Frequently asked questions

What is a document S1 (or 121)?

This is a form we will send to you if you are entitled to health insurance through the CAK. This form contains your personal information and the name of the health insurer to whom you must submit it.

121

In Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cape Verde, North Macedonia, Morocco, Montenegro, Serbia, Tunisia, and Turkey, this form is called 121 rather than S1. It works the same way.

Digital

Do you live or plan to live in the United Kingdom, Cape Verde, North Macedonia, or Tunisia? Then we will not send you a paper S1 (121) form. We will send a digital message to the health insurer in your country of residence.

Also see Registering with the CAK for more information about applying for health insurance through the CAK.

What do you mean by pension or benefit?

Only a statutory pension or benefit from the Netherlands entitles you to CAK health insurance abroad. See What is a statutory pension or benefit? for more information.

What is a healthcare contribution?

A healthcare contribution is an amount you pay for basic healthcare in your country of residence. The amount of this contribution depends on your country of residence, your income, and the number of insured persons. Read more on the healthcare contribution

What is a country-of-residence factor?

Healthcare is different in every country. We take this into account through the country-of-residence factor, so you don't pay too much or too little for the healthcare you receive in your country of residence. Read all about the country-of-residence factor

Can I go to the Netherlands for medical treatment?

This is only possible if you live in the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, the United Kingdom, or Switzerland. You are then entitled to all healthcare and/or treatments included in the Dutch basic health insurance package. Read more about medical treatment in the Netherlands and your right to other healthcare in the Netherlands.

I also have a pension from another country. What should I do?

Do you also have a pension from another country in addition to your Dutch pension? Then we recommend that you apply for health insurance through the CAK through our online tool. We will then determine whether you should be insured through the Netherlands (CAK) or the other country. The periods in which you accrued your pension are decisive in this decision.

I am already insured in my country of residence. What should I do?

Do you already have health insurance because you work in your country of residence or have some other income? Then you probably are not entitled to health insurance through the CAK. Have you already received a letter from us? Then have your health insurer contact us.

Do you have no income from your country of residence, but do receive a pension (e.g., AOW) from the Netherlands? Then you probably need to take out insurance through the CAK, even if you already have private insurance. Check this in our online tool.

How do I deregister or register a family member?

Deregistering

You must first deregister a co-insured family member with the health insurer in your country of residence. They will send a confirmation to the CAK. Has your family member passed away? Then you can contact us directly. Read more about this under How do I report a death?

Registering

Are you already insured through the CAK and would you like to co-insure a family member? This is possible if you meet the conditions. How you register your family member depends on your country of residence. Read more under How do I register my family members?

Why doesn't my family member have an EHIC yet, while I do?

Your family member will also automatically receive their own EHIC. However, this may take a little longer because we first need confirmation from the health insurer in your country of residence. They must first approve the co-insurance.

How do I report a death?

Has someone close to you passed away? Our condolences for your loss. You can read about what happens to the deceased's CAK health insurance on the page How do I report a death abroad?

How do I report a move?

You can report a change of address through Mijn CAK (Dutch only). Your change of address may affect your health insurance. Read more about this under How do I report a change of address?

I am co-insured. What should I do when I receive a pension myself?

Are you co-insured with your partner at the moment and are you about to receive a Dutch pension yourself? In that case, your co-insurance (the health insurance you had as co-insured with your partner/family member) will expire. You will then have to apply for health insurance yourself. Go to CAK insurance abroad to check if you are eligible for health insurance through the CAK.