Netherlands Health Insurance

Located in the Northern part of Europe and sharing borders with Germany and Belgium, the Netherlands, also known simply as Holland, is one of Europe’s most important transportation hubs. In possession of numerous airports and modern transportation networks, providing easy access to and from other continents and within Europe, the Netherlands encompasses 33,893 sq km kilometers of land, and has 16.8 million inhabitants (July, 2011) making this Europe’s most densely populated country.

The people, known as “Dutch” which is also the name of one of the country’s official languages, are modest, hardworking and tolerant, and have a rich cultural heritage represented by music, art and participation in international affairs. The other official language of Holland is Frisian, which is used by an estimated 500,000 people and is also recognized as an official language in Germany. The Dutch economy is characterized by low unemployment, moderate inflation and stable industry.

An idyllic countryside awaits visitors to the Netherlands, which is dotted with windmills, picturesque churches, and dykes. Many tourists choose to visit the country’s extraordinary capital, Amsterdam, to experience its unique character and see its amazing architecture and charming canals. Whatever the reason for visiting, the Netherlands provides a wide range of attractions, from unique scenery, to fascinating old cities, famed galleries and museums. While tourism facilities in the Netherlands are well established and widely available, this does not negate the need for visitors to arrange comprehensive expat medical insurance, especially given the costs associated with medical treatment in the country are considerable, and free public healthcare is not available to non-residents.

Netherlands Health Care and Insurance

The Netherlands government maintains control over accessibility to the health system and the quality of care delivered to the population, however relinquished day-to-day management of the system in early 2006, giving this to private suppliers. The country has excellent healthcare facilities and a first-rate standard of care. Testament to the country’s healthcare and social welfare systems, along with the predominantly healthy lifestyle which many Dutch nationals lead, is the estimated life expectancy at birth of 77 years for males and 84 years for females.

Private medical insurance is compulsory for all residents of Holland, and basic health insurance must be purchased by all citizens and long-term foreign residents. Dutch insurers are legally bound to provide cover and propose the minimum package set by the government to any citizen who applies, regardless of their medical risk. Basic cover consists of care and treatment from general practitioners, hospitals, obstetricians, as well as maternity care, ambulatory and paramedical services, and some prescription medicines, and medical appliances such as hearing aids are covered.

While this type of coverage is available, the amount mandated by law leaves citizens exposed to considerable cost in the event complex medical care is required. Additional cover can be purchased to pay for treatment which is not included in the basic healthcare package, however insurers are entitled to control the price and reserve the right to decline applications depending on the medical risk individuals present. Non-Dutch nationals who lack residency documentation are not eligible to join the national mandatory healthcare scheme and therefore must rely on their own private medical insurance plan to cover the cost of treatment or pay out-of-pocket. Paying medical care costs in the Netherlands can be expensive, and therefore obtaining comprehensive health and travel insurance is advised.

All of Holland’s major towns and cities have good quality hospitals and medical clinics. The first point of contact and entry into the Dutch health system for the majority of people is through primary care doctors. Residents are free to choose a particular doctor to register with. Most doctors work in small practices and prescribe medications, provide referrals where necessary to consultants, and treat chronic and acute illnesses. Doctors cannot refer patients directly to a hospital. Two main channels exist for hospital treatment, with patients either referred by a consultant or admitted via an emergency department. There can be waiting lists for some treatment however, which highlights the need for comprehensive expat health insurance, which affords patients the opportunity to receive treatment at private facilities.

Unless a patient is under the age of 18, dental care in the country is considered private; payment is therefore out-of-pocket or through insurance cover above that of the government-set healthcare package, which only covers dentures and specialist treatment. Pharmacies are of good quality, providing over-the-counter medications and dispensing doctors and consultants prescriptions. Only some medicine qualifies for reimbursement under the basic healthcare package however. Some doctors in rural areas have their own pharmacies.

The Netherlands has Reciprocal Health Agreements in place with some developed countries, providing emergency medical treatment in public hospitals for citizens of those nations; however treatment in private hospitals and for non-urgent cases is not covered. Advisories from those countries note that the reciprocal agreements do not replace the need for private expatriate health and travel insurance, which should be purchased prior to travel.

Netherlands Travel Insurance Concerns

Several incidents in the Netherlands over the past year have highlighted that large gatherings and demonstrations in the country have the potential to become unruly and turn violent with little notice. The larger cities, such as Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam, have demonstrations occur periodically. Travel advisories suggest visitors avoid all protests and rallies. The Government has referred to activities of extremists in the public domain and increased security measures. A general threat of terrorism remains, and therefore visitors should monitor local information sources regarding the security situation and follow any instructions issued by authorities. While violent crime is rare, tourists are often the target of petty theft such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching. Pickpockets are common around the capital’s main tourist attractions, public transport, accommodation and restaurants.

Depending on itinerary, length of stay and personal risk factors, a travel clinic may suggest vaccinations for meningococcal meningitis, rabies, influenza or hepatitis B before travelling to the Netherlands. The later vaccination might be recommended for those who could be exposed to the disease via medical treatment or sexual contact with the local population. Health concerns with regard to food and beverages should be minimal given community sanitation in the Netherlands is of a high standard. In the event one does fall ill or is injured and requires emergency treatment, an ambulance can be called by dialing 112. All hospitals have an emergency department and operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Comprehensive Netherlands health insurance should also be arranged to cover the cost of treatment for such situations.

Netherlands Expat Health Insurance

Medical care and healthcare facilities in the Netherlands are comparable with other developed nations and reliable emergency services are available. Waiting times can result though, depending on the type of treatment and the cost in private facilities, expensive. Comprehensive Netherlands medical insurance is recommended, of which an insurance policy can be arranged through Expat Medical Insurance. The company can provide globally transferable policies covering you wherever and whenever you may travel, be it with family or on an individual basis. Worldwide medical insurance policies can cover a range of needs, including emergency evacuation, maternity services, doctors’ fees, specialist consultations and medications. To guarantee access to healthcare wherever you are in the world, make contact with one of Expat Medical Insurance’s consultants for a no-obligation quote for medical insurance plan specific to your needs.