Getting ready to move expat employees to the Netherlands? The Dutch healthcare system ranks highly for its quality and innovation, yet it also works differently from many other socialised healthcare systems. Because of this, many expats, especially those from outside the EU, often feel unsure about their responsibilities around Dutch health insurance. As an employer, you need to guide your employees throughout their relocation, and a clear explanation of basisverzekering (basic health insurance in Dutch) helps you support them effectively.
Understanding Basisverzekering and the Dutch Healthcare System
To help you support your expat staff with confidence, this article explains how health insurance in the Netherlands works and how basisverzekering fits into the wider healthcare landscape.
How Basisverzekering Works Within the Dutch Public Healthcare System
The Dutch healthcare system follows a socialised model, yet it focuses mainly on providing long-term care through the Long-term Care Act (Wlz). Each employee contributes to this scheme through salary taxation. Alongside this system, every Dutch resident must purchase a health insurance plan, and the minimum legal requirement is the basisverzekering.
Insurance providers offer various policies with different levels of coverage. However, everyone aged 18 and above must hold at least the basic insurance plan. This basisverzekering covers essential medical services regardless of age, gender or health. If someone requires extra support, they can add supplemental insurance to cover treatments not fully included in the basic plan, although this option comes with a higher premium.
When Expats Must Purchase Basisverzekering
Non-EU nationals must purchase Dutch health insurance once they turn 18 and meet one of the following conditions:
- They work for a Dutch employer and earn at least minimum wage
- They live in the Netherlands with a qualifying residence status
- They stay long term and are 30 years or older (EU/EEA nationals)
An official online assessment helps individuals confirm if they need Dutch health insurance. If the assessment shows that they require it, they must buy the basisverzekering within four months of registering with the municipality.
When Expats Do Not Need to Purchase Dutch Health Insurance
Expats can avoid buying the basisverzekering if any of the following applies:
- They live in the Netherlands for study purposes only
- They pay income tax in another country while living in the Netherlands
- They wait for a residence permit and have not yet received approval
Even in these situations, expats must keep valid health insurance from their home country. This also applies during the residence permit waiting period. Employers should encourage their staff to check that their international coverage remains valid throughout their stay.
The Cost of Basisverzekering
Health insurance providers set monthly premiums based on the type of policy and level of coverage. The Dutch government determines the cost of compulsory basic insurance each year. In 2025, the average monthly premium for the basisverzekering is 158.72 euros.
Deductible Excess (Eigen Risico)
The basisverzekering includes a standard annual deductible of 385 euros. Individuals pay this excess before their insurer reimburses their healthcare costs. Although some treatments require a personal contribution, the deductible never exceeds this yearly amount. People can also choose a voluntary deductible, which increases the excess and lowers the monthly premium.
Group Basisverzekering Through Employers
Some employers offer group health insurance to support their staff. These group plans often reduce monthly premiums and simplify the process for HR teams. With ready-made options, employers can onboard new expats more smoothly and ensure that everyone receives the required basisverzekering quickly and easily.
What Basisverzekering Covers
Most Dutch health insurance providers include the following services in the basic package:
- General practitioner appointments
- Prescription medication
- Hospital care and specialist treatments
- Maternity care
- Psychological and mental healthcare
- Physiotherapy
- Dental care for those under 18
- Emergency medical care abroad (up to Dutch tariffs)
Although the basisverzekering covers most essential care, some treatments require a personal contribution. To reduce these extra expenses, expats may choose supplemental packages for services like physiotherapy or dentistry.
Conclusion
Understanding the basisverzekering helps employers guide their expat employees through one of the most important steps of settling in the Netherlands. With clear knowledge of when insurance becomes mandatory, what it covers and how premiums work, you can support your staff and ensure compliance with Dutch regulations.
If you want expert support in guiding expat employees through Dutch healthcare requirements, including the basisverzekering, contact Octagon Professionals today. We are ready to help your organisation and your people succeed in every stage of their journey.
