Countries

Netherlands: when students need Dutch health insurance

In the Netherlands, residents normally must take out Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering). International students are an exception, and the exception depends on whether they work.

Studying only

If you are in the Netherlands only to study and do not work, you usually do not take out Dutch basic insurance. Instead you need adequate cover from home, or a private student policy. Students from the EU can often rely on their European Health Insurance Card, sometimes with extra cover.

If you take a job

If you take a part-time job or a paid internship, you must take out Dutch basic health insurance from the first day of work. This applies even to small jobs. You need to be registered with your municipality and have a citizen service number (BSN) first. Students on a low income may be able to claim a healthcare allowance towards the cost.

If you stop working

When the job ends, you can usually cancel the Dutch policy and return to your student insurance. Check this with your insurer.

Universities

The Universities DB Netherlands page lists Dutch universities.

This page is general information, last reviewed in October 2026. It is not advice, and rules change. Check the official source for your visa and your university's own guidance before you buy anything.