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Netherlands: Healthcare system

The Dutch health system rests on compulsory basic insurance and the GP’s role as “gatekeeper”.

Last updated: ~1 min read
GP door
Figure 1.GP door — Netherlands: Healthcare system

01Short answer

Everyone who lives or works in the country must take out basic health insurance (basisverzekering). The government sets what it covers, and Zorginstituut Nederland advises on the package. You usually see a hospital specialist with a referral from your GP (huisarts). An annual compulsory excess, the “eigen risico”, applies; GP visits do not count towards it.

02Simple explanation

Basic insurance: compulsory for all.

GP: gives referrals.

Eigen risico: annual excess.

03Scientific explanation

Package: the content of basic insurance is set by law and is the same at every insurer.

Supplementary insurance is voluntary and covers extra services.

04What happens in the body?

Gatekeeper

The GP assesses symptoms and refers you to a haematologist when needed.

Insurance

Check in your policy which hospitals your insurer has contracts with.

On a dark navy background, a card under a shield.
Figure 2.Insurance card — Netherlands: Healthcare system

Referral

The referral letter passes initial information to the specialist.

On a dark navy background, a bridge between two buildings.
Figure 3.Referral — Netherlands: Healthcare system

05Finding your way

Four steps.

GP — Register with one.1GPRegister with one.
Referral — Route to a specialist.2ReferralRoute to a specialist.
Policy — Check the terms.3PolicyCheck the terms.
Out of hours — Huisartsenpost.4Out of hoursHuisartsenpost.
AccessThe route to a doctor is clear.
CostsThe excess is known in advance.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
GatekeeperThe GP assesses symptoms and refers you to a haematologist when needed.
InsuranceCheck in your policy which hospitals your insurer has contracts with.
ReferralThe referral letter passes initial information to the specialist.

07Key terms

Basisverzekering
Basic insurance.
Eigen risico
Annual excess.
Verwijzing
Referral.
Huisartsenpost
GP out-of-hours service.

08Key points

  • Register with a GP.
  • Read your policy.
  • Keep your referral.
  • Know the out-of-hours number.
  • Ask your insurer questions.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I see a specialist without a referral?

A referral is usually needed; emergencies are the exception.

Which insurer should I choose?

The basic package is the same; compare contracted hospitals and terms.

Do GP visits cost money?

GP visits do not count towards the excess.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I see a specialist without a referral?

  2. Which insurer should I choose?

  3. Do GP visits cost money?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Government of the Netherlands. Health insurance
  2. Government of the Netherlands. Standard health insurance
  3. Zorginstituut Nederland (National Health Care Institute). Official website
  4. ZorgkaartNederland. Find care providers (in Dutch)
  5. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO). Global Cancer Observatory: Türkiye fact sheet
  6. Türk Hematoloji Derneği (Turkish Society of Hematology). Official website (in Turkish)
  7. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye. Official website
  8. Social Security Institution of Türkiye (SGK). General health insurance (Genel Sağlık Sigortası, in Turkish)
  9. Ministry of Health of Türkiye. Aile hekimliği (in Turkish)
  10. Ministry of Health of Türkiye. e-Nabız personal health record
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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