Money & Insurance
Dutch systems, finally explained calmly.
Health insurance, banking, salary, allowances — without the jargon and without the sales pitch. Educational guidance for newcomers, migrant workers and families.
🩺Health insurance
Mandatory cover, basic insurance, allowances and what to avoid.
Health insurance · 4 min read
How Dutch health insurance works
Health insurance (zorgverzekering) is mandatory in the Netherlands. Here's how it works, what 'basisverzekering' covers, and what newcomers usually miss.
Read the guideHealth insurance · 3 min read
Do I need Dutch health insurance?
A short test: if you live or work in the Netherlands long enough to be 'insurable', you almost certainly do. Here's how to tell.
Read the guideHealth insurance · 4 min read
Health insurance for migrant workers
If your employer or recruiter offers a 'group' insurance plan, here's how to check it's actually a good deal — and what to do if it isn't.
Read the guideHealth insurance · 3 min read
Health insurance for families
Children are insured for free. Adults each need their own policy. Here's how to set this up calmly and how supplementary cover affects family budgets.
Read the guide🏦Banking
Open a Dutch account, BSN rules, salary deposits, beginner-friendly banks.
Banking · 4 min read
How to open a Dutch bank account
Most Dutch life — salary, rent, allowances — flows through a Dutch IBAN. Here's what you need, who accepts you without a BSN, and how long it takes.
Read the guideBanking · 2 min read
Can I open a bank account without a BSN?
Short answer: yes, with some banks. Here are realistic options for your first weeks before your BSN arrives.
Read the guide💶Salary & payments
How Dutch salary works, deductions, payslips and 30% ruling basics.
🤝Allowances (toeslagen)
Zorgtoeslag, huurtoeslag, kinderopvangtoeslag — who qualifies.
🛡️Financial safety
Avoid scams, phishing, dodgy recruiters and risky 'too cheap' deals.
Trusted providers — coming soon
Settli will introduce verified, transparently-listed providers for insurance and banking. We don't take hidden commissions, and we don't sell your data. Educational guidance always stays free.
Total guides published so far: 9.