In The Netherlands, foreign students must have insurance covering medical expenses. The Dutch authorities oblige some foreign students to have a public healthcare insurance called Basic Healthcare Insurance ("basiszorgverzekering"). Every permanent resident or temporary resident working in the Netherlands has one.
The following page will help you to determine whether you are required to apply for the Basic Healthcare Insurance or not during your stay in The Netherlands.
Foreign students do not need Basic Healthcare insurance if they are not employed* (you don't pay tax) in The Netherlands.
If you have a (part-time) job, you are obliged to take out a Basic Healthcare.
International interns receiving at least the Dutch minimum wage that applies to their specific situation, are considered to be insured under the Dutch Health Insurance Act. This means you are legally required to take out Dutch basic health insurance. If the internship pay is less than this minimum wage, you are not allowed to take out a Dutch basic health insurance. If the latter is the case, you can take out a private health insurance. Students from the EU/EEA may be eligible to receive a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which covers your necessary medical costs during your stay. Please be advised to check this with the health insurer in your home country before departure. For the calculation of the minimum wage that applies to your situation, please see the following tool (only available in Dutch).
If you are required by Dutch law to obtain the Basic Healthcare Insurance for your primary medical expenses, Aon offers a special Basic Healthcare Insurance at a competitive rate for international students (group discount of 5%).
Apply for Dutch Basic Healthcare insurance
With Aon Basic Healthcare Insurance you decide the amount of deductible. This is the amount you need to pay out of your own pocket when you make a claim. In 2022 this mandatory deductible does not apply to appointments with your general practitioner, gynaecology and maternity care. The mandatory deductible in 2022 is € 385 per calendar year. You can also choose € 500 voluntary deductible. So the total deductible is € 885. If you choose voluntary deductible, you pay a lower premium. Be aware, that when make a claim, you have to pay € 885 out of your own pocket.
| Obligatory deductible | Additional voluntary deductible | Premium per month |
|---|---|---|
| €385 | €0 | €136,75 |
| €385 | €500 | €116,75 |
The Dutch Basic Healthcare insurance covers your medical costs. You also need insurance for travel and stay. We advise you to purchase the ICS Start+ or ICS Start in addition to your Basic Healthcare Insurance.
A Coverage overview Basic Healthcare Insurance 2022 (insured amounts) for the Basic Healthcare insurance can be found in the document below.
The text of this website has been composed with utmost care. However, the mutual rights and obligations are determined in all cases by the policy conditions.
