NIEUWS
Healthcare in the Netherlands
The healthcare system in the Netherlands is different from the systems in many other countries. Please read the information on the Dutch situation carefully.
What to do in case of illness?
If you need a doctor, you can make an appointment by telephone or internet to consult a general practitioner (GP)or you can visit the open consultation hour of the Student Health Practice. If you are very ill and unable to come to the clinic, you can ask for a "house call"
Please bring your insurance card and passport with you.
Prescriptions
Your GP´s prescription for medication will be filled at a pharmacy. Most medicines are not available without prescription. This is contrary to the situation in many other countries. It is not possible to get a medical prescription for relatives at home.
Emergencies
For emergencies outside office hours (after 17.00 p.m. and during weekends) you can call the doctor on duty at the "huisartsenpost". 015 - 2511930. The "huisartsenpost" is located near the first aid department of the Reinier de Graaf Hospital
In case of accident or sudden illness requiring immediate attention, you should dial the emergency number 112, the police or ambulance will arrive within a few minutes.
Dentist
If you need a dentist you can get in contact with:
DentalWays
Beukenlaan 4 N
2612 VC Delft
Tel: 015 2154080
For dental emergencies from Friday 18.00 p.m. - Monday 08.00 a.m. you can contact the dentist on weekend duty by phoning: 015 260 32 33.
Health Insurance
It is very important to make sure you have an adequate health insurance policy as medical treatment and medication are expensive. This insurance policy is personal. If you are not properly insured, you will have to pay the expenses yourself. However, health care does not cover all medical expenses. In general it does not cover a routine medical check up and dental care.
Info can be found at:
Payment of bills
- A. General practitioners:
Some doctors will expect you to pay immediately after your consultation; others will send you a bill. You can get a refund by sending the bill to your insurance company using a special claim form available from your insurance company. N.B. Higher fees will be charged for consultations and house calls during evenings and weekends.
- B. Pharmacy:
You have to pay for the medication yourself. It'll be refunded by the insurance company after you send them the bill and the special claim form.
- C. Medical specialist, hospital, lab tests and x-rays:
They will send you a bill. You'll have to send that bill to your insurance company, using a special claim form. Not all costs are covered by the insurance company. Check the policy wording of your insurance before you visit a medical specilalist. If you ar not sure get in contact with your insurance company.
At the end of your stay in the Netherlands you should contact your insurance company when you still have a claim that needs to be settled before you leave the country. You will only have limited time to claim the money via your bank account. This applies to the bills you have received from your GP or the pharmacy.
Summary
- Consult a GP in case of illness, preferably during daytime. Immediate treatment at a hospital is possible in case of an accident or acute severe illness that needs ambulance transportation to hospital or on referral by your GP
- There is a 24 hours GP service, after clinic hours from 8.00 a.m. to 17.00 p.m. for urgent cases.
- Medication is available only on prescription by your doctor, except for a few selected self-care medicines.
- Health insurance is important and personal. Other people are not allowed to be treated on your insurance policy.