When and Where Dutch Citizens Need International Medical Insurance
The Dutch healthcare system makes sure that almost every Dutch resident has access to insurance and affordable medical care. But many other countries around the world don’t follow that model. A Dutch expat’s budget can be significantly impacted by the need to cover all medical costs, including doctor visits, prescriptions, and medical procedures. And, unlike in the Netherlands, other countries might not take steps to limit the cost of healthcare.
There are a few situations in which you can retain your Dutch health insurance. The length of your stay abroad will affect this, as will your employer and employment status. If you receive a Dutch benefit, you could be eligible for reciprocal coverage in some countries. Otherwise, you’ll need to sign up for new health insurance for Dutch expats.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
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- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Medical Insurance for Dutch Citizens Living Abroad
Selecting the right health plan involves several key factors. If you’re not eligible for local health insurance, you’ll need an international health insurance plan.
Where you choose to live abroad will affect which policy you pick. Some policies are significant for the United States, while others are best suited to other international locations.
One last thing, before leaving the Netherlands, don’t forget to cancel your Dutch health insurance policy!
Health Insurance for Dutch Expats Outside the US
Cigna Global is an excellent medical insurance plan that operates in over 200 countries. You can customize your deductible (what Dutch health plans refer to as the “eigen risico”) and select benefits to lower your premium.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
IMG Global Prima allows you to select your benefits package, enabling you to sign up only for the coverage you need. You can also customize your deductible.
Select a worldwide, Europe-only, or worldwide except the U.S., Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore, and Taiwan coverage area.
IMG Global Prima Medical Insurance
- Five flexible plan levels with optional add-ons
- Choose your coverage area based on where you live or travel
- Freedom to select your healthcare provider anywhere in the world
Health Insurance Plans for Dutch Citizens in the US
If there’s one location where you’ll want to have international medical insurance, it’s the United States. The U.S. healthcare system has very few cost control mechanisms, resulting in sky-high healthcare prices.
Uninsured people are often charged higher rates for the same medical care. Having insurance can save you money, even if you don’t meet your deductible.
The BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan is an excellent health insurance option for Dutch citizens residing abroad. It’s designed to serve non-U.S. residents who are moving to the United States.
You can customize your plan to have the coverage and deductibles that best suit your medical needs and budget.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
If you are planning to reside in New York, Maryland, Washington, or South Dakota, another option is the IMG Global Medical plan.
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Affordable global coverage with flexible options
- Coverage area options based on where you live or work
- Visit any doctor or hospital worldwide
The Importance of International Health Insurance for Dutch Citizens Living Abroad
Without some health insurance, you could be overwhelmed by medical expenses if you get sick or have an accident. What if your stomach pains turn out to be appendicitis?
That means covering the cost of surgery and a hospital stay. A fall off a motorbike could require X-rays and multiple visits to an orthopedist.
Obtaining international health insurance protects against having to pay for these expenses on your own. Remember, medical treatments and medications can be much more expensive in other countries!
Does Health Insurance From the Netherlands Work Overseas?
If you’ll be working abroad, any stay of longer than three months means you’ll lose your Dutch health insurance, unless your job is with a Dutch company or government entity.
If you’ll be living abroad for less than a year and will not be working, you must maintain your Dutch health insurance.
Dutch residents who obtain insurance through the Chronic Care Act (Wlz) can reside abroad for up to three years and maintain their Dutch health insurance, provided they aren’t employed.
Check with your insurer to determine what your policy covers and what it doesn’t outside the country.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Dutch citizens can obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which provides some coverage while visiting countries within the European Union.
This card only provides a basic level of coverage and does not cover planned medical expenses. It’s most useful in emergencies, such as if you twist your ankle or get the flu.
Countries With Reciprocal Healthcare for Citizens of the Netherlands
The Netherlands has reciprocal healthcare agreements with all countries in the European Union. Countries in the European Economic Area and the single market are also included.
Other countries with such agreements include:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Cabo Verde
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
These agreements enable some Dutch citizens to obtain health insurance through the Dutch government while living abroad. Only individuals who receive a Dutch benefit are eligible for this insurance.
The following Dutch benefits make you eligible for insurance in a reciprocal agreement country:
- Bridging scheme (OBR)
- Incapacity Insurance (Self-employed persons) Act (WAZ)
- Invalidity Insurance Act (WAO)
- Redundancy pay scheme (WW+) for military personnel and civil servants
- Surviving Dependants Act (ANW)
- Work and Income (Capacity for Work) Act (WIA)
- Work and Employment Support (Young Disabled Persons) Act (Wajong)
If you haven’t yet moved abroad, first check with your benefits provider to make sure your move won’t affect your benefits.
Next, sign up with the CAK (the central office for health insurance) by filling out document S1/121. You will owe a monthly premium that’s based on your income. The premium amount is usually deducted directly from your benefit payment.
The medical insurance you receive will vary depending on the country where you reside. As this is a basic insurance package, you can also opt for international health insurance if you’d like more comprehensive coverage.
The Dutch Government Recommends Its Expats Get Health Insurance
The Dutch government provides a website that helps Dutch citizens living abroad look at their local insurance options.
These options may include public or private coverage. When local policies don’t offer enough coverage, getting international medical insurance while you live abroad is a great solution.
What To Look For in Dutch Citizens’ Expat Health Insurance
In the Dutch healthcare system, the government makes sure all available insurance plans offer at least the same basic services.
In contrast, international health insurance offers a range of coverage options. The flexibility to tailor plans to meet your needs and budget is beneficial, but it also means you must decide what you want in your coverage.
- Locations where the plan is valid: Will you be visiting other countries while living abroad? Will you frequently return to the Netherlands? Consider your travel plans to select the right plan.
- Available providers and hospitals: Does the plan you’re considering have in-network healthcare facilities and providers close to where you’ll be living abroad?
- Premium amount: International health insurance plans require enrollees to pay a monthly premium to enroll. As in the Netherlands, you’ll pay higher premiums for more comprehensive coverage. If you’re generally healthy, you can reduce your premium payments by choosing a higher deductible amount. With some plans, you can also save money by paying quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
- Deductible: A deductible is what you’ll pay out of pocket before your health insurance will cover medical costs, as you may have experienced back home. Pick an amount you know you can afford!
- Included coverage: Do you have an existing medical condition? Ensure your plan covers it. You can also remove benefits you won’t use — if you don’t plan to have children, for example, you won’t need pregnancy coverage.
How to Use Dutch Expat Health Insurance and Access Healthcare Abroad
The process for accessing healthcare while living abroad will vary by country. But with one of our international insurance plans, you’ll have 24/7 support via helplines that offer assistance in English, Dutch, and many other languages.
You can also check with your insurer to find out which healthcare facilities and medical providers are in-network.
How Dutch Expats Can Get Healthcare When Visiting The Netherlands
Are you planning to live abroad in a country that’s part of the European Union, the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom? You can still receive healthcare if you return to the Netherlands for a visit.
Under other circumstances, such as living abroad for less than a year and not working, you are required to maintain your Dutch health insurance, which also means you’ll be able to access care during visits.
What if you’re living abroad outside the EU/EEA and can’t keep your Dutch insurance? Then you’ll likely have a plan that’s local to where you’re living abroad, or you’ll have international health insurance.
Some international medical plans will also cover you in the Netherlands. If you plan to make frequent visits home, look for a plan that offers coverage in both your residence abroad and in the Netherlands.
Do you plan to split your time between one location abroad and the Netherlands? Then consider Cigna’s Close Care plan, which lets you designate two countries for coverage.
Recommended Travel Medical Insurance for Dutch Expats Visiting The Netherlands
Perhaps you found an international health insurance plan that’s perfect for the country where you’re living, but its coverage doesn’t extend to the Netherlands.
Unfortunately, setting up residence abroad typically means you can’t use the national health system when visiting the Netherlands.
In this case, travel medical insurance is a great option. These travel plans are helpful in case you’re in an accident or have an unexpected medical emergency.
However, you can’t use them to visit your old primary care provider for a complete physical.
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
- Compare top-rated travel insurance providers
- Get quotes for Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation, and more
- Choose the best plan for your trip and budget
Returning Home
Don’t forget to consider health insurance coverage if your time abroad is coming to a close and you’re heading back home. Having Dutch citizenship means you can almost always enroll in the Dutch health insurance system.
First, you must register with a municipality within five days of your arrival in the Netherlands. Once registered, you can immediately sign up for health insurance.
Your municipality may ask for documents that prove your Dutch nationality. It can take several months to assemble and process this paperwork, and you can’t sign up for health insurance until this is settled.
In addition to your passport, you may also need to provide your birth certificate, immigration history, or Dutch identity card.
If you experience this delay, you can keep your international medical insurance plan active, provided the plan is valid in the Netherlands. You could also opt for travel medical insurance or another temporary insurance policy.
If you’re a dual national who has lived abroad for an extended period, this may impact your citizenship. You can also lose Dutch citizenship if you obtain dual nationality, regardless of how long you have been living outside the country.
You can apply to regain your citizenship, but the process can take up to a year, excluding the time required to gather the necessary paperwork. In the meantime, consider making a plan for medical coverage.
You can extend your international health insurance or look for travel health insurance. You’ve protected your health while living abroad, so continue to do so as you move back home!
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Sara Kettler is a seasoned freelance writer and Dartmouth graduate who has lived in Japan, France, the UK, and Australia. She shares insights on international relocation, including healthcare, culture, and local laws, helping readers navigate life abroad with ease.
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