Medicine & Veterinary Netherlands

In the Netherlands, health insurance is mandatory for all residents, including foreigners. There is basic health insurance that covers essential medical services like visits to a general practitioner, emergency care, hospitalization, and some medications. To cover additional medical services, such as dental care or physiotherapy, one can obtain supplementary insurance.

Foreigners residing in the Netherlands are required to obtain basic health insurance within four months of their arrival. For European Union citizens, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) temporarily applies, but for long-term stays, local insurance must be arranged.

 

In the Netherlands, health insurance is mandatory for all residents, including foreign citizens. The country's health insurance system is divided into several main types:

 

Basic Health Insurance

- Description: Basic insurance is mandatory for everyone living or working in the Netherlands. It covers essential medical services, including visits to a general practitioner, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and emergency medical care.

- Choice of Insurer: Residents can choose between different insurance companies that offer basic insurance. All companies are required to provide the same basic package of services, but the costs and terms may vary slightly.

- Deductible: This is a mandatory amount that must be paid out-of-pocket before the insurance company starts covering the expenses.

 

Supplementary Health Insurance

- Description: Supplementary insurance is not mandatory, but many people choose it to cover services not included in basic insurance. This can include dental services, physiotherapy, alternative medicine, and services abroad.

- Coverage Options: Insurance companies offer various supplementary insurance packages, and the terms can vary significantly.

 

Student Health Insurance

- Description: Students coming to the Netherlands for studies are also required to have health insurance. Depending on the duration of their stay and the type of visa, they can choose basic insurance or opt for international student insurance.

- Special Terms: Some insurance companies offer discounts or special conditions for students, so it's important to explore the offers from different insurers.

 

International Health Insurance

- Description: This insurance is intended for those temporarily living in the Netherlands or frequently traveling abroad. It can cover medical expenses both in the Netherlands and beyond.

- Alternative to Basic Insurance: International insurance can be useful for expats or those temporarily in the country, but it's important to ensure it meets Dutch legal requirements.

 

Special Health Insurance for Low-Income Individuals

- Healthcare Subsidies: Low-income individuals may be eligible for a subsidy on health insurance, which helps partially or fully cover the costs of basic insurance. To receive a subsidy, an application must be submitted through the tax office.

 

In the Netherlands, there are several major insurance companies offering health insurance and are popular among the population: Achmea, VGZ, CZ, Menzis, DSW.

Public Medical Services

Main Healthcare System: In the Netherlands, primary medical care is provided through general practitioners. The general practitioner plays a central role in the healthcare system, being the first contact point for all medical issues, and refers patients to specialists or hospitals if necessary. This care is covered by basic health insurance.

Hospitals: Public hospitals in the Netherlands are state-funded and offer a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized treatment. Public hospitals like Amsterdam UMC and Leiden University Medical Center provide high-quality services.

Private Medical Services

Private clinics: In the Netherlands, there are also private clinics and medical centers offering specialized medical services, such as plastic surgery, dentistry, fertility, and others. Examples of such institutions include Bergman Clinics and Prinses Máxima Centrum.

Additional insurance: Many private medical services are not covered by basic health insurance and require additional insurance coverage. Patients may choose private clinics for quicker access to specialists or more convenient treatment conditions.

Online Platforms and Consultations

Many medical institutions offer online consultations and services through mobile applications, making access to medical care easier.

Registration with a family doctor

- Choosing a doctor: Find a family doctor in your area. You can use online platforms such as ZorgkaartNederland or use your insurance provider's website to find a doctor accepting new patients. It is usually recommended to choose a doctor who is located near your home.

- Registration: Contact the selected practice by phone or through their website to confirm if they are accepting new patients. In some cases, you will be offered to fill out a registration form online or on-site. You will need the following documents:

- Passport or ID card.

- BSN — social security number.

- Health insurance policy.

- Initial visit: After registration, you may be offered to make an appointment for an initial visit where the doctor will review your medical history and discuss your current medical needs.

 

Appointment with a specialist

- Referral from a family doctor: In the Netherlands, a referral from a family doctor is required to make an appointment with a specialist. If your family doctor believes you need an examination or treatment by a specialist, they will issue a referral.

- Booking an appointment: After receiving the referral, you can book an appointment with the specialist. In most cases, the booking is done through the medical clinic or hospital where the specialist works. This can be done by phone, on the clinic's website, or via an app, if available.

 

Online Booking and Consultations

- Platforms and apps: Many medical practices and hospitals in the Netherlands offer the possibility of online booking via their websites or mobile apps, such as MijnGezondheid.net or insurance company apps like Zilveren Kruis or VGZ.

- Telemedicine: Some family doctors and specialists offer online consultations via video calls, which can be convenient for an initial assessment of the condition or follow-up care. This is especially relevant when there is no need for a physical examination.

Emergency medical care in the Netherlands is organized to ensure quick and efficient access to necessary medical services in emergency situations.

What is considered emergency medical care?

- Emergency situations: Emergency medical care includes life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, and other situations requiring immediate intervention.

- Less urgent cases: In less urgent cases where life is not at risk, it is recommended to first contact your family doctor or visit the nearest emergency center, which operates in the evenings and nights, as well as on weekends.

 

How to call for emergency help?

- Emergency number: In life-threatening situations, call 112 — the general emergency service number for requesting an ambulance, police, or fire service.

- Ambulance service: After calling for an ambulance, a team will arrive at the location to provide necessary assistance and, if needed, to transport the patient to the hospital. It's important to describe your symptoms and location to the operator as accurately as possible.

Emergency centers

- Functions and services: These centers provide assistance in urgent but non-life-threatening cases when your family doctor is unavailable. This may include sudden illnesses, acute pain, or minor injuries that require quick intervention but are not serious enough to call an ambulance.

- How to get there: You can visit the emergency care center on your own or call them for a consultation. In some cases, a doctor can arrange a home visit if the patient is unable to come themselves.

Admission to the emergency department

- Admission process: When visiting the emergency department at the hospital, the patient will first be examined by a nurse who will assess the urgency of their condition. Depending on this, you may be seen immediately or asked to wait.

- Cost and insurance: Emergency services are covered by basic health insurance, but it is important to remember that standard deductibles apply. In some cases, if your condition is not considered urgent, additional charges may apply.

Online and telephone assistance

- Phone consultations: In cases where you are not sure if you need emergency care, you can call your family doctor or the emergency care center for a consultation.

- Online services: Some medical institutions offer online consultation options, which can be useful for assessing the condition and deciding on the need for further treatment.

 

Features of emergency medical care for foreigners

Foreigners in the Netherlands have access to emergency medical care on the same terms as local residents, but there are some features that are important to consider:

Health insurance

- Having insurance: Although emergency care is provided to everyone, having health insurance is important for covering costs.

- Lack of insurance: If you do not have insurance, you will still be treated, but you will have to pay for medical services on your own. This may include paying for ambulance services and hospital treatment.

Language barrier

- Language support: In most medical institutions in the Netherlands, the medical staff speaks English, which facilitates interaction for foreign patients. However, if you encounter difficulties in understanding, it is recommended to have translator contacts with you or use translation apps.

Features for temporary residents and tourists

- Travel insurance: Tourists are recommended to have international travel insurance that covers emergency medical cases abroad. This insurance can cover the costs of emergency assistance, which can be significant.

- Embassies and consulates: In the event of a serious incident, tourists can contact their embassy or consulate for support and information on further actions.

In the Netherlands, the submission of medical tests and undergoing examinations are organized in such a way that patients can receive the necessary assistance quickly and conveniently.

 

Referral from a family doctor

- If you need to take tests or undergo examinations, the first step is to consult your family doctor. The doctor will assess your condition and, if necessary, issue a referral for tests or to a specialist for further examination.

 

Submitting tests

- Laboratories and medical centers: There are many laboratories in the Netherlands where you can take tests on a doctor's referral. Some of them are located in hospitals, while others are in separate diagnostic centers.

 

Undergoing examinations

- Scheduling an examination: If you need to undergo more complex examinations, such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT, an appointment may be required in advance. Your family doctor will help arrange an appointment at the appropriate institution.

- Waiting for results: Depending on the type of examination, results may be available in a few days or weeks. The doctor will explain how and when you will receive the results and what further steps need to be taken.

 

Online access to results

- Many medical institutions in the Netherlands provide access to test and examination results online through secure portals or mobile applications.

 

Private clinics

- If you prefer faster access to tests or examinations, you can contact private clinics.

 

There are several popular laboratories and medical centers in the Netherlands where you can take tests and undergo various studies:

 

Laboratorium voor Pathologie: one of the largest laboratories in the Netherlands providing a wide range of diagnostic services, including blood tests, urine tests, biopsies, and genetic research.

Saltro: a large diagnostic company offering various medical tests and research: blood tests, DNA research, microbiology, and more.

Diagnostiek voor U: provides services for various medical tests and examinations, including ultrasound diagnostics, X-ray, and MRI.

Star-SHL: offers a variety of medical services, including laboratory tests, cardiological examinations, and ultrasound diagnostics; possibility to take tests both on a doctor's referral and on their own initiative.

UMC Utrecht Laboratorium: one of the leading laboratories in the Netherlands, providing a full range of laboratory services, including specialized tests such as genetic and molecular research.

Preparing for childbirth in the Netherlands involves several important aspects such as choosing a hospital or birthing center, interacting with doctors and midwives, and arranging necessary medical insurance.

 

Choosing a place for childbirth

- Home birth: In the Netherlands, home births are a common practice. Approximately 13% of women choose this option, which is supported by midwives. However, home births require meeting certain medical criteria, and it is necessary to prepare the home in advance, acquiring necessary supplies.

- Hospital birth: Most women prefer to give birth in a hospital or birthing center. Hospitals provide all necessary medical services, including emergency care in case of complications. Popular hospitals include Amsterdam UMC, Leiden University Medical Center, and Erasmus MC in Rotterdam. It is recommended to get to know the chosen hospital in advance by attending open days or scheduling an introductory visit.

 

Interaction with medical specialists

- Midwife: In the Netherlands, midwives play a central role in managing pregnancy and childbirth. They conduct regular check-ups, assist with birth planning, and accompany you during the childbirth process. If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, a midwife may also deliver the baby.

- Gynecologist: In case of a complicated pregnancy or if you chose hospital birth, both a midwife and a gynecologist will oversee the process. The gynecologist assumes leadership when surgical intervention, such as a cesarean section, is needed.

 

Medical insurance

- Basic insurance: In the Netherlands, medical insurance is mandatory, and basic insurance covers major expenses related to pregnancy management, childbirth, and postnatal care. This includes visits to the midwife, prenatal examinations, and medically indicated hospital births.

- Additional insurance: If you prefer to give birth in a hospital without medical indications (by choice), or if you want extended services like a private room or additional postpartum care, additional insurance might be required. It's important to check in advance what your policy covers and what costs may arise.

 

Partner-assisted childbirth

Partner-assisted childbirth in the Netherlands is also a popular practice, where the woman's partner (or another close person) can be present and actively participate in the childbirth process.

If you plan for partner-assisted childbirth, it is important to discuss this with your midwife or doctor in advance. This will help them accommodate your wishes and prepare for the partner's presence. The partner can be present at all stages of childbirth, from prenatal preparation to the birth of the child. Additionally, the partner can assist in decision-making in unexpected situations.

 

After childbirth in the Netherlands, the process of accommodating the mother with the newborn in the medical facility is organized in a way that ensures comfort and necessary medical support.

 

Length of stay in the hospital

- Uncomplicated childbirth: In the case of normal childbirth without complications, the hospital stay usually ranges from 24 to 48 hours. If the birth was uncomplicated and both mother and child are well, discharge may occur just a few hours after the birth. In this case, the mother and newborn continue to be monitored at home with the help of a midwife and a community nurse.

- Complicated labor or cesarean section: In the event of complications or a cesarean section, the hospital stay may be extended to 3-5 days. This is necessary to ensure proper recovery of the mother and monitor the child's condition.

 

 

Vaccination

In the Netherlands, vaccination of newborns is not strictly mandatory but is strongly recommended by the government and medical institutions. Parents can refuse vaccination or choose only certain vaccines. The vaccination program covers children starting from the age of two months and offers protection against serious diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, tetanus, hepatitis B, and others. Vaccines are provided for free and are available through consultation centers that monitor the health and development of children.

In the event of the death of a foreigner in the Netherlands, several important steps must be taken to arrange all the necessary documents and organize subsequent actions. The process can be complex, especially if relatives and loved ones are outside the country, so it is important to act in a coordinated manner.

 

Reporting the death

- Medical staff: If the death occurred in a hospital, the medical staff is responsible for confirming the death and issuing the appropriate documents. In case of death outside the hospital, a doctor must be called immediately to examine the body and issue a death certificate.

- Police: If the death occurred under unusual circumstances, it may be necessary to notify the police, who will conduct an investigation and prepare a report.

 

Notification of the embassy or consulate

- Contact with the consulate: After receiving the death certificate, the relatives or representatives of the deceased must contact the embassy or consulate of their country in the Netherlands. Consular officers can provide support in arranging the documents, organizing the repatriation of the body, and help in contacting relatives in the home country.

- Passports and documents: All identity documents of the deceased, such as a passport and residence permit, must be handed to the consulate. The consulate may also issue a death certificate in the native language of the deceased.

 

Organization of the funeral or repatriation

- Funeral services: There are many funeral agencies in the Netherlands that can assist in organizing a funeral or cremation. The funeral agency takes care of all practical aspects, including transporting the body, arranging documents, conducting the ceremony, and other services.

- Repatriation of the body: If the family wishes for the body of the deceased to be transported back home, the funeral agency can organize the repatriation. Local authorities must grant permission, and the necessary documents must be completed. Repatriation can be expensive, so it is advisable to check if this service is covered by insurance.

 

Arranging and paying bills

- Insurance: If the deceased had insurance, it is important to contact the insurance company for compensation to cover funeral or repatriation expenses. Some insurance may also cover the transportation expenses of close relatives to the Netherlands.

- Financial obligations: Relatives or executors of the will will need to settle all financial matters, including paying the deceased's bills and debts, as well as arranging inheritance in accordance with local laws and the legislation of the deceased's country of origin.

 

Thus, the process of arranging all documents and organizing a funeral in the event of the death of a foreigner in the Netherlands requires coordination with medical institutions, consulates, funeral agencies, and insurance companies. It is important to comply with all legal formalities to ensure respectful handling of the deceased and support the family in a difficult time.

In the Netherlands, there are a number of mandatory and recommended vaccinations and procedures for pets to ensure their health and safety, as well as to protect the public from the spread of diseases.

 

Mandatory vaccinations

- Rabies: Rabies vaccination is mandatory for dogs, cats, and ferrets, especially if the animal is to be taken abroad. This vaccination is also mandatory for all animals arriving in the Netherlands from other countries.

- For dogs: Vaccination against distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus is a standard procedure for dogs in the Netherlands. This comprehensive vaccination protects against the most dangerous diseases and is mandatory for most dogs.

 

Recommended Vaccinations

- Cats: Vaccinations against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus are recommended.

- Ticks and fleas: In the Netherlands, especially in rural and wooded areas, it is recommended to use preventive measures against ticks and fleas.

- Leptospirosis: Although this vaccination is not mandatory, it is recommended for dogs, especially if they frequently spend time in nature where they may come into contact with infected animals or standing water.

 

Procedures and Care

- Microchipping: Microchipping is mandatory for all dogs born after 2013 and must be done within the first 7 weeks of life. For cats, microchipping is not mandatory but is strongly recommended for their identification in case of loss.

- Regular deworming is important for the health of animals and the safety of their owners.

- Spaying/neutering: This procedure is not mandatory but is recommended to prevent unwanted offspring and reduce the risk of certain diseases.

In the Netherlands, there are various hotels and shelters for animals that offer a wide range of services for pet owners. These facilities provide care for animals during the absence of their owners, whether for short trips, long vacations, or other situations.

Animal hotels: they offer temporary accommodation for pets, including dogs, cats, and small animals; they provide comfortable living conditions, feeding, walking, and play, as well as, in some cases, medical care.

Animal shelters: they provide temporary refuge for homeless or abandoned animals; they can also offer temporary pet care services if the owners are in difficult life situations; in shelters, animals receive care, medical assistance, and, if necessary, help in finding new owners; some shelters offer temporary housing for animals during the owners' absence.

- Popular shelters:

- Dierenopvangcentrum Amsterdam: One of the largest shelters in the country, providing temporary refuge and help in finding new homes for homeless animals.

- Stichting Dierenhulp Zonder Grenzen: A shelter actively involved in rescuing and housing animals, as well as assisting owners temporarily unable to care for their pets.

How to choose a hotel or shelter for your pet?

- Reputation and reviews: Before choosing a hotel or shelter, it is recommended to read reviews and recommendations from other owners. This will help select an institution with a good reputation and a high level of service.

- Visiting the facility: If possible, visit the chosen hotel or shelter in advance to assess the living conditions and communicate with the staff.

An international veterinary passport with up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies vaccination, is required for importing animals into the Netherlands. All dogs imported into the Netherlands must be microchipped and registered in a local database.

There are strict rules regarding pet ownership in the Netherlands. Owners are required to provide their pets with proper care, including regular visits to the veterinarian and adherence to hygiene standards. The country also implements programs to control the pet population, including free or subsidized sterilization programs for homeless animals.

Veterinary services in the Netherlands are of high quality and availability, ensuring a good quality of life for pets. Whether living in a major city or rural area, you will be able to find qualified help for your pet.

 

 

Keeping pets in the Netherlands is regulated by strict laws and standards aimed at ensuring animal welfare and protecting the environment. It is important to comply with these rules to provide proper care for your pet and avoid legal consequences.

Registration and Chipping

- Dog Chipping: In the Netherlands, dog chipping is mandatory.

- Registration: In addition to chipping, dogs must also be registered with the municipality where the owner's residence is located.

Living Conditions

- Space and Freedom of Movement: In the Netherlands, animals must be kept in conditions that ensure their comfort and health. This includes providing enough space for movement, access to fresh air, and regular physical activity. For dogs, this means mandatory walks, and for cats — access to a safe territory.

- Hygiene and Care: Owners are required to maintain cleanliness in the areas where their animals are kept, including regular cleaning, grooming, and nail care, as well as providing the animal with suitable resting conditions.

Food and Health

- Healthy Nutrition: Pets must receive a balanced and nutritious diet appropriate to their species, age, and health condition. This is important for preventing diseases and maintaining the overall health of the animal.

- Regular Veterinary Visits: The owner is obliged to provide the animal with regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment if necessary. This also includes preventive measures such as deworming and protection against fleas and ticks.

Restrictions and Prohibitions

- Breed Restrictions: In the Netherlands, there are restrictions on keeping certain breeds of dogs considered dangerous. This primarily concerns fighting breeds, and such restrictions may include the mandatory use of muzzles and leashes in public places.

- Ban on Cruelty: Dutch laws strictly prohibit cruelty to animals. In case of violation of this law, the owner may face serious fines, imprisonment, or confiscation of the animal.

Environmental Responsibility

- Waste Collection: Dog owners are obliged to clean up after their pets in public places. For this purpose, special dog waste bins are provided in cities and parks. Non-compliance with this rule can lead to fines.

- Considering Environmental Impact: Owners should consider the impact of keeping pets on the environment, including controlling the population through sterilization and minimizing the risk of harm to wildlife.