‘Caring for people in a healthy society' – is the motto of the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. That means caring for the old and the young and for people with physical or mental disabilities. The Dutch Ministry encourages people to live healthily, exercise more, smoke less, drink moderately, and adopt a healthy diet. People with health problems should be able to consult their General Practitioner GP (huisarts), a hospital, or other care providers whenever necessary. They have the right to health care. Together with health insurers, care providers, and patients' organisations, the Ministry ensures that enough services are available and people have enough choice.

Health care in The Netherlands is very well organised, which is why the life expectancy of the average Dutch citizen is among the highest in the world.

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