Studying in the Netherlands is a thrilling chance. It’s among Europe’s most hospitable and forward-thinking nations for international students, providing top-tier education in a diverse environment. However, before starting your academic journey, securing health insurance is crucial. This is not merely a formality—it’s a legal obligation. Mistakes here can lead to fines, enrollment delays, or visa issues.
So let’s walk through the essentials.
Discover the essential guide to the top 10 health insurance options for international students in the Netherlands. Understand who requires insurance, the timing for obtaining it, and strategies to sidestep common mistakes.
Why Health Insurance is Mandatory for Students in the Netherlands
Let’s start with the basics. Health insurance isn’t optional here—it’s a legal obligation in most cases.
Here’s how it works:
- EU/EEA students:With a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can receive basic public healthcare in the Netherlands. However, EHIC does not cover all services. It usually excludes dental care, mental health support, repatriation, and long-term treatments. Many universities advise obtaining additional insurance to cover these gaps.
- Non-EU/EEA students: If you stay in the Netherlands for over four months or work there, you must get Dutch basic health insurance or an equivalent international plan. This insurance must cover GP visits, hospital stays, emergency care, mental health, prescription drugs, and maternity services.
- Enrollment deadline: Upon arrival, you have four months to secure proper coverage. Miss this deadline, and you may face automatic enrollment in a costly state-assigned policy or fines reaching hundreds of euros.
- Costs: Dutch basic insurance costs €130–€149 monthly, varying by provider and options. An annual deductible, or eigen risico, ranges from €385 to €885.
Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for International Students
Let’s now look at the most reliable, recognized, and student-friendly insurance options available to you.
1. OOM Insurance – “Studying in the Netherlands” Plan
- Who it’s for: Non-EU/EEA students who are not eligible for Dutch basic insurance.
- What’s covered: Medical care, hospitalization, dental, liability, emergency repatriation (SOS), and travel.
- Highlights:
- Online application.
- Flexible durations.
- English-language support.
- Online application.
- Why choose it: It’s a go-to for students who don’t qualify for “basisverzekering” but still need strong, compliant coverage.
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👉https://www.oominsurance.com/studying-in-the-netherlands/
2. AON Student Insurance
- Who it’s for: All international students—regardless of origin or length of stay.
- Coverage:
- Medical.
- Liability.
- Accidents.
- Legal aid.
- Repatriation.
- Medical.
- Strengths:
- 24/7 multilingual assistance.
- Partnered with many Dutch universities.
- 24/7 multilingual assistance.
- Best for: Students who want a comprehensive policy in one place, especially if your school recommends it.
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👉 https://outofyourcomfortzone.net/best-international-health-insurance-for-students-in-netherlands/
3. Allianz Care
- Target audience: Expats and international students seeking premium-level global coverage.
- What’s included:
- Hospital care.
- Dental and maternity.
- Outpatient services.
- Emergency evacuation.
- Hospital care.
- Advantages:
- Worldwide provider network.
- Flexible plans tailored to student needs.
- Worldwide provider network.
- Great for: Those who want broader global protection, especially if they travel frequently or plan to study in multiple countries.
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👉https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/en/international-health-insurance/netherlands/
4. CZ – International Student Insurance
- Eligibility: Students required to register for Dutch basic insurance.
- Benefits:
- Base coverage under Dutch law.
- Supplemental options for dental, mental health, vision, and physiotherapy.
- Base coverage under Dutch law.
- Why it’s popular:
- Excellent English-language support.
- Widely recommended by Dutch universities.
- Excellent English-language support.
- Bonus: Digital claims, student-focused communication.
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👉https://www.zorgwijzer.nl/zorgvergelijker/english
5. Zilveren Kruis (Achmea)
- What it offers:
- Full “basisverzekering.”
- Supplemental packages for students: dental, global emergency care, physiotherapy.
- Full “basisverzekering.”
- Support:
- English service agents.
- Efficient digital portals.
- English service agents.
- Best for: Students who are eligible for Dutch coverage and want trusted service with flexible extras.
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6. HollandZorg
- Specialized for: Students in internships or part-time work.
- Coverage:
- Dutch basic health insurance.
- Optional extras: dental, alternative medicine, physiotherapy.
- Dutch basic health insurance.
- University integration:
- Some schools coordinate directly with HollandZorg.
- Some schools coordinate directly with HollandZorg.
- Why choose it: Clear pricing and solid coverage for students who are also working.
7. ONVZ
- What’s offered:
- Dutch basic insurance.
- High-end supplemental care with customizable options.
- Dutch basic insurance.
- Perks:
- Strong preventive care focus.
- English-speaking customer service.
- Strong preventive care focus.
- Ideal for: Graduate students and researchers who want above-average service quality and plan to stay longer.
8. Menzis
- Coverage:
- All required Dutch insurance components.
- Student add-ons: dental, wellness, overseas protection.
- All required Dutch insurance components.
- Notable features:
- App-based management.
- Good for group student registrations.
- App-based management.
- Best for: Cost-conscious students who still want strong preventive and mental health options.
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9. Aevitae
- Audience: Cost-sensitive students who qualify for Dutch basic coverage.
- Highlights:
- Competitive premiums.
- Student-friendly supplemental plans.
- English-language application and service.
- Competitive premiums.
- Digital convenience: Full online account management and easy claims.
10. International Student Insurance (ISI) – Student Secure
- Who it’s for: Students not eligible for Dutch mandatory insurance.
- Coverage includes:
- Emergency medical care.
- Mental health.
- Sports accidents.
- Doctor visits and prescriptions.
- Emergency medical care.
- Unique feature:
- Monthly plans, easily cancellable.
- Monthly plans, easily cancellable.
- Why choose it: Short-term students, exchange programs, and budget travelers love the flexibility.
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👉 https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/netherlands-student-insurance/
Comparison Table: At a Glance
| Provider | Target Group | Monthly Cost (€) | Dutch Law Compliant | Emergency/Repatriation | Extras |
| OOM Insurance | Non-EU/EEA, short stay | Varies | No | Yes | Dental, travel, liability |
| AON Student Insurance | All students | Variable | Yes/No | Yes | Legal aid, accident |
| Allianz Care | Expats/global students | Variable | No | Yes | Maternity, evacuation |
| CZ | Eligible for basic care | ~€130–€150 | Yes | Yes | Dental, mental, vision |
| Zilveren Kruis | Eligible students | ~€130–€150 | Yes | Yes | Physio, travel |
| HollandZorg | Interns, working | ~€130–€150 | Yes | Yes | Alternative medicine |
| ONVZ | Graduate-level students | ~€130–€150 | Yes | Yes | High-end add-ons |
| Menzis | All students | ~€130–€150 | Yes | Yes | Preventive focus |
| Aevitae | Cost-conscious students | ~€130 | Yes | Yes | English interface |
| ISI – Student Secure | Non-eligible/short-term | From ~$30 | No | Yes | Sports, mental health |
Note: Prices vary by deductible, age, and selected add-ons. Always double-check with providers.
Practical Tips for International Students
Let’s close with some hands-on advice.
1. Confirm eligibility
If you’re working (even part-time) or on a paid internship, Dutch law requires that you enroll in basisverzekering. No exceptions. You’ll need a citizen service number (BSN) to do this.
2. Use your university’s resources
Most Dutch universities have partnerships or preferred providers. These are often streamlined for students and include support with visa or residence procedures.
3. Watch out for fines
If you delay getting insurance and you’re eligible, the government may enroll you in a public policy—and charge you for it, often at higher rates.
4. Budget realistically
Besides monthly premiums, you’ll face a yearly deductible. If you don’t visit the doctor often, a higher deductible can lower your monthly cost.
5. Supplemental insurance matters
Mental health, dental care, and physiotherapy are not always fully covered. If these are important to you, check add-ons carefully.
6. Plans follow the calendar year
Most Dutch insurance policies reset annually. January is the primary window to switch or update your policy.
In Conclusion
Navigating health insurance in the Netherlands might appear daunting, but it’s manageable with the right information. Whether you’re an EU resident with an EHIC or an international student pursuing a multi-year degree, there’s a suitable policy to meet your needs and ensure legal and medical compliance. Make informed decisions and avoid last-minute rushes. If you need further assistance, consult your university’s international office or directly contact the insurers mentioned.
A healthy academic journey starts with good coverage.
Sources:
[1] https://www.iamexpat.nl/expat-info/health-insurance-netherlands/student-health-insurance
[2] https://www.consultancynepal.com/netherlands/health-insurance-for-international-students
[3] https://www.internationalinsurance.com/health/europe/netherlands/
[4] https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/en/international-health-insurance/netherlands/
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/StudyInTheNetherlands/comments/1jiohji/best_insurance_for_foreign_students_that_are/
[6] https://www.oominsurance.com/studying-in-the-netherlands/
[7] https://outofyourcomfortzone.net/best-international-health-insurance-for-students-in-netherlands/
[8] https://www.zorgwijzer.nl/zorgvergelijker/english
[9] https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/netherlands-student-insurance/
