Cutting Through The Red Tape
Health Insurance
From 2006, the Health Inusrance scheme in the Netherlands has changed. Previously, you were covered by either the public ziekenfonds system (if your gross annual income was below EUR 33,000), otherwise you had to opt for and buy private insurance. There is now just one system in place. Health insurance is compulsory and you must apply for this. Often your employer will take care of this for you.
Health Insurance firms are obliged to offer a basic package to everyone. They cannot refuse to take you on as a customer for this. Most companies now offer a range of add-ons to extend your coverage. The basic package does not include dental cover, you have to buy this as an additional insurance.
For many ex-pats, their first Dutch employer will help with health insurance. You may find you have to pick a company for yourself and let the employer know how much it costs. They will make repayments to you to cover the premium each month. If you're lucky, it will all be done for you. Most packages cover basic healthcare expenses, such as visits to the local doctor, prescriptions and essential hospital treatment. Many insurance companies will need to know which doctor and pharmacy you intend to use.
From 2008, you will have to pay the first EUR 150 of any medical expenses (exclusing GP visits) yourself.
Doctors
You should try to register with a GP (huisarts) as soon as possible. Doctors work almost exclusively from their surgeries, the idea is that they can get to your home within ten minutes if necessary. You normally need to phone and make an initial appointment. You will be asked to bring along things such as proof of health insurance when you first attend.
Dentists
Dental services are expensive and over the last ten years, many dental procedures have disappeared from the basic insurance package. From 2004, adults (over the age of 18) are not covered for annual checks, x-rays and tooth extractions under basic national health insurance. You may therefore want to take out extra insurance.
Pharmacies
An apotheek dispenses prescription drugs. Most open only on weekdays between 9.30am and 5.30pm. There is usually one late night 'on call' pharmacy in each part of town.
Information On-Line
A useful site to visit for news, information and tips in English is www.expatica.com
