Health Insurance for International Students in Netherlands
Health insurance for international students is mandatory in the Netherlands. It doesn't matter if you are a student or a worker; you must acquire health insurance if you wish to live in the Netherlands. Health insurance is essential to be prepared for uncertainties. You never know when it comes into use. If you have health insurance, you won't panic about financial coverage for unfortunate delays like natural disasters, accidents, illness, damages, etc.
The current structure of medical insurance in the Netherlands requires everyone to have health insurance, and residents can choose their private health insurance in the Netherlands. It is mandatory for all international students studying in the Netherlands to purchase at least a base level of insurance - basisverzekering- ideally within four months of arrival.
Obtaining private or international health insurance is advised if you are not from the EU/EEA or Switzerland and intend to study in The Netherlands for longer than three months. If you are doing an internship, traineeship, or Ph.D., you are meant to be paid at least as much as the Dutch minimum wage. In that case, you must obtain Dutch health insurance under the Wlz-scheme. In contrast, if you have a minimum wage and your stay in the Netherlands is temporary, you are not eligible for Dutch health insurance. You can opt for private health insurance.
Private Health Insurance in the Netherlands for Nepali students is not that expensive. In the Netherlands, many businesses offer private health insurance. It provides a fixed-price basic health insurance coverage that is inexpensive. There are no restrictions on this package. You can add entities to your insurance packages, such as dental treatment, physiotherapy, and more, as extra coverage.
Types of Health Insurance in the Netherlands
Although Dutch people tend to spend more on insurance than some of their neighbors, the offered insurance forms are comparable to those found elsewhere in Europe.
In the Netherlands, there are primarily two types of mandatory health insurance:
- Basic insurance, Zorgverzekeringswet (Zvw), includes routine medical treatment.
- Wet langdurige zorg (Wlz), long-term nursing and care.
What does health insurance in the Netherlands cover?
Essential medical services in The Netherlands are covered under the country's primary health insurance, including:
- GP visits and treatments
- prescription drugs
- Hospitalizations and medical care
- specialists who are not physicians providing medical care
Cost of the Insurance Netherlands
In 2021, the monthly price for a standard Dutch health insurance plan will be roughly 120 euros. Each person pays their premiums directly to the health insurance provider of their choice. The sum is determined by the healthcare plan chosen, the deductible excess, and the supplemental coverages chosen (if applicable).
How to apply?
There is a specific procedure you should follow to acquire health insurance as a non-EU/EEA. First, you must obtain a residence permit from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).
For that, you have to go through a registration process. Submit the following documents at IND to apply for residence a permit:
- A legal and certified copy of your birth certificate.
- Document(s) that prove you have a permanent place to live in The Netherlands.
- A copy of your valid passport.
After obtaining a residence permit, register yourself as a new inhabitant at the local town hall. They will provide you with a citizen service number. With this number, you can get basic healthcare insurance in the Netherlands.
Eligibility
You must fulfill several requirements to qualify for healthcare benefits. You must, for instance, have Dutch health insurance and be at least 18 years old. On the Belastingdienst (Tax and Customs Administration) website, you may discover a complete list of the qualifications needed to get healthcare benefits.