Accessing healthcare in the Netherlands

You will be treated on the same basis as a Dutch resident. Remember, each country’s health system is different and might not include all the things you would expect to get free of charge from the NHS. This may mean that you have to make a patient contribution to the cost of your care. You may be able to seek reimbursement for this cost when you are back in the UK.

It is important that you ensure you are treated by a state healthcare provider as you will not be covered for private healthcare. You should be particularly careful if the healthcare arrangements have been made by a hotel or travel representative. Any costs incurred for private healthcare are non-refundable.

Non-EEA nationals are covered in the Netherlands.

Where to get information while in the Netherlands

The Dutch 'AGIS Zorgverzekeringen' will be able to provide information.

AGIS Zorgverzekeringen
Groep Buitenlands Recht
PO Box 1725
3800 BS Amersfoort

Telephone: 0031 (0)33 445 68 70
(Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm)

Email: gbr@agisweb.nl

Extensive information on the Dutch health insurance system is also available online on the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport website.

Emergency numbers

In case you find yourself in an emergency during your stay in the Netherlands, dial 112. You might want to save the number in your phone.

Treatment, coverage and costs

Doctors

You should consult a doctor working under the 'AGIS Zorgverzekeringen' scheme. Treatment is usually free. Please ensure that you present your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Dutch insurance card if you are living in the Netherlands.

Dentists

State-provided dental care is only available for children. Everyone else has to pay for dental treatment, which is not refundable. This is non-refundable in the Netherlands but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.

Hospital treatment

Together with your doctor you will have to get authorisation from the Dutch authorities, ’AGIS Zorgverzekeringen’ in order to receive free inpatient hospital treatment. If you are admitted to hospital before consulting a doctor e.g. in case of emergency then you will need to present your EHIC or Dutch insurance card if you are living in the Netherlands, on admission. Ask the hospital administration to contact AGIS Zorgverzekeringen immediately.

Prescriptions

Depending on your prescription, charges may vary. If you would like to know whether a refund is possible, please contact AGIS. If you have to pay charges which are non-refundable in the Netherlands, you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.

Ambulance

Ambulance service is free of charge provided that a doctor agrees it is necessary.

Air ambulance

No information available

Making healthcare arrangements in advance

The most common treatments or conditions that require advanced arrangements are listed below. For all other conditions or treatments, you should consult your doctor. Remember, for all treatments abroad you must present your EHIC.

Oxygen therapy

Contact the AGIS Zorgverzekeringen office to make the necessary arrangements before leaving the UK. The Dutch authorities will ask you for a letter provided by your UK doctor confirming the need for oxygen therapy. You will also have to pay a small, non-refundable fee.

Dialysis

You need to speak to the co-ordinator in your UK Dialysis Unit who will contact the dialysis unit in the Netherlands nearest to where you will be staying. The provision of dialysis will be subject to availability in the Netherlands.

Leisure or business - using your EHIC in the Netherlands

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will enable you to access state provided healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes free. It will cover you for treatment that is needed in order to allow you to continue your stay until your planned return. It also covers you for treatment of pre-existing medical conditions and for routine maternity care provided the reason for your visit is not specifically to give birth.

How to claim refunds

Reimbursements are claimed from the AGIS Zorgverzekeringen office in the Netherlands.

If you have had to pay for the cost of your care and have been unable to claim a refund during your stay in the Netherlands, you should contact the Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle) on 0191 218 1999 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm) on your return to the UK. However, this process will take longer than claiming for a refund in the Netherlands.

Living in the Netherlands

If you're receiving a UK state pension, or in receipt of long-term incapacity benefit, you may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You will need to apply for an E121, which you should then present to the Dutch health authorities.

However, if you move to the Netherlands to live but not work and do not receive a UK benefit, you may be eligible for up to two-and-a-half years of state healthcare cover, paid for by the UK. In this case, you will need to apply for an E106.

For more details on how to apply for an E121 or E106, visit the 'Moving abroad' section.

How to register your E121 or E106

In both cases, you will need to contact the AGIS Zorgverzekeringen office. They will issue an insurance card that entitles you to access medical care.

You will also receive a questionnaire from the College Voor Zorgverzekeringen or CVZ (Dutch Health Insurance Board). The questionnaire must be completed and returned to the CVZ, which then decides, depending on your circumstances, whether you are liable to pay sickness insurance premiums in the Netherlands.

How to register with a GP

No information available

Working in the Netherlands

This section applies if you have been issued with an E106, your posting is for less than two years and you are using an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access healthcare.

How to register your E106

You will need to contact the AGIS Zorgverzekeringen office. You will then given an insurance card that entitles you to access medical care.

How to register with a GP

No information available

Am I still eligible for treatment under the NHS?

UK citizens registered in another EEA country and using an E106 or E121 are not automatically eligible for free treatment in the UK.

You should also visit the 'Planned treatment abroad' section for detailed information.

Last reviewed: 23/06/2011

Next review due: 23/06/2013

Country-by-country guide