Dutch healthcare system

The Dutch healthcare system gives all residents access to good medical care. Everyone must have basic health insurance, which covers visits to the GP, hospital care and most prescription medicines. The system is built on solidarity, equal access and high‑quality care.

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Care in the Netherlands is organised in three levels:

The Dutch healthcare system is organised in 3 levels


1. Primary care – General Practitioner (GP)

The local family doctor (huisarts), your GP, is the first and most important contact in the Dutch system. Every person registers with one GP who knows their medical history. GPs treat many common health problems, manage long-term conditions such as diabetes and lung diseases, perform small procedures and arrange home care when needed.

If the GP thinks you need more specialised help, they give you a referral to the right medical specialist at the second level. This ensures that patients get the correct care quickly and safely.

Read more about finding a GP at the following websites:

2. Secondary care – medical specialists

Secondary care includes all care that requires a referral from the GP. This care can be provided in a hospital (medical specialists) or in other specialised settings, such as mental healthcare (second‑line psychologists), rehabilitation centres or specialised clinics. These professionals offer tests, treatments and procedures that the GP cannot provide. While some insurers sometimes allow direct access, a referral is usually needed.

3. Tertiary care – highly specialised centres

For very complex or rare health problems, patients may be referred to highly specialised centres, such as university medical centres, the national cancer centre, or specialised burn centres. These centres offer advanced diagnostics and treatments and are involved in medical research and specialist training.

More about healthcare in the Netherlands

You can find more information about our healthcare system on these websites (in English):