INSURANCE
For queer and trans people, it's important to consider insurance providers that offer coverage for LGBTQIA+ specific healthcare needs. This includes coverage for hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgeries, and mental health services that are specific to the queer community.
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Choosing the right insurance can make a big difference in your healthcare experience. Make sure to do your research, consider your needs, and choose a plan that meets your budget and healthcare needs.
Depending on the insurance you already have when arriving in the Netherlands, you are likely to need the Dutch ‘basisverzekering’ (basic health insurance). Generally, it is mandatory for everyone 18 years or older, however, it is possible that the insurance from your country of origin covers the same costs (important to check!). However, with Dutch health insurance, the healthcare system is a lot easier to navigate. In order to get health insurance, you will need a Dutch bank account and a BSN number (Citizen Service Number: Look at the previous page on how to get a BSN).
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Once you have a BSN number, it is time to choose an insurance company and plan.
All insurance companies provide ‘basisverzekering’, which is the baseline health insurance defined by the government. The ‘basisverzekering’ covers GP visits, prescription medication, specialist care in the hospital, emergency care and transport by ambulance, and psychological care (referred to as GGZ in Dutch) - but remember to keep a physical or digital receipt in order to get your money back! Keep in mind that Dental care is not covered.
Overview
There are 3 types of ‘basisverzekering’:
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Naturapolis: standard policy with a low to medium cost where (almost) all hospitals are contracted and therefore reimbursed
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Restitutiepolis: often a slightly more expensive health insurance with a very wide choice of hospitals and independent treatment clinics, returns 75 to 100% of expenses
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Beperkte naturapolis (budgetpolis): the cheapest policy with restrictive conditions, for example with regard to the choice of contracted healthcare providers
Costs
Rates for ‘basisverzekering’ can vary depending on the provider but range approximately between. The average ‘basisverzekering’ costs around 125 euros per month in 2023, for this price an average of 385 euros as deductible applies.
Low-cost public health insurance companies:
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Zekur (budgetpolis): € 122,95
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Vink Vink (combination): € 125,00
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FBTO (naturapolis): € 126,95
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VGZ bewuzt (naturapolis): € 127,45
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Just (naturapolis): € 127,95
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Zilveren Kruis Basis Exclusief (Restitutiepolis): € 138,95 - Studenten Goed Verzekerd has a discount via Zilveren Kruis)
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Zorg en Zekerheid (naturapolis): starting from €130,65 - Has a discount for Leiden University students.
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CZ (naturapolis): €131,90.- For those who need/want a little bit more in their insurance such as physiotherapy, glasses and the dentist, this provider has a package for people under 30 years old which is relatively cheap compared to other providers
Non-EU
For international students coming from outside the EU, it's recommended to get Dutch Healthcare insurance and an adapted health insurance. After the first year, you'll need to extend or change the insurance provider yourself. These adapted packages generally cost between € 300 and € 400 a year. Some healthcare providers that offer these kinds of policies include AON, Allianz, and ISI.
Additional Help
During one of our events we were pleased to be introduced to Jongeren Informatie Punt (https://jiphaaglanden.nl/), an invaluable resource designed to provide personalized assistance and guidance for all your insurance, housing, finance, and healthcare needs. Whether you're seeking the perfect insurance plan or searching for a suitable health practitioner, Jongeren Informatie Punt is here to empower you. And the best part? Between the ages of 12-26, this incredible resource is completely free, ensuring accessibility for all. Additionally, for those who do not speak Dutch, they can even make phone calls to insurance companies or GPs on your behalf.