HEALTHCARE YOU CAN BE ASSURED THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE HIGH QUALITY HEALTHCARE IN THE NETHERLANDS. HOWEVER, SOME THINGS MAY BE ARRANGED IN A DIFFERENT WAY THAN YOU ARE USED TO.
CORONA
• Some doctors will refuse registers because their practices are already full or if you live too far from the practice. • Healthcare providers have special Covid-19 protocols, that Sometimes they will place you on a waiting list. you need to follow. • You will be generally required to call first for an MEDICAL EMERGENCIES appointment. In some cases you will be directed to a special location if you have specific symptoms. • In case of a life-threatening emergency always call 112. • You will find up to date official information at This will give you access to all emergency services. www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19 • In other urgent situations call your GP. If your doctor’s office is closed and you have medical complaints that and www.rivm.nl/en/novel-coronavirus-covid-19 • Here you will also find information about how to get can’t wait until the next day or after the weekend, call a a Coronavirus test or a vaccination. So far tests and the central doctor’s office (“Huisartsenpost”). Your GP’s vaccinations are free of charge, but you’ll need to have an website or answering machine will provide you with the phone number. ID showing your BSN. DOCTOR
DENTIST
• Huisarts is a General Practitioner (GP) or family doctor. Most speak English. • The “huisarts” is your first contact for all medical questions and complaints. GP’s are medical specialists with a 9 year training in treating the most common complaints. • When needed your GP will prescribe medication or refer you to a diagnostic center, hospital or other medical specialist. Dutch doctors tend to not hand out prescriptions lightly. • Non-urgent medical treatment from a hospital or specialist requires a referral from your “huisarts”. • It is strongly recommended to register with a GP in your area as soon as you are settled, even when not directly in need of a doctor. It will make it much easier to get in touch if you need one later on. • If you weren’t yet able to register with a GP and are in urgent need of a doctor, call any GP in your neighbourhood and explain your situation. • Visit http://www.zorgkaartnederland.nl/huisarts (in Dutch) for doctors in your area.
• Visit www.zorgkaartnederland.nl/tandarts (in Dutch) to locate a dentist (tandarts). • A dentist can also be located via your insurance company; some policies require an annual check-up. • Dental care also requires registration; dentists are of short supply so many practices may not take on new patients. • Dental care for those under 18 is covered in basic insurance, as is dental surgery and dentures, though a deductible and own contribution apply. • Expats may find anaesthesia is less forthcoming than in their own country, although this varies between dentists. If you feel that your procedure requires it, it’s helpful to request this. • Almost all dental practices in the Netherlands are private with one dentist and one assistant. Oral surgeons are usually affiliated with a hospital, and orthodontists usually have a private practice. • It is possible to take out supplementary insurance that can cover up to 75 percent of costs for visits and dental care.
SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONALS 2022 • THE NETHERLANDS • WWW.EXPATFAIR.NL
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