Health insurance and other insurances
Everyone living in the Netherlands must have adequate health insurance. Arrange your policy before arriving.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s programmes: at least first 12 months
- Exchange students: entire exchange period
- Start date: Start of programme (September or February), earlier if arriving sooner (not mandatory for visa).
- Cover all medical costs (doctor, hospitalisation) with no upper limit
- Ensure coverage for Dutch tariffs
- Carry proof of insurance at all times
- Special needs? Check with providers if medications or conditions are covered.
You can read more about healthcare in the Netherlands and the right to healthcare during a temporary stay on the Zilveren Kruis website.
- We strongly advise to apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). See the brochure from Zilveren Kruis about insurance abroad for more information.
- Check that it covers your full study period. More information about the EHIC and how to apply can be found on the official website of the European Union.
- You may need additional insurance, for example for repatriation and follow-up treatment that is not covered. The average cost of repatriation in the event of an accident is €10,000. For our non-EU/EEA students, we have developed an insurance policy in partnership with Aon Student Insurance. This insurance provider also offers additional packages that you can combine with your EHIC depending on your needs.
- Please note that it is your responsibility to make sure you have valid and adequate insurance. The university cannot be held responsible if you are not adequately insured.
- We recommend student insurance package from Aon, as the cover meets all the legal requirements for health insurance in the Netherlands: medical, pre-existing conditions, legal aid, accidents, mental health, liability, baggage, home contents.
- If you prefer to keep your current private health insurance, make sure it covers your entire stay in the Netherlands and that it covers the Dutch tariffs. Please note that some insurance companies only offer foreign cover for a few months.
- We strongly recommend your insurance provide cover for (regardless of whether you actually need it) all of the following: Pre-existing medical conditions, (pre-existing) psychological conditions, HIV/AIDS and medical costs of up to at least €500,000.
- Please keep proof your health insurance on your person during your stay in the Netherlands.
Other types of insurance
If you take on a part-time job or internship in the Netherlands, you may need to take out a Dutch basisverzekering (basic health insurance). Without it, you could be fined and required to pay premiums retroactively. Aon Student Insurance offers policies tailored for international students, covering various study and research activities, and can also include partners or children. Taking out Dutch basic health insurance may also make you eligible for zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance). Visit the Rijksoverheid (Dutch Government) website for details.
Personal liability insurance is not compulsory, but is highly recommended. It covers, parts of, the costs if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property (for example, in a bicycle accident). Personal liability is often included in the student insurance packages we recommend for your health insurance.
Strongly recommended, particularly for covering trips outside the Netherlands.
While not obligatory, most Dutch people have this. It insures your belongings (such as electronics, books, jewelry, and clothing) against theft, fire, or water damage. The premium depends on the value of your possessions.
Optional, but useful in case of legal disputes, for example with your landlord.
Compulsory if you bring a car to the Netherlands.