🇳🇱 Netherlands Healthcare Guide
The Dutch healthcare system is excellent and English is widely spoken, but it revolves entirely around the huisarts — you cannot access a specialist, get a prescription, or visit a hospital outpatient department without a GP referral. For visitors, the huisartsenpost handles urgent non-emergency issues outside office hours, and knowing the nearest one to your accommodation is the most useful preparation you can do.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 112
- Healthcare system: universal-public
- Average GP visit: $60 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: Yes
- Language barrier: low
Healthcare overview
The Netherlands requires all residents to hold private health insurance (zorgverzekering), and the public-private divide is less distinct than in other European countries. EHIC holders receive emergency treatment at hospitals like Amsterdam UMC, Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, and LUMC in Leiden. GP (huisarts) access requires registration with a specific practice, making walk-in care impractical for visitors. After-hours GP posts (huisartsenpost) are the practical alternative for non-emergencies.
Huisartsenpost after hours
For non-emergency care outside GP hours, call the local huisartsenpost. They triage by phone and offer same-day appointments.
GP registration requirement
Dutch GPs require patient registration. Visitors without a huisarts should use hospital outpatient departments or after-hours posts.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Dutch pharmacies (apotheek) are well-stocked and regulated, with pharmacists who provide detailed medication counselling. Many medications OTC elsewhere in Europe require a prescription in the Netherlands. Carry your full supply and bring prescriptions with the international nonproprietary name, as Dutch brand names frequently differ.
Prescription strictness
The Netherlands has stricter prescription requirements than many EU countries. Check before assuming your regular medication is available OTC.
Tips for travellers
Amsterdam UMC, Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, and UMC Utrecht are among Europe’s top specialist hospitals for chronic conditions. Specialist access through the public system requires a GP referral, which is difficult for visitors to obtain. Self-referring private specialist clinics in Amsterdam and Rotterdam offer an alternative. Having your treatment history saved and accessible in Dutch or English helps specialists review your case efficiently.
Self-referral specialist clinics
Several private specialist clinics in Amsterdam and Rotterdam accept direct patient bookings without requiring a Dutch GP referral.