Health care

Healthcare in the Netherlands ranks amongst the best in the world. Some things, however, may be arranged in a different way than you are used to. For a complete overview of how the Dutch health care system works, check out Healthcare for Internationals (H4i). The H4i website helps you navigate through Dutch health care.

In the event of a life-threatening situation, you should call 112 for an ambulance, the police or the fire brigade! Are you at the TU/e campus, you should call 2222! 

Upon your arrival in the Netherlands, it's crucial to register promptly with a general practitioner (GP), as they serve as your initial point of contact, even if you prefer to see a specialist. Your GP will evaluate your symptoms and provide a referral to a specialist if necessary.

To register with a GP, you can choose any GP office in your area. Utilize Zorgkaart Nederland by entering your postal code and selecting 'huisarts' to find a list of GPs nearby. Recommended options include Stroomz or Medisch Kwartier Eindhoven.

Once registered, you must schedule an appointment to see your GP. Note that consultations are not free, so remember to bring your health insurance card. Should you require specialist care, your GP must first refer you.

Some GP practices may have a waiting list; if so, consider joining it or registering with another practice nearby. While registration is typically required before scheduling appointments, urgent medical situations where immediate care is necessary cannot be refused by GPs. Therefore, if urgent medical assistance is needed, insist on an appointment even if you are not yet registered.

If you seek medical care without prior registration, be prepared for potential charges at a higher rate ('passantentarief'), requests to show identification, and immediate payment of the invoice. You can later seek reimbursement from your insurer.

HelloDoc Health offers a telehealth service for when you arrive to a new country like The Netherlands and need a GP. They also give advice and treatment in case you are not able to register with a GP and require non-urgent medical care. TU/e is a partner of HelloDoc Health. 

If you need medical assistance during the evening or night or at the weekend, you should contact the Spoedpost at the Catharina Hospital, Michelangelolaan 2, 5623 EJ Eindhoven, tel. +31 88 876 51 51. 

You must always call beforehand. Maybe the advice via the telephone will be sufficient. Or a doctor or ambulance will be sent to you right away. In other cases, you can make an appointment. Remember to have your health insurance card ready and your Citizen Service Number (BSN). 

Eindhoven has a special dentist practice for students (studententandarts). You can make an appointment by calling between 9.00 and 12.00 am and 13.00 and 17.00 pm on Monday to Friday. In general, dental treatment is not covered by health insurance. Student dentist: Kliniek voor Mondzorg, Botenlaan 82, 5652CB Eindhoven, tel. +31 40 251 45 27 

Since sufficient health and liability insurance are mandatory in the Netherlands, it is important that you arrange insurance either before you leave your country or immediately after arrival in the Netherlands

Check your insurance in your home country to see if it covers your stay in the Netherlands for both health and liability. Does your insurance not or insufficiently cover your stay in the Netherlands? Or would you like to take out other insurance? Aon is our preferred supplier, from basic healthcare insurance to complete packages with coverage for health, travel and stay. You will find more information about insurance on our website. 

Health care benefit is a subsidy provided by the Dutch government towards the costs of your Dutch healthcare insurance. To check if you qualify for this benefit and to apply, you should contact the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax administration). Only students with a Dutch healthcare insurance or students who are registered with the Central Administration Office (CAK) may be entitled if they meet to the conditions. 

Want to know more? Contact Johanna Mavromichalis at +31 40 - 247 8397 or via the contact form below.