A Trip to the Netherlands: Beautiful Canals, Windmills, and Tulip Fields—But Watch Out for High Medical Costs Without Insurance!
The Netherlands is renowned for its stunning canals in Amsterdam, iconic windmills, and vibrant tulip fields. Its charm not only attracts visitors from around the world but also makes it a highly sought-after destination for relocation.
However, before embarking on your journey to this beautiful country, there is one essential thing to remember: travel insurance.
The Netherlands is a bike-friendly nation, with cycling being one of the most popular modes of transportation. Visitors often take advantage of rental bikes for convenient travel. However, this also increases the chances of accidents.
Reports show that traffic accidents involving tourists are on the rise. Here are some common scenarios:
The Risks of Traveling Without Insurance
- Minor Scrapes and Bruises
→ Treatment: Disinfection, bandaging, painkillers.
→ Estimated Medical Costs: €100–€300 - Fractures or Deep Cuts
→ Treatment: X-rays, cast application, sutures.
→ Estimated Medical Costs: €1,000–€5,000 - Head Trauma or Internal Injuries
→ Treatment: CT scans, surgeries, intensive care unit (ICU) stays.
→ Estimated Medical Costs: €10,000–€50,000
Travel insurance is highly recommended to avoid such financial and medical troubles. Several insurance providers offer affordable policies with extensive coverage that can be purchased conveniently online, such as:
| Safety Wing | World Nomads | Heymondo | |
| Insurance Cost (4 weeks) | $56.28 | $215.38 | $113.05 |
| Minimum Coverage Period | 5 days ($10.05~) | 1day ($24.15~) | 1day ($13.21~) |
| Medical Insurance | $250,000 | $5 million | $5 million |
| Flight Delay | $200 | $500 | $450 |
| Dental Treatment | $1,000 | $300 | $300 |
| Theft Compensation | None | $2,500 | $1,700 |
| Waiting Period | None | 72 hours | 72 hours |
* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.
This article emphasizes the importance of having travel insurance when visiting the Netherlands. It also introduces user-friendly, reasonably priced insurance options available online to ensure a safe and stress-free journey.
Medical Standards and Costs in the Netherlands
The Netherlands boasts exceptionally high medical standards, with well-equipped public and private healthcare facilities.
Physicians and nurses are highly skilled and renowned for their expertise, providing a wide range of services from general consultations to advanced medical treatments.
However, public health insurance does not cover travelers, meaning medical expenses must be paid out of pocket. Below are estimates for typical medical costs in the Netherlands:
| Category | Approximate Medical Costs |
| General Consultation | €50~€100 |
| Emergency Room Visit | €100-€300 |
| Prescription Medication | €10~€50 |
| Ambulance Service | €300~€500 |
| Hospitalization Costs (per day) | Private Room: €400-€700 ICU: €1,200~€2,500 |
If you require general consultation or emergency outpatient care in the Netherlands without insurance, the cost can range from €100 to over €500, depending on the nature of the treatment.
Furthermore, if hospitalization or intensive care becomes necessary, medical expenses can be extraordinarily high.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory Upon Entering and Staying in the Netherlands?
In some countries, it is a requirement to have medical insurance upon entry. For example, in the Czech Republic, travelers must present proof of medical insurance upon arrival. Additionally, travelers are required to carry this insurance certificate with their passport during their stay, and failing to do so could result in a fine.
Reference: Which countries require travel insurance when entering the country?
However, in the Netherlands, short-term stays do not require mandatory insurance.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance before traveling to the Netherlands.
Health insurance is mandatory for stays longer than 3 months.
If you stay in the Netherlands for more than 3 months, it is legally required to enroll in the Dutch basic health insurance (Basisverzekering). This insurance is mandatory for all residents of the Netherlands.
The cost of the Basisverzekering is adjusted annually by the Dutch government, and the average premium for 2024 is approximately €147.35 per month. Additionally, there is a standard annual deductible of €385 (Eigen risico). This deductible represents the maximum amount you must pay out of pocket for medical expenses in a year before the insurance starts covering additional costs.
If you fail to enroll in this basic health insurance and stay in the Netherlands for more than 3 months, you may be fined €472.25. If you are planning a long stay, it is recommended to complete the enrollment process as soon as possible.
How to Enroll in the Basic Health Insurance (Basisverzekering)
1. Register as a Resident
To enroll in basic health insurance in the Netherlands, you must first register with the local municipality (Gemeente). This process will issue you a Burgerservicenummer (BSN), which is required for insurance enrollment.
- Required Documents:
– Valid passport or ID
– Residence permit (if applicable)
– Proof of address in the Netherlands (e.g., rental contract) - Procedure:
– Make an appointment at the municipality office and visit.
– After the process, your BSN will be issued (usually on the same day or within a few days).
2. Choose an Insurance Provider
Once your registration is complete, you can select an insurance company. There are several insurance companies in the Netherlands, and while the coverage of the Basisverzekering is nearly identical across providers, the premiums and additional coverage options (Supplementary Insurance) may vary. It is important to choose a plan that suits your needs.
- How to Compare:
– You can easily compare premiums and coverage using English-friendly comparison websites like Independer or Zorgwijzer. - Key Considerations:
– Monthly premium (average €147.35)
– Annual deductible (Eigen risico, standard €385)
– Additional coverage (e.g., dental, physiotherapy)
3. Insurance Enrollment Process
After selecting an insurance company, you can proceed with the enrollment. The process can be easily completed online or by phone.
- Procedure:
– Fill out the online form on the insurance company’s official website.
– Enter the required information (BSN, address, contact details, bank account number, etc.).
– Select your plan and set up the payment method for the premium (usually monthly). - Enrollment Deadline:
– You must complete the enrollment process within 4 months of registering as a resident.
Recommended Online Insurance for Travelers Staying Less Than 3 Months in the Netherlands!
Travel insurance can be very convenient as it allows you to apply online and file a claim online in case of an emergency.
The travel insurance options introduced here are highly convenient because the entire process is completed online, and they offer comprehensive coverage. These are popular options:
- Safety Wing: A cost-effective travel insurance plan that can be purchased online the same day. It also allows enrollment from abroad without any waiting period.
- World Nomads: Offers comprehensive coverage, including medical insurance as well as protection against theft.
- Heymondo: Features plans tailored for long-term travelers, with options that include up to $10 million in medical coverage.
To enjoy your trip to the Netherlands with peace of mind, consider signing up for one of these insurance plans!
1. Safety Wing
Safety Wing is a highly popular travel insurance for travelers, known for its ease of enrollment. You can sign up online on the same day, making it very convenient.
Additionally, even if you are already staying in the Netherlands or another country, you can join with no waiting period. It provides reliable support, giving you peace of mind in case of unexpected troubles.
Features of Safety Wing
- Monthly premium: $56.28
- Insurance coverage can be purchased for as short as 5 days
- No waiting period for enrollment from abroad
- 24/7 live chat support
- Covers flight delays and lost baggage
- Smooth online process from quote to enrollment
The specific insurance coverage details are as follows:
| Coverage Type | Coverage Limit | Examples of Coverage |
| Medical Insurance | $250,000 | Hospitalization, nursing care, ambulance for hospitalization, MRI diagnostics, long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, complications of pregnancy. |
| Emergency Dental Treatment | $1,000 | Emergency dental treatment to resolve the onset of acute pain (sudden and unforeseen). |
| Emergency Transportation | $100,000 | Costs for emergency transport to a well-equipped hospital. |
| Medical Return | $5,000 | Emergency return costs for medical reasons. |
| Emergency Return | $5,000 | Transportation costs for emergency return due to the death of a family member. |
| Lost Checked Baggage | $3,000 | Compensation if baggage is not found after 10 days of being reported lost (maximum $500 per item). |
| Flight Delay | $200 | Meals and accommodation expenses for delays exceeding 12 hours (up to $100 per day for a maximum of 2 days). |
| Passport Theft | $100 | Costs for reissuing a passport or visa in case of theft. |
| Auto Accident | $250,000 | Accidental automobile accidents occurring while possessing a valid license and wearing safety equipment. |
| Trip Interruption (Return) | $250,000 | Circumstances necessitating return due to family death or similar reasons. |
| Death | $20,000 | Costs for transporting remains back to Japan (up to $10,000 if buried locally). |
* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.
Safety Wing is an excellent value travel insurance that offers up to $250,000 in medical coverage for a monthly premium of $56.28.
It is highly flexible, allowing you to adjust based on your travel duration and budget, so you can use it efficiently without unnecessary costs.
To prepare for any potential issues, try a simple online quote to get started!
Nomad Insurance for $56.28/month
* Easy estimate of insurance premiums according to your travel plan!
2. World Nomads
World Nomads is a highly reliable travel insurance that offers extensive coverage, ranging from medical insurance to theft protection. It also covers risks like pickpocketing and theft, making it a strong ally in dealing with unexpected troubles during your travels.
Features of World Nomads
- Insurance fees vary depending on the destination
(e.g., for a 4-week policy including the US, the monthly premium is $265.07) - The medical coverage limit is up to $5 million (or unlimited)
- Covers flight delays and lost baggage
- 24/7 support via phone and email
The specific insurance coverage details are as follows:
| Coverage Type | Coverage Limit | Examples of Coverage |
| Medical Insurance | $5 million | Hospitalization, nursing care, emergency ambulance for hospitalization, MRI diagnostics, long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, etc. |
| Emergency Dental Treatment | $300 | Emergency dental treatment to resolve acute pain (sudden and unexpected onset). |
| Medical Transportation | $500,000 | Costs for emergency transportation to an equipped hospital. |
| Emergency Return | $500,000 | Costs associated with emergency return due to sudden illness or injury. |
| Baggage Coverage | $2,500 | Coverage for theft, damage, or loss of baggage that occurs during travel. |
| Flight Delay | $500 | Compensation for additional accommodation and transportation costs incurred due to flight cancellation or delays over 12 hours. |
| Trip Interruption (Return Home) | $3,500 | Costs for returning due to family illness or death. |
| In the case of Death | $15,000 | Transportation costs for repatriation of remains to Japan, or costs for local burial. |
* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.
World Nomads insurance premiums are slightly higher, for example, $215.38 for 4 weeks, but in return, it offers comprehensive coverage with a maximum coverage amount of up to $5 million, providing reliable peace of mind.
Visit the World Nomads website to get an estimate for the best plan for your trip.
3. Heymondo
For those planning a long-term stay in Europe, including the Netherlands, Heymondo is a highly cost-effective option.
By choosing a 3-month plan, you not only lower your monthly premiums but also gain access to a plan with up to $10 million in medical coverage.
Additionally, it covers not only medical insurance but also issues like pickpocketing and theft, ensuring reliable support for your safety and peace of mind during your extended stay.
Features of Heymondo
- Cost-effective 3-month plan for long-term stays
- Premiums vary depending on the country of travel
- Medical coverage limit of up to $5 million (or $10 million)
- Flight delay and lost baggage compensation
- 24/7 support (phone/email)
The specific insurance coverage details are as follows:
| Coverage Type | Coverage Limit | Examples of Coverage |
| Medical Insurance | $5 million | Hospitalization, nursing care, ambulance for hospitalization, MRI diagnosis, long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, etc. |
| Emergency Dental Treatment | $300 | Emergency dental treatment to resolve acute pain (sudden and unexpected onset). |
| Extended Stay Costs | $1,800 | Emergency transportation costs to a well-equipped hospital. |
| Emergency Medical Transport | $5 million | Emergency return costs for medical reasons. |
| Baggage Coverage | $1,700 | Transportation costs for emergency return due to family bereavement. |
| Flight Delay | $450 | Meal and accommodation expenses for delays over 12 hours (maximum $100 per day for 2 days). |
| Trip Interruption (Return) | $3,500 | Circumstances requiring return due to family death, etc. |
| In the Case of Death | $100,000 | Transportation costs to return the body to Japan (up to $10,000 for local burial). |
* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.
This is the coverage for the standard plan (Travel Insurance Top). In addition, Heymondo offers a variety of insurance plans to suit different needs.
The premiums vary depending on the plan, and some options include extensive coverage with up to $10 million in medical benefits.
For detailed information on premiums, feel free to check the Heymondo official website and easily get a quote!
Thank you for reading to the end!!
If you’re looking to find the best travel insurance for your needs, be sure to check out the details through the following link.
The Best Nomad Insurance; We highly recommend Safety Wing [$56/month].
We’ve selected popular insurance services for nomads traveling abroad, clearly outlining their features and benefits. You’ll surely find a plan that’s perfect for you. Be sure to take a look!
