Netherlands Travel Insurance for Short-Term Visitors and Tourists (2024)

If you are planning a trip to the Netherlands, it can be a little bit of a buzzkill to think of something going wrong and needing medical assistance. However, it is always best to be prepared for anything.

Netherlands travel insurance grants you the security of knowing that if you do need medical assistance during your trip, you will not be met with large unexpected medical bills, which you have to pay out-of-pocket.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for the Netherlands?

If you need a Schengen visa to enter the Netherlands, then you also need travel health insurance. Travel health insurance is an essential part of the Dutch visa application process. Along with all other documents, you need to submit a health insurance policy of at least €30,000 coverage in the Netherlands and the entire Schengen zone.

Companies like Europ Assistance and MondialCare can provide you with the insurance certificate you need when applying for a Dutch visa. These are established leaders in the travel insurance industry, so their policy will be accepted by the Dutch embassy.

If you are a non-EU citizen who is exempt from a visa, such as an American, Canadian, etc., you do not need travel insurance to enter the Netherlands. That said, although it is not an entry requirement, you are still advised to purchase a travel insurance policy because healthcare in the Netherlands for tourists is not free.

If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you can use your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) to receive the same level of healthcare coverage in the Netherlands as Dutch citizens. This means that you would not need to pay for basic doctor’s consultations and treatment, but certain procedures do require you to pay a portion of the cost out of pocket.

If you are moving to Holland to study, work, or another type of long-term visit which lasts more than 180 days, then you should get health insurance for the Netherlands.

Do UK Citizens Need Travel Insurance for the Netherlands

UK citizens travelling to the Netherlands do not need travel insurance to enter. But again, it is highly encouraged to obtain some sort of healthcare coverage, to avoid paying out-of-pocket for any arising medical emergencies. Health insurance options for British citizens travelling to the EU include:

• Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which grants Britons the same health insurance rights in the Netherlands as Dutch citizens.
• Travel health insurance, which covers medical emergencies in all Dutch healthcare providers, private or public. Travel health insurance usually has a more comprehensive scope of coverage (e.g. it also covers treatment in private clinics and emergency evacuations.

Netherlands Travel Medical Insurance Requirements

Travel health insurance for the Netherlands visa applications should fulfil the following conditions:

• Cover at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, evacuation, and repatriation.
• Be valid for the entire duration of your trip.
• Be valid in the Netherlands and the entire Schengen Zone.

Naturally, you can get an insurance policy with additional coverage or a higher policy maximum. This is just the most basic plan which is required for the Schengen visa application.

Looking to Buy the Best Travel Insurance for the Netherlands?

Health Insurance policies for foreigners travelling to the Netherlands that also fulfil Dutch visa and entry requirements can be purchased online from Europ Assistance and MondialCare.

Which Nationals Are Required to Purchase Travel Insurance When Visiting Holland?

What Does Netherlands Travel Medical Insurance Cover?

A basic travel insurance package for the Netherlands covers the following:

• Emergency medical treatment. Travel insurance covers the costs related to emergency medical treatment while you are in the Netherlands. It does not cover routine checkups or treatment related to pre-existing conditions.
• Evacuation and repatriation. Travel insurance reimburses the costs of evacuation if you fall seriously ill while you are in the Netherlands, and need to be transported for treatment elsewhere. It also covers the costs related to the repatriation of remains, in case of death.

Many travel insurance policies also cover trip disturbances, interruptions, or delays, such as:

• Having to cut your trip to the Netherlands short (reimburses non-refundable lost bookings/reservations).
• Flight delay (reimburses the costs related to accommodation, food, transport, related to waiting for a delayed flight).
• Missed flight (reimburses the cost of a missed flight or for alternative transportation to the Netherlands).
• Loss or theft of baggage (reimburses some of the costs of your lost belongings).
• Personal liability. This type of insurance covers any costs which arise if you cause damage to someone’s property or person while you are in the Netherlands.

Naturally, the exact coverage depends on your personal preference. Many travellers choose to purchase only travel health insurance, especially if they have refundable bookings or if their trip did not cost that much.

Where Can I Get Netherlands Travel Insurance?

You can purchase travel health insurance for the Netherlands online. Companies like Europ Assistance and MondialCareare some of the leading providers of Schengen travel insurance. Their insurance policies are also accepted at Dutch embassies for visa applications.

Although online is the easiest method, you can also purchase travel insurance from a local travel insurance company.

How Does Netherlands Travel Insurance Work?

Travel medical insurance for the Netherlands can work in two ways:

• Direct billing, in which case you present your travel health insurance card to your healthcare provider in the Netherlands, and they bill the insurance company directly. If this is not possible, then you have to pay the cost yourself initially and be reimbursed.
• Reimbursem*nt, in which case you pay your medical bills out-of-pocket, and then send the bills, receipts, and prescriptions to your insurance company. This is called making a claim. The insurance company then reimburses you, according to the policy conditions.

How Much Does Netherlands Travel Insurance Cost?

Netherlands travel health insurance policies can be as cheap as €20 per person for a one-week trip. Naturally, with higher policy maximums, coverage, and longer trip duration, the price increases.

Europ Assistance and MondialCare offer low-cost travel insurance, which (in addition to the Netherlands) covers the entire Schengen Area, as well as Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Cyprus, and Ireland (if you decide to extend the scope of your trip).

Healthcare for Tourists in the Netherlands

Tourists in the Netherlands do not have access to free healthcare, even in public hospitals and clinics.

Dutch citizens and legal residents in the Netherlands have their medical costs covered by the Dutch National Health Service. While it is universal (everyone must have at least basic coverage) it is not entirely free. Everyone has to pay for a basic plan each month, so when they need medical treatment, their costs are covered.

However, because tourists do not pay for Dutch health insurance, they have to pay for all doctor’s visits, consultations, and medical treatment. This is why, to cover any arising medical costs, tourists need to have travel health insurance.

If you need medical assistance in the Netherlands:

In emergency situations, you have to call 112. This is the number for all emergency services, like the ambulance, police, fire department, etc. The operators can also speak English. You may also go to the A&E department of the hospital (accident and emergencies), but only if you have a life-threatening situation.

In non-emergency situations, you have to consult a GP. You have to make an appointment beforehand. Your hotel should refer you to which doctor you can see and help you arrange a visit. If you have Dutch friends or relatives, you can access their GP.

Netherlands Travel Safety Tips

The Netherlands is a relatively safe country to visit, however, just as anywhere else in the world, you should exercise caution. Keep in mind the following when travelling to the Netherlands:

• Keep your belongings close to you in crowded tourist areas. Pickpockets and thieves are known to target high-density areas such as cafes and restaurants, tourist attractions (like the red light district), public transportation, and Central Station.
• Be aware of scams. A known scam is one in which thieves will pretend to be plainclothes police, and ask for your wallet with the pretext of looking for counterfeit money or credit cards.
• Stay away from dark and empty streets or alleys. If you are not familiar with a territory, avoid walking alone very late at night or when no one is around.
• If you are travelling during the summer, wear a hat and sunglasses to avoid sunburns and a trip to the doctor.
• Drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration during sightseeing.

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