The Netherlands has been described as one of the most hospitable destinations of international students in Europe.

Its higher education institutions receive thousands of individuals annually, and many of them come along with their spouses and children. And as much as the process of adjusting to Dutch life might be thrilling, it might initially be quite daunting to manoeuvre through the health insurance conditions of the country, particularly since the regulations heavily rely on your occupation, nationality and the residence permit you have.

In the Netherlands, health insurance is not voluntary.

All residents should be covered, even in the case when they are temporarily staying. However, the kind of a policy you require and the possibility of your being eligible to the Dutch public system alters your whole experience with the healthcare system.

This guide provides the exact way how health insurance works with international students in Netherlands, what families have to know, how much insurance usually costs, and which insurance company is most popular.

At the end, you will realize how to make a good, compliant insurance plan to have you and your family covered during your stay.

1. Understanding the Basics: Why Health Insurance Is Mandatory

The Dutch healthcare is set with the principles of universality and predictability.

All individuals who reside in the Netherlands must have a health insurance. This is irrespective of your nationality or length of study program.

Here is the place where it becomes more subtle.

Not every international student can get Dutch public insurance which is referred to as basisverzekering. To be eligible, you need to be in working, interning or receiving income during your stay.

The government draws a clear line:

• If you work in the Netherlands, even part-time, you must purchase Dutch public health insurance.
  
• If you are not working, you generally cannot purchase Dutch public insurance and must rely on private or international health insurance.
  

This difference shapes almost everything about how international students—and their families—access care in the country.

2. Coverage Requirements for Students and Their Families

Let’s break down the specific rules that affect international students.

A. Students With a Job or Paid Internship

If you work in the Netherlands, your situation changes instantly.
You become eligible—and required—to take out basisverzekering, the standard Dutch public insurance plan.

This coverage includes:

• GP care
  
• Specialist care
  
• Hospitalisation
  
• Prescription medicine
  
• Urgent mental health services
  

The cost starts around €100–€130 per month, and it includes an annual deductible (typically €385).

It is comprehensive, widely accepted, and highly regulated.
Families can usually be added, but only if they also meet eligibility rules. Children under 18 are often insured for free under parental public plans.

B. Students Without Employment

If you aren’t working, you generally cannot enter the Dutch public system.
Instead, you need private or international student insurance that meets Dutch residence permit or visa requirements.

These plans vary widely in coverage and cost, but they typically include:

• Emergency medical care
  
• Hospitalisation
  
• Repatriation
  
• Basic outpatient care
  
• Visa-compliant medical coverage
  

Some insurers offer family plans, while others expect you to purchase individual policies for each family member.

C. EU/EEA Students and the EHIC Option

EU/EEA students have more flexibility.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives access to necessary medical care during temporary stays.

But while EHIC covers essential treatment, it does not include:

• Private care
  
• Non-urgent mental health
  
• Elective procedures
  
• Extensive outpatient care
  
• Dental and optical services
  
• Repatriation
  

That’s why many EU students still buy a supplementary private plan to fill gaps—especially when traveling or living with dependants

D. Family Coverage Rules

Family coverage varies depending on:

• The student’s employment status
  
• The family’s nationality
  
• Eligibility for Dutch public insurance
  

If the student is working and has basisverzekering, their spouse or children may be eligible for public coverage. The rules differ for each family scenario, and eligibility often depends on Dutch residence permit categories.

But here’s the important part.
Most families of full-time non-working students will need private or international medical insurance. These plans must meet visa requirements and offer enough coverage for both routine and emergency care.

3. Top 10 Family Medical Insurance Providers in the Netherlands

The following insurers are widely used by international students and their families.
Some provide Dutch public insurance, while others focus on private or international plans.

1. Dutch Public Insurance (basisverzekering)

Typical Cost: €100–€130 per month for a student; family plans vary
Why people choose it:
It is comprehensive, affordable for its scope, and required by law if the student works. It covers GP visits, emergency care, hospitalisation, and prescription medicine. Children under 18 are insured free of charge. A deductible applies for most adult care

2. HollandZorg Basic Health Insurance

Typical Cost: €100–€150 per month
Why families choose it:
This insurer offers plans specifically tailored for working students and international residents. A major benefit is the option for no deductible, which reduces unexpected costs. Additional benefits include emergency dental care and repatriation.

3. ONVZ

Typical Cost: €100–€150 per month
Why families choose it:
ONVZ specializes in flexible modular plans, allowing families to add extras like dental, supplementary outpatient care, and alternative therapies. Its broad provider network makes it convenient for families with varied health needs.

4. FBTO

Typical Cost: €100–€150 per month
Why families choose it:
FBTO offers modular extras similar to ONVZ, including dental and optical options. Their online management system is user-friendly, making it easier for international families to track claims, adjust coverage, and manage documents.

5. Aon Complete+

Typical Cost: €150–€250 per month
Why families choose it:
Designed for non-EU/EEA students, Aon Complete+ covers medical and non-medical risks worldwide. It offers strong outpatient care, emergency services, and coverage for pre-existing conditions. Family plans are available, making it a common choice for students with dependants.

6. AXA Global Healthcare

Typical Cost: €150–€300 per month
Why families choose it:
AXA’s global expat plans include hospital, outpatient, maternity, and evacuation benefits. These plans are ideal for families who need worldwide flexibility or anticipate moving again after studies.

7. Swisscare Student Europe

Typical Cost: €197 per year for students; family plans vary
Why families choose it:
Swisscare is visa-compliant and budget-friendly. It covers emergency medical care, hospitalisation, and assistance benefits. It’s a strong choice for students who need simple and affordable coverage.

8. Allianz Care

Typical Cost: €150–€300 per month
Why families choose it:
Allianz is known for its extensive global network, private room options, outpatient services, and evacuation benefits. Their family plans are comprehensive and popular among long-term international students.

9. Bupa Global

Typical Cost: €150–€300 per month
Why families choose it:
Bupa is a premium provider with worldwide hospital networks. Its plans include inpatient and outpatient care, dental, optical, and maternity benefits. Families that prioritize convenience and access to top-tier care often choose Bupa.

10. International Student Insurance (ISI)

Typical Cost: €100–€200 per month
Why families choose it:
ISI covers medical care, accidents, liability, and legal assistance. Plans are visa-compliant and widely accepted by Dutch universities for non-EU students. Family plans are available and versatile.

4. Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Family Insurance Plan

Health insurance is not only a legal requirement.
It’s also one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an international student living abroad—especially when you have dependants.

Here are essential, actionable tips to help you choose wisely.

Tip 1: Parents With Jobs Must Enroll in Dutch Public Insurance

If you work in any paid role—even a few hours a week—you become legally responsible for enrolling in basisverzekering.

Failure to do so can lead to fines, backdated premiums, and administrative complications.
It also affects your family’s eligibility for Dutch public insurance.

If you’re working, start with basisverzekering.
Then add supplementary private coverage as needed.

Tip 2: Consider Family Eligibility Before Selecting a Plan

If your spouse or child does not qualify for Dutch public insurance, they will need:

• A private Dutch plan, or
  
• An international family insurance package
  

Eligibility changes based on residency status, nationality, and employment. It’s best to confirm with both your insurer and the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

Tip 3: Review Deductibles Carefully

Dutch public insurance includes a compulsory deductible (eigen risico).
Private and international plans use deductibles too.

A lower deductible means fewer surprise bills but usually higher premiums.
Balance cost against your family’s expected healthcare use.

Tip 4: Pay Attention to Maternity, Dental, and Optical Waiting Periods

Many private plans include waiting periods of:

• 6–12 months for maternity
  
• 3–6 months for dental
  
• Specific activation times for optical benefits
  

If you expect to grow your family or require dental work soon, choose a plan with short waiting periods.

Tip 5: Check If the Plan Includes Repatriation and Evacuation

Dutch public insurance does not include medical evacuation.
International plans usually do.

If your family travels frequently or visits home often, evacuation and repatriation benefits become essential.

Tip 6: EU/EEA Students Should Supplement EHIC When Bringing Dependants

EHIC covers necessary healthcare during temporary stays.
But it doesn’t cover many important services for dependants.

Pair EHIC with a private plan to ensure full family protection.

Tip 7: Always Confirm Visa Compliance Before Purchasing a Plan

Private or international student insurance must meet Dutch immigration requirements.
Universities often review coverage during enrollment.

Make sure your policy includes:

• Emergency care
  
• Repatriation
  
• Adequate hospitalisation benefits
  
• Validity for your full stay
  

Failure to meet these can delay your residence permit.

Building a Safe, Compliant, and Affordable Insurance Setup

The healthcare in the Netherlands is of high quality and has a predictable system.

However, the difference between the cost and access to care can be very significant, and knowing your eligibility to be covered by the public insurance and whether the family is eligible to receive it, can help a lot.

Begin with your employment status.

This is all that makes the difference between being absorbed in the Dutch public system and remaining in the confines of privates and international alternatives.

Then analyze the needs of your family.

Depending on children, maternity care, travel patterns and chronic conditions are all factors that determine the best plan.

Using a review of your actual situation and comparing the best of insurers as discussed above, you will be able to develop a good, affordable, and visa approved insurance plan that will cover your family during your studies.

References:

• Government of the Netherlands. (2024). Health insurance requirements for international students and residents. https://www.government.nl
• Zorgverzekeringslijn. (2024). Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering) rules and eligibility. https://www.zorgverzekeringslijn.nl
• HollandZorg. (2024). Basic health insurance for international students and workers. https://www.hollandzorg.com
• ONVZ. (2024). Health insurance plans and supplementary coverage. https://www.onvz.nl
• FBTO. (2024). Modular Dutch health insurance options. https://www.fbto.nl
• Aon Student Insurance. (2024). Complete+ international student health insurance. https://www.aonstudentinsurance.com
• AXA Global Healthcare. (2024). International health insurance plans for expats and families. https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com
• Swisscare. (2024). Student Europe health insurance. https://www.swisscare.com
• Allianz Care. (2024). Worldwide medical insurance for expatriates and families. https://www.allianzcare.com
• Bupa Global. (2024). International private medical insurance plans. https://www.bupaglobal.com
• International Student Insurance. (2024). Student and family insurance packages. https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com