We are the NVHP, the Dutch patient association for everyone with a congenital bleeding disorder. We have approximately 1,100 members and donors and were founded in 1971 as the 'Nederlandse Vereniging van Hemofilie Patiënten' (Dutch Association of Hemophilia Patients). We are independent, proactive, knowledgeable through experience and reliable.
Our goal is to improve the quality of life for people living with a bleeding disorder. We have been doing this for over fifty years, with the help of our dedicated volunteers who reside on our board and are active participants in our working groups. Together they work on our three core pillars: advocacy, peer support and information provision.
Do you have any questions or are you in need of any other assistance?
Feel free to get in touch with us:
T: +31 (0)33 247 10 49
E: nvhp@nvhp.nl
W: nvhp.nl
Unfortunately, our website is currently not available in English. Below you will find the most important information about health insurance in the Netherlands and transporting medicines. Additionally, we have provided the most important information for refugees and other people with a bleeding disorder that want to travel to the Netherlands.
Here you will find a brief overview of the healthcare system in the Netherlands, on how to apply for health insurance, finding doctors and specialists and on what to do in case of emergency.
The Netherlands is known for its universal, affordable, and excellent standard of healthcare. The Dutch healthcare system is regularly rated as one of the best in the world. It is available to all, whether you are here for work, visiting as a tourist or are going to be relocating to the Netherlands permanently.
The healthcare system (information last updated June 2025)
*The official currency in the Netherlands is the euro which is written as EUR or €. Conversion rates may vary depending on your local currency, so we would advise that you use an online currency converter to check any medical costs you may encounter while you are here. Additionally, you may consider a Wise borderless account to manage your spendings in the Netherlands. An account lets you hold multiple currencies, avoid hidden fees and allows you to send money to over 50 countries with low exchange rates.
Everyone living or working in the Netherlands must have basic Dutch health insurance, even if you already have private international health insurance from a non-Dutch company. This does not apply if you are here as a tourist. The Netherlands has a universal healthcare system managed by the government and supplemented by private insurers. The insurance companies receive funding from a regulator’s fund. The government also sets the standards for the basic health coverage. In 2025, this includes:
Health insurance for primary and long-term healthcare services is offered at fixed prices without discrimination based on health or income. All insurers offer the same services in their standard packages.
The standard insurance package costs approximately € 150–175 per month and covers a variety of costs, such as General Practitioner (GP) visits and hospital care (see above for a more detailed list). Additional treatments require out-of-pocket payments, such as dental care and physiotherapy. Because of this, many people opt for extra coverage - at a higher cost - for treatments not included in the basic package. There is also an annual mandatory deductible ('own risk') amount of € 385. This amount is reviewed yearly (and possibly changed) by the government.
People with a lower income can sometimes apply for financial assistance to cover (some) of the costs for basic healthcare or supplemental. If this situation applies to you, it is best to check with your municipality what they are able to offer, as it may depend on your location what is available to you. Children under the age of 18 are insured free of charge through their caretakers’ insurance policy.
If you choose to work and/or live in the Netherlands, it is important that you apply for insurance within the first four months of your arrival. Below are the steps you will need to take to qualify for health care:
Please note: it may depend on the healthcare provider that you choose which doctors are available to you.
Once insured, it is important that you register with your local general practice, as your first point of contact for care will be your General Practitioner. Most healthcare is only accessible after making an appointment and receiving a referral from your doctor. Fortunately, GPs often speak English.
Although registration is required in order to make an appointment, many practices have waiting lists, so may not immediately accept new patients. You can find GPs online or through your insurer.
Once you are registered, you will be able to make face-to-face appointments with your doctor. Additionally, many general practices offer consultation hours by telephone to assist (new) patients and/or an online portal where you can ask questions and find more information.
Specialists
To see a bleeding disorder specialist, you will need a referral from your GP. In most cases you will be referred to a specialist in a hospital. Depending on the treatment you may need, there can be considerable waiting times, so this is something to keep in mind when seeking medical help. A basic consult is usually covered by basic insurance, though an extra fee may apply.
Hospitals
The Netherlands has the following types of hospitals: general, academic and specialized hospitals and independent clinics (mostly privately run). For specialist visits, you register upon arrival and receive a hospital ID card. Basic insurance covers hospital care, though some treatments may include an excess fee.
Expert treatment centres for people with a bleeding disorder
In the Netherlands we have six dedicated treatment centres for people living with a bleeding disorder, also known as a ‘hemofiliebehandelcentrum’ in Dutch, or HBC for short. These centres offer a variety of care for adults and children, such as medication and advice on treatment options, sports, or physiotherapy. Every situation is different, so we advise to consult the HBC for the best course of action when you’re in doubt of what might suit your needs.
When travelling to the Netherlands, you are allowed to bring medication for own use, provided you carry a letter from your GP indicating that you need this medicine. The letter needs to be signed and dated by a licensed GP or (preferably) a treatment centre. The letter should list which medicines you take, how much and which peripheral items you bring (needles, alcohol swabs, etc.) see also this checklist.
In emergencies, you can call 112 or go to the nearest hospital's UCC (Urgent Care Centre or in Dutch 'Spoedeisende hulp'), no registration is needed. You can also first contact your local GP or the GP’s out-of-hours telephone line.
If you’re a tourist from an EU/EEA country and staying in the Netherlands for less than 12 months, you can use your European Health Insurance Card. Temporary visitors from outside the EU/EEA should arrange to have their own travel insurance or international health insurance while in the Netherlands.
Anyone with a congenital bleeding disorder, carriers, and parents of a child with a bleeding disorder can become a member. Membership costs € 37,50 per year.
Why become a member?
If you are a refugee who intends to travel to the Netherlands there are some things to consider. Before fleeing the country, it is important to make sure you have some form of accommodation, whether this means staying with friends or relatives. If you are unable to find housing, it is best to contact a local organization, before you arrive. Most European countries have a centralized system to welcome and care for refugees. We strongly recommend that the first contact you establish is with these official systems, so that all the available support, such as accommodation and food, as well as the essential documentation and legal advice, is accessible to you.
These non-governmental organizations represent the interests of refugees and asylum seekers in the Netherlands. The following help is available:
Health care for refugees
It is essential to inform receiving officials that you or your child has a congenital bleeding disorder, so that they can take the necessary steps to support you, such as by contacting a Dutch treatment centre and/or us, the national patient organization in the Netherlands, as well as provide you with relevant information on the healthcare offered to refugees.
Health care for asylum seekers
Asylum seekers have the right to medical care. At nearly every COA (Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers) location, GZA (Asylum Seeker Healthcare) there is a healthcare centre where asylum seekers can make an appointment with a healthcare profession, such as the GP’s assistant, nurse, POH-GGZ (Mental Healthcare Nurse Practitioner) or General Practitioner.
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