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Am I obliged to take out the Dutch public health insurance (Basisverzekering)?
If you pay income tax or social security contributions in the Netherlands, you are usually required to take out the Dutch public health insurance (Basisverzekering). There are a few exceptions, but this rule applies in most situations.
I have travel insurance or health insurance from my home country. Do I still need the Dutch public health insurance (Basisverzekering)?
Yes, you do. If you pay income tax or social security fees in the Netherlands, you must conclude the Dutch public health insurance (Basisverzekering). International or travel insurance is not accepted as a substitute.
Where can I conclude the compulsory Dutch public health insurance (Basisverzekering)?
You can conclude the Dutch public health insurance (Basisverzekering) with any health insurance company in the Netherlands, as all of them offer it in addition to their supplementary packages.
Does the monthly premium or coverage of the Dutch public health insurance (Basisverzekering) differ between health insurance companies?
The coverage is set by the Dutch government and is the same for every insurer. However, the premiums may vary even though the product is identical.
When will the monthly premiums be deducted from my bank account?
In the Netherlands, the premium is charged in advance for the upcoming month.
Why does the premium for the Dutch public health insurance (Basisverzekering) vary across insurance companies?
Although the coverage is the same, insurance companies may offer higher voluntary excess or limit the number of contracted care providers to lower the monthly premium and attract customers.
What is the compulsory excess (Eigen Risico or deductible) in the Netherlands?
The compulsory excess (Eigen Risico or deductible) in the Netherlands is the mandatory amount you pay out of pocket before receiving reimbursement from your insurer. For everyone aged 18 or older, the compulsory excess is €385,00.
Is the Dutch public health insurance (Basisverzekering) via Glider Insurance free from compulsory excess (Eigen Risico or deductible)?
The HollandZorg Dutch public health insurance (Basisverzekering) includes the compulsory excess. However, concluding your policy via Glider Insurance covers the compulsory excess (Eigen Risico or deductible). Both plans (Standard Package and Premium Package) also include dental care, repatriation within Europe, extra medication coverage, and physiotherapy. Full coverage details are available in the policy conditions.
What is the monthly premium for Glider Insurance collective agreement, and how much can I save annually?
The 2026 Glider Insurance package starts from a monthly premium of €166,80. The average national premium for the Dutch public health insurance (Basisverzekering) in 2026 is €159,30 per month. With no out-of-pocket compulsory excess (Eigen Risico or deductible), our package could save you up to €295 per year.
What are the conditions for applying for the Glider Insurance collective agreement?
To be eligible for the Glider Insurance collective agreement, you must be a non-Dutch resident (no Dutch passport) who lives or works in the Netherlands and is required to have insurance.
What does the Dutch public health insurance (Basisverzekering) cover?
You can find a full English version of the coverage via this link. Please note that Glider Standard includes HollandZorg no Risk I and II. While Glider Premium includes HollandZorg no Risk I, II and III.
What happens if I don’t sign up for Dutch health insurance?
If you don’t register, the Dutch Healthcare Institute will identify you as uninsured. You may receive a fine of approximately €400,00. The Institute can also automatically enroll you and deduct the premium directly from your income for 12 months.
Can I switch health insurers?
Yes. You can switch at the end of each year, but you must cancel your current insurance before January 1 and conclude a new one by February 1. Your new policy will be retroactive from January 1.
Switching during the year is possible if you move between employer collective plans. Glider Insurance offers a transfer service and will cancel your current insurance if you sign up before December 31.
Do I pay bills upfront?
HollandZorg uses a natura (in kind) policy, so most contracted care providers bill the insurer directly. If you visit a non-contracted provider, dentist, or GP you’re not registered with, you may need to pay upfront and submit a claim via the HollandZorg app or portal.
Are all health care providers in the Netherlands contracted by HollandZorg?
HollandZorg has contracts with all public hospitals and you can visit any GP near your residence. If you plan to use a specialist or private provider, it’s recommended to check with HollandZorg beforehand.
Do my children need to be insured too?
Yes, children under 18 must be insured, though they do not pay a premium. Glider Insurance can assist with the registration process.
Do I need a referral to visit a specialist or hospital emergency department?
In most cases, you should first visit your GP (huisarts). GPs can resolve many issues directly.
If you need a specialist, your GP must issue a referral before you can book an appointment.
Can I get health care allowance (zorgtoeslag) in the Netherlands?
If you have a low income, you may qualify for health care allowance. Use this link to check your eligibility for health care allowance (Zorgtoeslag) in the Netherlands.
Do I need a referral or prescription when using my visitor or student health insurance?
Yes. For non-emergency care, a referral from a GP is required. Medicines will only be reimbursed with a valid prescription.
How does payment and reimbursement work with the visitor or student health insurance?
Student policies are private (restitution) policies, so Dutch care providers won’t find you in the public system. You’ll need to pay for your treatment upfront and submit your invoices via the My OOM portal for reimbursement. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
What are the terms and conditions of the Standard and Premium Packages?
The Standard Package includes HollandZorg No Risk I and II. The applicable policy conditions are available here.
The Premium Package includes HollandZorg No Risk I, II, and III. The applicable policy conditions are available here.
For complete information, please refer to the relevant policy conditions.
What does Home Insurance cover?
Home Insurance covers damage to your home in the Netherlands. This includes the building itself and permanently attached items such as outbuildings, fences, awnings, charging stations, pools, and sustainable energy installations.
You can choose between Comprehensive or All-risk coverage:
- Comprehensive cover insures your home against specific risks such as fire, explosion, lightning, storm, precipitation, leakage, vandalism, theft, and burglary.
- All-risk cover also insures damage caused by other sudden and unforeseen events, unless explicitly excluded.
How much will be reimbursed after damage?
We reimburse the repair costs or reconstruction value of your home. If rebuilding is not possible or allowed, we reimburse the sale value or demolition value instead. If you disagree with the damage assessment, you may appoint your own expert (after consulting Glider Insurance).
Is garden damage insured?
Yes. Damage to your garden and plants is insured as standard up to €30.000, for example after fire, storm, collision, lightning, air traffic incidents, or falling trees.
What is not insured?
Home Insurance does not cover damage caused by:
- Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, war, or nuclear reactions
- Construction defects or insufficient maintenance
- Gradually occurring damage
- Deliberate acts or illegal activities
Flood damage caused by the failure of primary flood defences is also not insured.
Are there coverage restrictions I should know about?
Yes. Coverage may be limited:
- If water enters through open windows or doors.
- During renovation or construction work.
- If your home is vacant or unoccupied for more than one year.
These situations must always be reported.
Is my home insured while renting it out?
Only if you choose the optional Rental cover. This applies whether you rent out your home short-term (up to 60 days per year) or long-term. During rental periods, only Comprehensive cover applies even if you normally have All-risk cover. Without Rental cover, your home is not insured while rented out.
Is there an excess (deductible)?
Yes, depending on your choices:
- Storm damage: €0 or €250
- All-risk cover: €0, €100, €300, or €500
- Rental cover: €250
There is no excess for glass damage.
When does the insurance start and can I cancel?
The insurance starts on the date stated on your policy and runs for one year. After the first year, you can cancel via your authorised agent or insurance adviser, effective on the date you choose.
What does Glass Insurance cover?
Glass Insurance covers the repair of broken glass that is part of your home and intended to let light through. This includes standard window glass, certain plastic materials that serve the same function as glass, and even non-translucent glass used as balcony partitions. Repair costs are fully covered when the repair is arranged via the appointed service provider.
Is there an excess (deductible) for glass damage?
No, there is no excess for Glass Insurance, unless explicitly stated otherwise in your policy schedule or special clauses. This means approved glass repairs are covered without you having to pay a deductible.
What is not covered under Glass Insurance?
Glass Insurance does not cover damage caused intentionally, during renovation or construction work, or due to poor material quality (such as insulating glass becoming opaque). Glass in vacant buildings (empty for more than one month), damage from natural disasters, fire, or explosions is also excluded.
What does Contents Insurance cover?
Contents Insurance covers all loose items in your home, such as furniture, appliances, clothing, and electronics, against damage caused by events like fire, theft, burglary, storms, precipitation, and leaks. Coverage applies to homes in the Netherlands.
How much are my belongings insured for?
The maximum insured amount is €175.000. Items up to 6 years old are reimbursed at replacement value. Older items are reimbursed at current market value, based on a depreciation list. You can choose to extend replacement value coverage to 12 years.
Are valuables and jewellery covered?
Yes. Jewellery is insured up to €7.500 as standard. If your jewellery is worth more, you can insure it for a higher amount. Certain high-risk items may have maximum reimbursements listed in the policy conditions.
Is accidental damage covered?
Accidental damage caused by falls or impacts inside your home is covered if you opt for All-risk cover. For example, if furniture tips over or an item falls and breaks.
Are my belongings insured outside the home?
Yes, but only to a limited extent. For additional protection outside the home (for example, for valuables or electronics), you can take out optional Outdoor Cover.
What is not insured?
Contents Insurance does not cover damage caused by:
- Earthquakes, war, or nuclear reactions
- Wear and tear or construction defects
- Gradually occurring damage
- Deliberate damage or fraud
- Broken glass itself (unless additional Glass cover is taken out)
Is water damage always covered?
No. Water damage is not insured if, for example, rain enters through open windows or doors. Coverage may also be limited if your home is unoccupied for a longer period.
Is there an excess (deductible)?
There is no excess for damage covered by Comprehensive cover.
If you choose optional covers (such as All-risk, Outdoor Cover, or Mobile Electronics), you can select an excess of €100, €300, or €500 per incident. When renting out your home, an excess of €250 always applies.
When does the Contents Insurance start and can I cancel?
The insurance starts on the date stated on your policy and runs for one year. After the first year, you can cancel via your authorised agent or insurance adviser, effective on the date you choose.
What does Cyber Insurance cover?
Cyber Insurance covers the digital consequences of cybercrime, such as malware infections, phishing, identity theft, and unauthorised online transfers. It includes expert support, financial compensation, and help with data recovery and malware removal.
How much am I insured for and is there a deductible?
You are insured for up to €5.000 per event and per insurance year combined. There is no excess (deductible) for Cyber Insurance claims.
Which devices are covered?
Coverage applies to computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices such as smartwatches. Smart home devices (like cameras, alarms, or lighting systems) are not covered.
Does Cyber Insurance cover stolen or physically damaged devices?
No. Cyber Insurance does not cover physical theft or damage of devices. It focuses on the digital impact, such as data loss, malware removal, identity recovery, or device replacement when malware cannot be removed cost-effectively.
Do I get help even without financial loss?
Yes. You have access to Cyberwacht, a specialist helpline, for advice on prevention, security, and incident response, even if no direct financial loss has occurred.
What does the liability insurance cover?
This insurance covers damage or injury you accidentally cause to other people or their belongings in a private (non-professional) situation. You are insured for claims up to €5.000.000.
Who is insured under this policy?
You are insured, along with your partner, children (including adult children studying away from home) until they reach the age of 27, other household members registered at the same address, guests, and domestic staff while working for you. The exact household composition is listed on your policy.
Is my family insured worldwide?
Yes. The insurance is valid worldwide, as long as you live in the Netherlands. For children living at home or studying abroad, coverage applies worldwide except in the United States and Canada.
Are there situations where damage is not covered?
Yes. The insurance does not cover:
- Intentional damage, fraud, or criminal acts.
- Damage caused by cars, boats, or aircraft.
- Damage during paid work (your employer is liable).
- Damage to your own belongings or those of your housemates.
- Injuries to fellow players during sports or games.
- Damage caused by sexual behaviour.
- Damage from weapons and during hunting.
- Damage caused by asbestos.
Is damage caused during sports or voluntary work insured?
Damage to fellow players or their belongings during sports is not insured. However, damage or injury caused to spectators is insured up to €25.000 per incident. Damage caused during voluntary work is insured, provided you only receive a small expense allowance.
Is there an excess (deductible)?
There is no standard excess. A €250 excess applies only:
- For damage to someone else’s mobile electronics.
- If children were not initially included in the policy but caused damage later.
Are rented or borrowed items covered?
Yes. Damage to borrowed items or privately rented items used in a private setting is insured up to €25.000 per event.
Is damage to a rented home or houseboat insured?
Fire damage to a rented home you live in is insured up to €175.000 per event.
How long does the insurance run and can I cancel?
The insurance runs for one year and is automatically renewed annually. You can cancel via your authorised agent or adviser, effective on the date you choose.
Can I arrange Dutch health insurance for my international employees?
Yes. At Glider Insurance, we help employers in the Netherlands provide mandatory Dutch health insurance for their international or expat employees. We work with HollandZorg, a trusted health insurer.
Who can be insured through this plan?
This health insurance is designed for:
- International employees who live and work in the Netherlands
- Individuals who do not hold a Dutch passport
- Employees who contribute to Dutch Social Security
What is the monthly premium for health insurance?
The 2026 premium is €166,80 per employee per month, including full statutory basic coverage and our additional benefits, with no upfront costs or deductible.
Can I insure multiple expat employees at once?
Yes. We support group onboarding and help you manage insurance for your international workforce in the Netherlands. Our team ensures quick, compliant, and simple registration for all employees.
Is health insurance coverage active from day one?
Yes. Your expat employees are fully covered from the start, with no out-of-pocket deductible.
What happens if an employee leaves the company or returns to their home country?
We help you manage changes, whether it’s canceling coverage, transferring the policy, or adjusting it based on the employee’s new status. We ensure ongoing compliance with Dutch healthcare regulations.
Do expat employees need to have Dutch health insurance by law?
Yes. According to Dutch law, anyone who lives or works in the Netherlands – including non-EU nationals and temporary expat workers – must take out basic Dutch health insurance within 4 months of arrival. Our service ensures they’re covered immediately and remain compliant.
Can I pay the health insurance premium for my employees?
Yes. Many employers in the Netherlands choose to cover the cost of health insurance as part of their employee benefits package. You can either pay the premium directly or reimburse the employee through your payroll system.
What documents are needed to register an employee?
To enroll an expat employee in the Dutch health insurance system, we usually require:
- A valid non-Dutch passport or ID
- BSN (Dutch citizen service number) or proof of registration
- Employment contract or payroll details
Our team assists with the entire onboarding process to make it easy for both employer and employee.
Can I get a certificate of coverage for employee records?
Yes. Once an employee is enrolled, we provide an official health insurance certificate. This can be included in your internal records, provided to immigration services, or used for payroll and compliance checks.
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