insurance agreement
If you are insured in your home country, you can apply for a through your national provider. This gives access to necessary healthcare in the Netherlands under the same conditions as Dutch residents.
Important:
- EHIC covers essential medical care only
- It does not cover liability, repatriation, luggage, or private healthcare
- It may not cover your full stay
For a longer stay, additional insurance is strongly recommended because EHIC is often not enough.
Covered countries: All EU member states, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Turkey, Morocco, most countries of the former Yugoslavia, Tunisia, Cape Verde, and Australia.
Non-EU / non-EEA students
You must have insurance that covers:
- all medical costs, including physical and mental healthcare, hospitalization, and HIV treatment
- liability insurance
- repatriation (minimum 鈧�500,000)
- optional but recommend: accidents, luggage, household contents
Make sure your insurance is sufficient before arrival.
Dutch public health insurance providers:
Dutch public health insurance (Basisverzekering) covers essential healthcare, such as visits to a general practitioner, hospital care, and prescribed medication. The basic coverage is determined by the government and is similar across all providers.
Depending on your situation, you can either:
- take out Dutch public health insurance as your main insurance, or
- keep your current insurance and arrange additional insurance to cover what is missing
Tip: compare coverage, monthly costs, and included services before making a decision.
Accessing healthcare in the Netherlands
To receive medical care, you usually need to register with a general practitioner (GP).
Learn how the Dutch healthcare system works and how to register.
Healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag)
Depending on your income, you may be eligible for a monthly allowance to help cover the cost of Dutch public health insurance.
- Applications are made via the Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst)
- More information:
Letter from CAK
During your study period in the Netherlands, you may receive a letter from the Central Administration Office (CAK) regarding healthcare contributions or verification of your insurance.
Even if you already have valid insurance, including a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you must respond to this letter. CAK has no other way of verifying your insurance status.
Important: If you do not respond within three months, you may receive a fine of approximately 鈧�500.
Read more