This page contains information to support with the provision of your healthcare whilst in the Netherlands. This information applies if you have a group expat health-insurance policy underwritten by an international insurer. ONVZ assists with the provision of direct settlement for healthcare services you receive in the Netherlands.
When accessing healthcare services under your insurer's benefit plan, please make sure to show your ONVZ Health Insurance Card.
Urgent care
Call 112 for urgent medical help if you think a person’s life may be at risk. Ambulance, Fire Department and Police all use this number. It is toll-free.
Reimbursement for urgent care will be arranged with ONVZ directly. It will be helpful if you manage to show your ONVZ Health Insurance Card or share your BSN with them.
Elective care
If you have health issues that are not urgent, you must schedule treatment with a healthcare provider. In this case, you must first visit a general practitioner (GP) who may refer you to a specialist.
More information about GPs in the Netherlands
The role of the GP is central in the healthcare system. For many newcomers, this is the most important difference between the Dutch medical system and that of their home country. You can choose to register with a GP in your municipality or remain unregistered and just visit a GP of choice.
A visit to your GP is the first step towards specialist medical care and is often necessary to obtain medicines. The GP treats patients for mainly non-surgical problems and is specialised in common and minor diseases. He or she can answer most general health questions and also cares for patients with chronic illnesses.
In addition, many GPs carry out minor surgical or after-care procedures. The GP will also serve as the link to other medical services, such as hospitals, specialists, home nursing, etc.
A referral from your GP is not needed for emergency services. If your GP is not available, you can contact the Huisartsenpost (after-hours general practice) for urgent matters. If you need an ambulance, call 112. You can easily find a GP in your area on the internet, or you can ask for a Gemeentegids (Community Guide) at the town hall, which includes a list of all local GP’s.
