Quickly get the right help for a care need
Do you have any health complaints?
Answer a few short questions and get immediate advice or contact with a primary care physician.
Do you want to speak to a general practitioner?
Then first answer a few short questions about your complaint. This way we can give you suitable advice on what you can do yourself or assess whether contact with our doctor is necessary.
Moving to a new country brings many changes. New rules, a new environment, a different language, and often a different healthcare system. We understand that Dutch healthcare can feel unfamiliar or complicated at first.
The good news is that healthcare in the Netherlands is well-organized, safe, and accessible. Once you know how the system works, it often becomes a lot clearer.
At H4I-D, we help internationals, expats, labor migrants, and new residents navigate the Dutch healthcare system with confidence.
On this page, we will calmly and clearly explain how the healthcare system works and where you can go when you need care.
Health insurance is an important part of the Dutch healthcare system. If you live or work in the Netherlands, you are often required to take out Dutch health insurance. The basic insurance typically covers essential care such as: • GP care • hospital care • emergency care • maternity care • some mental health care • certain medications In addition, supplementary insurance policies are also available.
In some countries, you can make an appointment directly with a specialist. In the Netherlands, it usually works differently. Do you need care from a dermatologist, cardiologist, orthopedist, or psychologist, for example? Then you usually go to your family doctor first. The family doctor assesses your situation and determines which care is best suited for you. If necessary, you will receive a referral. This ensures that you end up in the right place and that the care is a good match for your symptoms.
In case of a life-threatening emergency, always call 112 directly. Consider situations such as: • severe shortness of breath • unconsciousness • heavy bleeding • serious accident • sudden severe chest pain For urgent complaints outside of the general practitioner's office hours, you can contact the out-of-hours GP service. They will assess what help is needed and where you can best go.
Within Dutch healthcare, there is an annual deductible. This means that for certain healthcare costs, you first pay a portion yourself before your insurance reimburses the costs. Important to know: - GP care is usually not subject to the deductible. - Hospital care often is. - Specialist care often is. - Some medications may fall under this. The amount sometimes changes annually. Therefore, always check this with your health insurer.
In the Netherlands, the general practitioner plays a central role in healthcare. For most medical questions or complaints, you first contact a general practitioner.
For example:
The general practitioner examines your complaints, treats many problems themselves, and can prescribe medication.
When specialized care is needed, your general practitioner will refer you to the appropriate specialist or hospital.
This system ensures that care remains personal, efficient, and well-organized.
