Netherlands International Student Health Insurance – A Step-By-Step Guide

Amsterdam University . Image Courtesy. Michal Klajban

All students enrolled in courses that last more than 3 months must have health insurance
Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland may retain insurance from their home country
Students may take on supplementary insurance policies with the basic healthcare policy

Netherlands international student health insurance – why an international student in the Netherlands needs health insurance?

How to get the Netherlands international student health insurance?

What does the Dutch health insurance for international students cover?

Find out answers to all your questions.

Amsterdam University . Image Courtesy. Michal Klajban

The Netherlands is a great choice for students wanting to study abroad. The Dutch universities are recognized the world over and offer a number of internationally recognized degrees.

Tuition fees and living in the Netherlands is quite affordable. Annual tuition fees for non-EU students start from €6,000. Health insurance is a must for most international students in the Netherlands. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Netherlands International Student Health Insurance – Who Needs It?

International students, who are planning on working part-time in the Netherlands while they study, must have a Dutch public health insurance policy. This includes students with a paid internship or a casual contract. This policy is mandatory from the moment the student gets a residence permit.

Short-term students from outside the EU or EEA who are not going to be working part-time are not eligible for Dutch health insurance and must take out private health insurance.

However, students who plan on studying in the Netherlands for more than 3 months must have a resident permit. Upon getting this, they are also obligated to get Dutch health insurance.

Students from the EU or EEA countries can keep health insurance from their home country. However, it is important to verify that the insurance policy covers essential medical care in the Netherlands. Students from these countries must also get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

How Can International Students Get Basic Dutch Healthcare Insurance?

Students from non-EU/EEA countries must follow the below steps to get health insurance.

Step 1: Get A resident permit

Students planning to stay in the Netherlands for more than 3 months must get a resident permit. For this, they will need a copy of their birth certificate, a valid passport and visa and proof of accommodation in the Netherlands. With these documents, the student must register himself/ herself at the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).

Step 2: Get A Citizen Service Number

Next, students must go to the local town hall in the city they live in and register himself or herself as a new inhabitant. They will then be given a citizen service number.

Step 3: Select The Health Insurance

Students can then compare and select the best health insurance policy for themselves. If needed, supplementary health cover packages can also be added.