Explanation of Dutch healthcare
How does it work here?
Healthcare in the Netherlands works differently than in many other countries. So maybe it is also different from what you are used to. On this page you will find a number of articles explaining how healthcare works in the Netherlands.
See below for our articles on:
The biggest differences.
Your family doctor does not issue a medical certificate.
You have been told by your doctor that he is not allowed to issue a "medical certificate" (also called a doctor's certificate). That's right. In doing so, your family doctor acted according to the rules set forth by the KNMG, the professional organization for doctors....
The Netherlands is very cautious about antibiotics.
At Fonkelzorg International, we think it's important that you get the best care available! We'd like to explain why we don't just prescribe a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics are drugs that can treat bacteria. They can kill the bacteria, or inhibit their growth....
Directness of doctors: a cultural trait
The Dutch are known for their directness, and this can sometimes come across as rude or confrontational, especially to people from cultures where communication is often more subtle. This also applies to doctors in the Netherlands. Your doctor may be...
Pregnancy and childbirth is less medical
In the Netherlands, pregnancy and childbirth is often considered a natural event that usually does not involve medical intervention. Women can choose to give birth at home under the supervision of an obstetrician. This is an important difference from the...
No medication but only advice?
After a visit to the family doctor, you may not receive medication even if you have been given a diagnosis. This may feel strange if you are used to doctors always prescribing something. In the Netherlands, however, it is often customary to recommend rest and...
Referral to specialists: the general practitioner as gatekeeper
In the Netherlands, it is not possible to see a medical specialist directly without a referral from your general practitioner. This can be an important difference from other healthcare systems, where you can often see a specialist without the intervention of a...
Health insurance.
For a general explanation of Dutch health insurance, we recommend you watch this video:
You can also find all the information you need about health insurance in the Netherlands on this Dutch government website:
Your family doctor does not issue a medical certificate.
You have been told by your doctor that he is not allowed to issue a "medical certificate" (also called a doctor's certificate). That's right. In doing so, your family doctor acted according to the rules set forth by the KNMG, the professional organization for doctors....
The Netherlands is very cautious about antibiotics.
At Fonkelzorg International, we think it's important that you get the best care available! We'd like to explain why we don't just prescribe a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics are drugs that can treat bacteria. They can kill the bacteria, or inhibit their growth....
Directness of doctors: a cultural trait
The Dutch are known for their directness, and this can sometimes come across as rude or confrontational, especially to people from cultures where communication is often more subtle. This also applies to doctors in the Netherlands. Your doctor may be...
Pregnancy and childbirth is less medical
In the Netherlands, pregnancy and childbirth is often considered a natural event that usually does not involve medical intervention. Women can choose to give birth at home under the supervision of an obstetrician. This is an important difference from the...
No medication but only advice?
After a visit to the family doctor, you may not receive medication even if you have been given a diagnosis. This may feel strange if you are used to doctors always prescribing something. In the Netherlands, however, it is often customary to recommend rest and...
Referral to specialists: the general practitioner as gatekeeper
In the Netherlands, it is not possible to see a medical specialist directly without a referral from your general practitioner. This can be an important difference from other healthcare systems, where you can often see a specialist without the intervention of a...
General explanation.
Private healthcare providers: here’s what you need to know.
Since 2006, the Netherlands has allowed private, commercial healthcare providers to provide healthcare services. These healthcare providers offer both long-term care and curative care, usually of a secondary level. They often focus on less complex care, such as...
Freedom of Choice in Dutch Healthcare.
In the Netherlands, you have the right to choose your own health care provider. So you are free to decide which general practitioner, specialist or healthcare institution you go to. This ensures that you are in control of your health care and can choose the care...
Long-term care
In the Netherlands, people who require permanent or 24-hour care are entitled to Long-Term Care. This care is specially designed for the most vulnerable groups in society, such as the elderly in the advanced stages of dementia, people with severe physical or...
Preventive care in the Netherlands.
These programs target different stages of your life, and the great thing is that most of them are free. During pregnancy, for example, you can participate in screening programs, and after your child is born, developmental monitoring and a preventive vaccination...
The general practitioner: the first step in care.
In the Netherlands, the general practitioner is your main contact for everything related to your health. Whether you have a minor complaint or advice: If you live in the Netherlands, the general practitioner plays an essential role in your health care. The...