A Dutch Health insurance is compulsory for all people who work in the Netherlands, even if you already have an existing foreign insurance. Make sure you take out a Dutch health insurance within four months.

There are plenty of insurances to choose from. For an independent comparison and to sign up check out Independer.

What does it cost?

On average a health insurance with basic covarage costs €100 - €120,-. For additional coverages you pay extra. There are two main costs that you need to pay for your Dutch health insurance:

• The monthly premium, a fixed fee that is deducted from your bank account each month.
• The "own risk" amount, which is an annual amount of €385,- that you must pay out of your own pocket for some treatments and medicines before your health insurance will cover the rest. If you do not have any medical costs in a year then you pay no own risk.

Please note: Once you have a health insurance you might be entitled to health care allowance, this helps you pay for the premium each month.