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Going to the Netherlands for medical treatment


Do you want to travel the Netherlands for medical treatment? You can do that. You do not need authorisation for this. The Dutch rules apply.

Good to know

You are only eligible for reimbursement of the treatment if:

  • you live in an EU/EEA Member State, the United Kingdom or Switzerland;
  • you are insured through the CAK; and
  • the treatment is included in the Dutch healthcare package.

How it works

Check whether the treatment is included in the Dutch healthcare package

An overview of the most common treatments can be found on the Zilveren Kruis website. There, you can also find out whether you have to pay a personal contribution.

Long-term care

Do you require a high level of care and supervision around the clock? If so, you may be entitled to long-term care. To receive this care, you will need a so-called ‘indicatiebesluit’ (indication). You can request an indication from the Centrum indicatiestelling zorg (CIZ, Care Needs Assessment Centre). You can arrange this before you travel to the Netherlands. You will receive notification from the CIZ within 6 weeks.

Please note

Are you staying in a Dutch institution for a longer period of time? In that case, you will become a Dutch resident again. This means that your health insurance through the CAK will end.

Select a healthcare provider and book an appointment

You have a free choice of healthcare provider. The Zilveren Kruis will refund the costs of your care on the basis of rates set at national level or in accordance with market rates. Usually, they cover the costs of treatment. Do you want to be sure that your treatment costs will be fully reimbursed? Then contact Zilveren Kruis (Groep Buitenlands Recht [Foreign Law Unit]) at [email protected] or call +31 (0) 33 445 68 70.

Do you not yet know who will be treating you (which doctor, hospital or other healthcare provider)? You can choose a healthcare provider via KiesBeter (Zorginzicht.nl). There, you will find details of healthcare providers with quality ratings.

Arrange a referral letter

Do you need a referral letter? Obtain a referral letter in Dutch or English from your country of residence. You can ask your doctor or treatment provider in your country of residence to provide one. Are you already in the Netherlands? Then visit a Dutch GP first. They can issue you with a referral letter.

Don't forget your EHIC

Take your CAK-issued EHIC with you on your first visit. Show it to the healthcare provider.

This way, you will not have to pay the costs of your treatment in advance. The healthcare provider will send the bill to the Zilveren Kruis. This is the health insurer that arranges healthcare costs for treaty beneficiaries in the Netherlands.

Does a personal contribution apply to your treatment? If so, you will have to pay it yourself.

EHIC

Pensioners and benefit recipients (and their family members) will automatically receive an EHIC from the CAK upon registration. Are you a family member of a cross-border worker and do you not yet have an EHIC? You can request one online free of charge.