🩺 Health 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.
General guidance, not financial or legal advice.
Settli is an educational platform — independent, no commissions. Always confirm with the official sources linked below for your specific situation.
You usually need Dutch insurance if…
These situations almost always require Dutch health insurance.
- You live in the Netherlands and have a BSN
- You work for a Dutch employer (including via a recruiter)
- You're self-employed and registered with the KvK
You may NOT need it if…
Some specific situations are exempt — verify with the SVB if unsure.
- You're a student insured in your home EU country with an EHIC
- You're a posted worker covered by your home-country system
- You live abroad and only visit for short stays
Common questions
Where can I check officially?
The SVB runs a free assessment tool ('Verzekeringsplicht'). Zorgverzekeringslijn also helps in multiple languages.