International Health Insurance in the Netherlands for Expats

Yes. Health insurance is legally mandatory for all residents of the Netherlands, including Americans. Once you have registered your address with your local municipality and received your citizen service number (BSN), you are required to take out Dutch basic health insurance within four months. Failing to arrange cover in time can result in fines from the CAK, the Dutch government authority responsible for implementing insurance regulations, as well as retrospective premium charges for the uninsured period.

The Dutch system is built around a mandatory basic insurance package called basisverzekering, which all insurers are legally required to offer and cannot refuse based on age or health status. This basic package covers GP visits, hospital treatment, prescription medicines, maternity care and mental health support. Children under 18 are covered for free under their parents’ policy. Many residents choose to supplement their basic cover with additional insurance for services such as dental care, physiotherapy and specialist treatments not included in the standard package. To access the system, you first need a BSN, which is issued when you register with your local gemeente (municipal office).

A BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is the Dutch citizen service number – a personal identification number required for virtually every official process in the Netherlands, including healthcare, employment, banking and taxation. You receive your BSN when you register your address with your local municipality (gemeente). In larger cities such as Amsterdam, appointment slots can be in high demand, so it is advisable to book as early as possible after arrival. Without a BSN, you cannot enrol in Dutch health insurance, which is why having international health insurance in place from the moment you arrive is strongly recommended.

In most cases, no – not as a long-term substitute. The Dutch government requires residents to hold Dutch basic health insurance once their residence permit is finalised. However, international health insurance can be an important bridge during the period between arrival and the completion of your registration and BSN process. During this time, you are not yet able to enrol in the Dutch system, and without cover you would be responsible for all medical costs yourself. ExpatInsure can help you find options for this transitional period and beyond.

No. US Medicare does not provide coverage outside the United States in most circumstances. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited emergency cover abroad and certain Medigap policies include emergency foreign travel coverage, but these are designed for short trips rather than long-term living abroad. Americans planning to live in the Netherlands should arrange appropriate health cover as a separate plan. ExpatInsure can help you understand what you need and find options suited to your situation.