Healthcare in the Netherlands works differently than in many other countries. So it may also be different from what you are used to. On this page you will find a number of articles in which we explain how healthcare works in the Netherlands.
Your general practitioner (huisarts) has told you that he or she is not allowed to issue a 'medical certificate' (also called a doctor's note). That is correct. In doing so, your general practitioner has followed the rules drawn up by the KNMG, the professional...
At Fonkelzorg International, we think it is important that you get the best care there is! We are happy to explain why we do not simply prescribe a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics are medicines that can treat bacteria. They can kill the bacteria or slow down their...
The Dutch are known for their directness, and this can sometimes come across as rude or confrontational, especially for people from cultures where communication is often more subtle. This also applies to doctors in the Netherlands. Your doctor may be very...
In the Netherlands, pregnancy and giving birth are often seen as a natural event that usually does not involve medical intervention. Women can choose to give birth at home with the guidance of a midwife. This is an important difference from the healthcare systems in...
After a visit to the general practitioner (huisarts), you may get no medication, even if you have been given a diagnosis. This can be frustrating if you are used to doctors always prescribing something. In the Netherlands, however, it is common for mild complaints to...
In the Netherlands, you cannot visit a medical specialist directly without a referral from your general practitioner (huisarts). This can be an important difference from other healthcare systems, where you can often see a specialist without going through a GP. In the...
For a general explanation of Dutch health insurance (zorgverzekering), we recommend watching this video:
On this website of the Dutch government you will also find all the information you need about health insurance in the Netherlands:
We understand that healthcare in the Netherlands works differently from what you may be used to. 😊 In the Netherlands you always go to the general practitioner first. You cannot go to the hospital on your own. A visit to the general practitioner is paid from your basic health insurance and so costs no extra money. For extra tests or a referral to the hospital, you have to pay part of the costs yourself (your deductible, "eigen risico"). The general practitioner looks at what is going on and helps you further. Sometimes you are referred to a specialist in the hospital, but only if that is really needed. We only do extra tests if there is a good medical reason for them. We follow the NHG guidelines for this. We usually do not do routine checks (such as a yearly check or blood test) if you have no symptoms or risk factors. If you have symptoms or concerns, we are of course happy to look together at whether extra tests are needed. You can then make an appointment through the patient portal or by phone. For more information, also see https://fonkelzorginternational.nl/.
If you have Dutch health insurance, you do not have to pay anything. Are you not insured? Then we ask you to pay at the front desk.
Since 2006, private, commercial healthcare providers have been able to deliver care services in the Netherlands. These healthcare providers offer both long-term care and curative care, usually at secondary level. They often focus on less complex care, such as...
In the Netherlands, you have the right to choose your own healthcare provider. So you are free to decide which general practitioner (huisarts), specialist or care institution you go to. This puts you in control of your own healthcare and lets you choose the care that...
In the Netherlands, people who need 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 older people in the advanced stages of dementia, people with severe physical or intellectual...
These programs focus on different stages of your life, and many of them are free. During pregnancy, for example, you can take part in screening programs, and after your child is born there are growth checks at the child health clinic (consultatiebureau) and a...
In the Netherlands, your general practitioner (huisarts) is your main point of contact for everything to do with your health. Whether you have a minor complaint or need advice: if you live in the Netherlands, the GP plays an essential role in your healthcare. The GP is...
