<h2 style="text-align: center; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 400; color: black;">Healthcare and Medical services</h2>
An Insider’s Guide to Living in Amsterdam
This guide has been designed with the explicit intention to provide expats and travellers with all they need to know about moving to Amsterdam. This exciting chapter covers Healthcare.
Your health is something you have to take good care of. If you don’t look after yourself then you can’t enjoy your new surrounding or job in the city of Amsterdam.
Health law and policy is, as expected, different from what you may be used to. If you’ve grown comfortable with a National Health Service  then you’re going to sailing into new territory. 
The Netherlands requires all residents to take out basic health insurance.
But don’t worry, this chapter will bring you up tp speed on the healthcare system.
4.1 Health Insurance
As much as everybody loves public healthcare, not all countries offer it or they have a completely different set up. The Netherlands has one of the best healthcare systems in Europe and is highly regarded. 
Every resident has to take out basic health insurance. This costs roughly €100 a month and covers such things like:
<ul style="margin-left: 25px;">
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Doctor appointments</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Stays at the hospital, surgery and emergency treatment</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Ambulance services</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Medicine prescriptions</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Blood tests</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Dental care for children under 18 years</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Mental health care</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Appointments with medical specialists such as dermatologists, allergists or internal specialists </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Pregnancy, birth care and midwifery services </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Maternity care</li>
</ul>
And much more…
However, you may find that you need or want more than the basic health insurance plan especially if you suffer, or have been known to suffer, from preexisting conditions and intermittent illnesses.
In that case it is best to check out what the major insurers have to offer. They include:
<ul style="margin-left: 25px;">
<li style="font-weight: 400;">LoonZorg </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">ONVZ</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">OHRA</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">UnitedConsumers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Besured</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Salland</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">ZorgDirect</li>
</ul>
Your new employer may well have enrolled you on a health insurance plan. It’s recommend that, if this is the case, that you check what it offers and covers.
International Health Insurance
If you’re planning on staying in Amsterdam for less than one year, a simpler option might be to choose an international health insurance plan, which covers you in multiple locations all over the globe. This could also be a very good option for you if you tend to travel extensively. Do your research however and ensure that the health insurance you opt for is one that is recognised in Amsterdam hospitals.

Always look into the following when you’re selecting your health insurance:
<ul>
<li>Duration of the time you are covered</li>
<li>Conditions, diseases, and services covered</li>
<li>Amount up to which you are covered</li>
<li>Can your insurance provider be reached 24/7?</li>
<li>How are claims handled?</li>
</ul>
Always check that your healthcare insurance definitely covers Amsterdam and the Netherlands.
If you’re from the EU then you can use your European Union Health Insurance Card (EHIC) that covers temporary stays. However, this will no longer be valid when your stay is permanent and you take out a residence visa.
Choosing your Plan
Dutch healthcare is the best in Europe but it doesn’t mean that you should just choose any healthcare plan. Do your research on the major insurers listed earlier and see what they offer. If you’re moving with family then make sure that the healthcare plan covers all within your household. If you or a member of your family suffers from a pre existing condition then make sure that the plan covers this.
4.2 Finding your Hospital
There are a whole array of hospitals that will get you back to super health in little to no time. As previously stated, you’ll be receiving some of the most professional and efficient healthcare that Europe has to offer so you don’t need to worry about quality or efficiency. You’ll be in the best of hands when or if you receive treatment during your stay.
Below are a list of recommended hospitals:
Academisch Medisch Centrum Meibergdreef 9 1105 AZ Amsterdam 020 566 9111 Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis Oosterpark 9 1091 BC Amsterdam 020 599 9111 Sint Lucas Andreas Ziekenhuis Jan Tooropstraat 164 1061 AE Amsterdam 020 510 8911 Slotervaartziekenhuis Louwesweg 6 1066 EC Amsterdam 020 512 9333 VU Medische Centrum De Boelelaan 1117 1081 HV Amsterdam 020 444 4444
There are still a few more dotted around. Search your neighbourhood as there may be another one that is closer to your location.
4.3 Registering with a Doctor
It is best to register with a doctor before you become ill, otherwise this could complicate your road to recovery. We recommend that you register with one nearby. Bear in mind that some doctors will have long waiting lists or may not be taking on new patients. Hence why it is the sensible option to get this sorted before the worst should befall you.
Find a local doctor by checking:
<ul>
<li>The gemeentegids (community guide) which can be found in the town hall.</li>
<li>The Yellow Pages under Artsen – huisartsen.</li>
<li>The Centrale Doktersdienst helpline on 020 592 3434;</li>
<li>With friends, family or local experts.</li>
<li>Online sites listing doctors in the Netherlands.</li>
</ul>
4.4 Pharmacies
Before we cover this, it is best that you first understand what the difference is between a drogist and apotheek. A drogist sells non-prescription medicines, toiletries, cosmetics, etc. A apotheek sells prescription-only drugs as well as over-the-counter meds, vitamins, baby items and other medical equipment for home use. They can also advise you on medications and minor ailments that may be of interest or concern to you.
There should always be a pharmacy open 24/7 to provide you with any medications you may need whether it’s prescription or nonprescription medicine. To know the hours of the local pharmacies or to find a list in the area, follow these recommendations:
<ul>
<li>Call 020 694 8709.</li>
<li>Look under ‘medische diensten’ (medical assistance) in one of the free local newspapers.</li>
<li>Search online.</li>
</ul>
Some medicines that could be bought over-the-counter back home may need prescription from your doctor. It is best to check before you leave or when you arrive in Amsterdam.
4.5 Dental Health 
You'll have to find and register with a dentist in the same vein as you would with a doctor. There are many dentists available. Some will be in single-dentist practices, others will be teamed up with colleagues.
You may have to take out additional insurance to cover dental costs. It is always best to check with your provider or healthcare plan beforehand. Under 18s are already covered by the basic health insurance plan you have to take out.
Once you have registered successfully, you’ll be invited every six months for an examination by the dentist unless you have perfect teeth in which case you may be invited just once every 12 months. If you have perpetual problems with your teeth then you will be up for examination more often.
4.6 Eye Care
Check your health insurance plan and with your provider as you may not be covered for optical care. You may have to take out additional insurance to cover this.
Similar to dentists and doctors, you will have to find and register with an optician. Scour the area and make enquiries with your friends - they may be able to recommend someone.
4.7 Emergencies and Helplines
If you think someone’s life may be in immediate danger then dial 112 to contact the emergency services. The number is toll-free.
4.8 Veterinary Services
Amsterdam has a variety of pet hospitals that will keep your pet vaccinated and within good health throughout your stay in the city. You’ll need to take out separate insurance to cover this service.
The vets in the Netherlands are real experts and can deliver outstanding medical care that will keep your pet fighting fit and stop you from having to worry.
 So there you have it. Your very own guide to what to do, who to call or where to go if you have any medical requirements. Although the likelihood of you needing to use any of these services are minimal, you can never be too careful when planning your trip. This guide gives you peace of mind so that you are able to fully focus on the many fantastic places you will be visiting or enjoy your new job.

Get all your hospital and other healthcare questions answered. Before moving to Amstrdam, find out about medical services for expats, the best hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.

Medical Services in Amsterdam