Healthcare & health insurance
Source: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/study/student-life/healthcare-health-insurance Parent: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/
Understanding healthcare and health insurance is essential when living in the Netherlands. The general practitioner (GP) plays a central role in the Dutch healthcare system, so it’s a good idea to register with a GP upon your arrival in the Maastricht region. This ensures you can access care quickly when you need it. In addition, health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands, so make sure you understand your coverage requirements and options.
If you have any questions, our UM International Student Helpdesk (ISH) is here to help.
Need urgent care?
The first step is to contact your GP. If you don't have a GP or it's outside office hours, call the Maastricht UMC+ GP Medical Post (huisartsenpost, HAP) +31 (0)43 75 00 123.
For life-threatening situations, dial 112.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, please chat with a professional at 113.nl or call 0800-0113.
Your general practitioner (GP)
If you need almost any type of healthcare in the Netherlands, you first need to make an appointment with your general practitioner (GP or 'huisarts'). If you need specialist care, your GP will need to refer you to a specialist or mental health care provider.
More about general practitioners and how to find one
Other healthcare resources
Mental health
Learn more about mental support at UM and in the Maastricht region.
- UM psychological support
- @ease: Free psychological support
- Wellbeing initiatives
- Find a therapist (in Dutch)
Sexual health
Find more information about where you can get tested for sexually transmitted diseases or HIV in and around Maastricht.
Substance use
If you or a friend is experiencing issues related to substance use, the following resources are available:
- Jellinek - students & substance use
- Drug use (in Dutch)
- Alcohol use (in Dutch)
Health insurance in the Netherlands
If you are aged 18 or older and living or working in the Netherlands, you are legally required to have health insurance. If you are not insured, the CAK (Dutch National Health Care Institute) can fine you.
Different rules apply for international students.Read more about the compulsory health insurance for non-Dutch students.
Compulsory coverage with standard health insurance
A standard health insurance policy insures you against the most common healthcare costs, like a visit to your general practitioner (GP). The government decides what basic health insurance should cover. This is the same for every insurance company. If you are a resident, insurance companies are required to accept you.
Voluntary additional coverage
You can choose to add voluntary coverage for expenses not included in the basic health insurance package, such as dental care, physiotherapy or alternative medicine. Insurance companies offer different packages, so make sure to select one that meets your needs. Here are a few health insurance policies for comparison:
- www.studentenverzekering.nl (in Dutch)
- www.zorgwijzer.nl/zorgvergelijker/english
- www.independer.nl/zorgverzekering (in Dutch)
- www.studenten-zorgverzekeringen.nl (in Dutch)
Health insurance subsidy for low-income households
Students insured in the Netherlands may be eligible for a health insurance subsidy (zorgtoeslag), which is a contribution towards health insurance costs. Eligibility and the amount of the subsidy depend on your income.