Moving to a new country can be an exciting and daunting experience. And one of the most important aspects to consider is healthcare. If you’re planning on living in the Netherlands, you may be wondering if it’s possible to go without health insurance. After all, who wants to add another expense when adjusting to a new life? However, before making any decisions, it’s crucial to understand how the Dutch health insurance system works and if there are any exceptions. So let’s dive into everything you need to know about healthcare in the Netherlands!
What is the Dutch health insurance system?
The Dutch health insurance system is a mandatory scheme introduced in 2006. All residents who earn an income or receive social benefits must have basic health insurance. This includes EU citizens, foreign workers, and international students. The system operates on the basis of solidarity where everyone pays into a collective pool to cover healthcare costs for all.
Basic health insurance covers essential medical care such as GP visits, hospital stays, and prescription medication. However, it’s important to note that dental care is not included in the basic package and requires additional coverage.
Residents can choose from various insurers who offer different plans with varying levels of coverage and cost. Insurers are required to accept anyone who applies for basic insurance regardless of their age or medical history.
If you fail to take out health insurance, you risk facing hefty fines from the government. So it’s crucial to ensure you have adequate coverage before moving to the Netherlands!
Are there any exceptions to the rule?
While health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands, there are some exceptions to the rule. For example, if you have a low income and cannot afford health insurance, you may be eligible for financial support from the government. This is known as healthcare allowance or zorgtoeslag in Dutch.
Additionally, if you’re only living in the Netherlands temporarily for work or study purposes and already have health insurance coverage from your home country that meets certain requirements, you may not need to take out Dutch health insurance. However, it’s important to note that this exemption only applies for a limited time period and doesn’t cover all medical costs.
Another exception is for those who are self-employed with an income below a certain threshold. In this case, they may be able to apply for a special scheme called ‘Zelfstandigen Zonder Personeel’ (ZZP) which allows them to pay lower premiums than regular health insurance plans.
It’s worth noting that while these exemptions exist, they don’t apply to everyone and it’s essential to understand your individual circumstances before assuming that you can live without health insurance in the Netherlands.