Vaccines and health risks in the Netherlands
The health system in the Netherlands and the health conditions are impeccable, but no compulsory vaccinations are required. As a precautionary measure, it is advisable to get vaccinated against Hepatitis B, tetanus and polio. You can find more information here.
If you suffer from a health problem, remember to consult your doctor before your departure date.
The quality of health care institutions in the Netherlands
The health care system in the Netherlands is one of the best in Europe! It is of impeccable quality and has a very modern health infrastructure. The only problem is that care is expensive.
Treatment by a doctor who has signed an agreement with a Dutch social security fund is free of charge. It should be noted that in the Netherlands there is a system of "referral": the general practitioner is responsible for deciding whether or not to refer the patient to a specialist doctor or hospital.
In general, all Dutch people are affiliated with a health insurance, private or public. As a foreigner, it is important to obtain the CEAM (European Health Insurance Card) from your health insurance company, so that you can register with the Agis Zorgverzekeringen once you are in the Netherlands. This organization takes care of insured persons who live in the country for a temporary period and reimburses them directly.
However, the CEAM only offers partial reimbursement (based on French rates). To be reimbursed in real expenses, opt for the Heyme World Pass!
Hospitalisation is free of charge in the Netherlands, with the agreement of the attending physician. If this is not the case, the CEAM must be presented, so that the hospital can contact Agis Zorgverzekeringen for treatmen
Contraception
The emergency pill can be bought in pharmacies without a prescription. Condoms can be bought without a prescription in pharmacies or supermarkets. Sometimes you can also find them in bars and discos or in vending machines. Price: between €0.20 and €0.90.
Screening locations
- Soa Aids Nederland (IST Sida Netherlands)
- Self-tests are sold in pharmacies
- Emergency Number
For health problems in the Netherlands and in an emergency, call 112.
- Health System Quality Index /100 : 67,23
- Safety index /100 : 63,18
- Crime index /100 : 33,50
- Life expectancy : 81,5 ans years
- Number of doctors/inhabitants : 3 doctors / 1 000 Hab
- Reactivity index to waiting times : 47,67