Apply for an insurance

After comparing several healthcare insurance companies, you arrive at the point where you have to make a decision. We try to make that choice a little bit easier by publishing an independent comparison (on premium, coverage and service) of all Dutch healthcare insurance companies. As a result, we’ve created a top 5 insurance companies.

Once the decision is made, you still need to apply for the chosen insurance. On this page, information is provided on how to close and sign with a health care insurance company. We will explain the requirements and the possible ways of closing the new insurance.

Requirements

Basic health insurance is obliged for all Dutch citizens. Not all foreign students need to get Dutch insurance, taking out Dutch healthcare insurance is only necessary if you meet the following criteria:

  • You are a student with a (part-time) job or doing a paid internship;
  • You are 30 years old or older;
  • If you are staying in the Netherlands for more than one year.

Furthermore, you will need a citizen service number. In the Netherlands, this number is called ‘burger service number’. To apply for a citizen service number you have to register yourself as an inhabitant. You can do this in your local town hall.

Non-EU residents

In case you’re not from an EU or EEA (including Switzerland) country, you will have to apply for a residents permit at the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). In order to successfully register as an inhabitant, you are required to bring the following documents:

  • A copy of your birth certificate, which is legalized and certified;
  • Proof of permanent residence, for example your rental contract;
  • A valid passport.

How to apply for a Dutch health insurance

In case you need to close new health insurance in the Netherlands, there are several ways to do that.

Online

The best way to take out a new health care insurance is online. It can be considered as easy, convenient and cheap. No need to spend money on gasoline or expensive telephone calls! How does it work? As mentioned before, we have created a top 5 insurance companies. After comparing these companies on several aspects, like coverage and price, these 5 came out best.
Step 1
Go to Compare Dutch Health Insurance. You will arrive at an overview page with information about the top 5. You can do the last comparison if necessary.
Step 2
If you’ve selected the company that most fit your needs click on the link to go to that company’s website. There you will be able to take out the insurance of your choice. Customer service often offers additional support for the online closure of your insurance if necessary.
In an office nearby
You can go to the insurance office nearby. You can find the address details on the website. This option is interesting if you are interested in personal advice on your situation and face-to-face contact.
Call
Some insurance companies offer the possibility to take out your new insurance by calling them. You will be able to talk to one of their advisers and the insurance can be closed right away. Often they will send you a confirmation to your home address, which you’ll have to sign to make the closure effective.