Doctor

Doctor in the Netherlands: What You Need to Know

In the Netherlands, it is not mandatory to register with a general practitioner (GP), although it is highly recommended. This doctor (known as huisarts in Dutch) will be your first point of contact for any health issues.

Registration is free, and you can do it with the primary care doctor of your choice, as long as they are still accepting new patients. Some centers allow online registration.

What do you need to register with a doctor?

To register with a doctor in the Netherlands, you will typically be asked for:

Your passport or official identification
Your BSN number (burgerservicenummer)
The information of your health insurance
The doctor will also ask about your medical history and any medications you regularly take.

Find your new doctor based on your postal code:

In this link, you can search for your new GP depending on the postal code where you live.

How to make an appointment with a doctor in the Netherlands?

To see your GP, you will need to make an appointment in advance (online or by phone). Some clinics offer walk-in hours (inloop spreekuur) early in the morning.

You can also opt for a phone consultation for quick questions or prescription renewals.

How are medical consultations?

Visits are brief, usually around 15 minutes. It is common to have to wait beyond the scheduled time.

Be clear and direct about your symptoms. A helpful tip: exaggerate your discomfort a little to ensure you are taken seriously.

In many cases, doctors only prescribe paracetamol and avoid antibiotics. If you think you need a specialist, you will have to insist on getting a referral.

Can I go directly to the hospital in the Netherlands?

No. In the Netherlands, you cannot go directly to the hospital unless it is a real emergency. To see a specialist in a hospital, you need a referral from your GP (verwijsbrief).

If you go to the hospital without a referral, you might have to pay 100% of the costs out of pocket.

Costs and Health Insurance: How Much Does It Cost to See a Doctor?

Medical expenses in the Netherlands are typically covered by your health insurance, but the system works in different ways:

1 – The doctor sends the bill directly to your insurer.
2 – The doctor gives you the bill, you pay it, and then submit it to your insurance for partial or full reimbursement, depending on your policy.
3 – Without a doctor’s referral, insurance may not cover the costs for specialists.

How much does a doctor’s consultation cost?

Consultation with a doctor: between 30 and 50 euros.
To see a specialist, you need a medical referral to claim reimbursement from your insurer.

Things to check when arriving in The Netherlands