Healthcare in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has high-quality healthcare, which is available to all residents.
- In an emergency, dial 112.
- For urgent medical care outside GP office hours (evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays), contact the out-of-hours service (huisartsenpost).
- Otherwise, the GP is your first point of contact. GPs are open on weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00.
- The national suicide prevention hotline is 0800-0113.
- Health insurance is mandatory.
- Central to the system is the family doctor or GP (huisarts) who acts as a gatekeeper.
- GPs can answer most general health questions, and they serve as a link to other medical services, providing referrals to specialists or hospitals for both physical and mental healthcare.
- The relationship between patient and medical services is flexible and responsive to the individual patient’s needs.
- Do not be afraid to ask for the information/services that you want or feel comfortable with.
- Your insurance company is a good source of information about what is possible and what is not.
