Moving to the Netherlands brings incredible opportunities and new responsibilities. One of the first items to sort out is Dutch health insurance. For most people who live or work in the country, health insurance is mandatory, and the market can feel unfamiliar at first glance. Zilveren Kruis, part of the Achmea group, is one of the largest and most established insurers, with English-language support and products that work well for newcomers.
This in-depth guide explains who must be insured, how to pick a policy, what Zilveren Kruis offers in 2025, and how to save money through the healthcare allowance. It’s designed for immigrants, expats, and international students who want clear, up-to-date answers without jargon.
Who must be insured
The rule of thumb is simple: if you live or work in the Netherlands, you must take out standard Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering). This applies regardless of nationality, and it guarantees access to a GP, hospital care, and prescription medication as defined by the national basic package. Children must also be insured, but they don’t pay premiums.
International students are a special case. If you are in the Netherlands solely to study and you do not work (and are not otherwise insured under the Dutch long-term care system, Wlz), you are typically exempt from taking out Dutch basic insurance. If you take a paid job or an internship that pays at least the Dutch minimum wage, you must switch to Dutch basic insurance from your work start date. Always check your exact status, as the SVB and your university can confirm whether you are Wlz-insured.
When to take insurance
New residents and workers must insure “as quickly as possible” and no later than four months after arriving or after their obligation starts. If you delay beyond four months, you won’t be covered for earlier care and may receive a reminder or fine from the CAK. Specific residence-permit situations can involve backdating coverage to the permit start date; in such cases premiums may be due retroactively.
There’s also an annual switching season for everyone already insured: cancel by 31 December and take out a new policy by 1 February, with coverage effective from 1 January. Insurers can even cancel your old policy on your behalf if you switch by 31 December.
Zilveren Kruis at a glance
Zilveren Kruis offers English-language information, a mobile app with an EHIC card view, and clear pathways for newcomers to apply. The brand operates nationwide and accepts anyone entitled to Dutch basic insurance (insurers have an acceptance obligation for the basic package). Supplemental policies are optional and may be medically underwritten.
For 2025, Zilveren Kruis offers three basic plans that differ mainly by provider network and reimbursement at non-contracted providers: Basis Budget (budget in-kind), Basis Zeker (standard in-kind), and Basis Exclusief (broad choice).
Plan options and 2025 premiums
Basis Budget is the lowest-priced policy with a limited hospital network. Basis Zeker offers 100% coverage at all contracted hospitals and providers. Basis Exclusief is designed for broader choice and reimburses 100% at all hospitals nationwide. Indicative monthly premiums in 2025 are €149.50 (Basis Budget), €156.25 (Basis Zeker), and €172.75 (Basis Exclusief); your actual price depends on any voluntary deductible and other settings.
As with all Dutch basic insurance, the covered care is set by the government; what changes between plans is the network and how out-of-network claims are handled. If you choose a more restrictive network, you’ll usually pay a lower premium.
What the basic package covers
The basic package always includes GP care, hospital and specialist care, medically necessary medications (within the national drug list), ambulance transport, maternity care, and mental health services. Supplemental insurance (aanvullend) can be added for adult dental, physiotherapy, orthodontics, alternative medicine, and more. Insurers can medically underwrite supplemental policies and may decline or set conditions for higher-tier dental cover.
Children under 18 are co-insured for free on the adult’s policy for both the basic package and, at Zilveren Kruis, the highest supplemental package of the parent(s), which is helpful if you expect orthodontic or dental costs.
Mandatory deductible explained
Adults with Dutch basic insurance pay a compulsory annual deductible (eigen risico). In 2025 the deductible remains €385 per person. This deductible does not apply to some services, notably GP consultations, obstetric and maternity care, community nursing, and most care for children under 18. You can optionally add a voluntary deductible to lower your premium, but that increases your out-of-pocket risk.
Prescription medicines and hospital specialist care usually count toward the deductible, though certain co-payments can also apply depending on the medication and rules set by the government.
How the application works
To take out a Zilveren Kruis policy, you typically need your BSN (citizen service number), Dutch address registration, and a start date (for example, the day your employment begins). You can apply online in English, receive a digital policy certificate, and use the app to view your EHIC when traveling within the EU/EEA. For basic insurance, the insurer must accept you; for supplemental policies, health questions may apply.
If you’re switching from another Dutch insurer during the end-of-year window, Zilveren Kruis can handle the transfer so your old policy is canceled automatically and your new policy starts seamlessly on 1 January.
What immigrants actually pay
Two cost elements matter: the monthly premium set by your insurer and the deductible for certain types of care. Employers in the Netherlands also pay an income-dependent contribution under the Healthcare Insurance Act (Zvw) directly to the tax authority; this is separate from your nominal premium and not deducted from your net wage. Group discounts on the basic policy were abolished in 2023, but employers or associations can still offer discounts on supplemental insurance.
Healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) 2025
If your income is modest, you may qualify for a monthly healthcare allowance from the Dutch government to help with the premium and deductible. For 2025, the upper income limit is €39,719 for singles and €50,206 combined for fiscal partners. Asset limits also apply: up to €141,896 for singles and €179,429 combined for partners on 1 January 2025. Maximum monthly payments in 2025 are around €131 for individuals and €250 for partners, and the exact amount depends on your assessed income. You apply through the tax authority’s Benefits portal (toeslagen).
You can submit an application retroactively up to September 1 of the following year, which helps new arrivals who missed the initial window.
International students and young professionals
Students not working in the Netherlands usually do not need Dutch basic insurance and can keep private or EU coverage; however, once you take any paid job or a sufficiently paid internship, you must switch to Dutch basic insurance immediately. Universities and city expat desks can help clarify the rules for your specific situation.
If you’re a graduate transitioning to work, set your basic insurance start date to your first day of employment and apply promptly so there is no gap in coverage.
Networks and provider choice
Dutch basic policies come in three flavors market-wide: in-kind (natura), combination, and restitution (full choice). Zilveren Kruis’ 2025 portfolio is in-kind and broad-choice within the brand: Basis Budget has a limited hospital network, Basis Zeker covers all contracted hospitals, and Basis Exclusief aims for wider choice, including all hospitals nationwide. If you visit a non-contracted provider on an in-kind plan, reimbursement may be partial, so check the Zilveren Kruis care finder before treatment.
For planned treatment outside the Netherlands, Zilveren Kruis maintains contracted relationships in a few neighboring countries for specific services; out-of-network care abroad may require prior authorization and may be reimbursed at capped rates.
Family and children coverage
Add your children to your policy within four months of birth or arrival. Kids pay no premium or deductible for the basic package, and most routine dental care up to age 18 is covered under the basic insurance. At Zilveren Kruis, children are co-insured at the highest supplemental level of the parent(s), which can help with orthodontic coverage when the waiting period conditions are met.
When your child turns 18, they must take out their own basic insurance and will start paying the adult premium (and deductible) from the first month after their 18th birthday.
Paying and managing your policy
You pay the premium monthly and can manage claims, view your policy, and message support via the Zilveren Kruis app. Many people choose to keep the compulsory deductible as-is, but if you rarely use care, you can opt for a higher voluntary deductible to lower your premium. Keep in mind that medicines and specialist care are typically subject to the deductible, while GP consultations are not.
If you fail to insure when required, the CAK will send a letter; you’ll have three months to act before fines are levied and, ultimately, you could be assigned to an insurer with premiums deducted at source.
Simple comparison strategy
- Confirm you’re required to take Dutch basic insurance (resident/worker vs student). 2) Decide on a plan type: lower premium with a restricted network, or broader choice at a higher premium. 3) Pick a voluntary deductible level you can afford in an emergency. 4) Add supplemental and dental cover only if it pays off for your expected care. 5) Check your healthcare allowance eligibility and apply promptly.
Table: eligibility and timelines
| Scenario | Do you need Dutch insurance? | Deadline or amount |
|---|---|---|
| Living or working in the Netherlands | Yes, basic insurance is compulsory | Take out within 4 months of arrival/obligation start |
| Residence permit becomes effective | Yes; coverage may start from permit date | If backdated, premiums may be due retroactively |
| Student with paid job or paid internship | Yes, Dutch basic insurance is required | From the first day of paid work/internship |
| Student not working (study only) | Usually no; use private/EHIC or student policy | Confirm Wlz status with SVB/university |
| Children under 18 | Must be insured but pay no premium or deductible | Register within 4 months of birth/arrival |
| Healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) | Possible if income and assets are below limits | Singles ≤ €39,719; partners ≤ €50,206; max ~€131/€250 per month |
| Annual switching window | You can switch insurers | Cancel by 31 Dec; enroll new by 1 Feb (effective 1 Jan) |
(See the cited government and insurer pages throughout for the underlying rules and 2025 figures.)
Why many immigrants choose Zilveren Kruis
Large network and clear English support make Zilveren Kruis easy to navigate. Its three-plan lineup mirrors how many newcomers actually use care: GP and routine needs on a budget plan, or broader hospital choice on Basis Zeker or Basis Exclusief. The insurer’s app is practical for claims and for pulling up a digital EHIC when traveling, and the brand’s scale often translates to straightforward processes when you move house, add a newborn, or change jobs.
Employer collectives and discounts today
Employers used to negotiate discounts on basic policies, but those were abolished in 2023. Today, group arrangements may still offer service benefits or discounts on supplemental insurance, while your employer separately pays the income-dependent Zvw contribution to the tax authority. If your company offers a collective with Zilveren Kruis, compare the supplemental options against your actual needs rather than assuming it’s automatically cheaper.
Common questions answered
Is GP care free? GP consultations do not count toward the deductible, though lab tests or referrals may.
Can an insurer refuse me? Not for basic insurance; they must accept everyone eligible. They can refuse supplemental packages or set conditions.
What if I forget to insure on time? The CAK will send a notice; you’ll have three months to comply before fines and automatic registration.
Can I lower my premium? Choose a plan with a tighter network, select a higher voluntary deductible if suitable, and apply for the healthcare allowance if eligible.
How do I add my child? Add them within four months; they’re covered free under your basic policy, and at Zilveren Kruis they mirror the highest supplemental level among the parents.
Steps to get covered smoothly
Step 1: Confirm your obligation (resident, worker, or student with a job).
Step 2: Choose among Zilveren Kruis Basis Budget, Basis Zeker, or Basis Exclusief based on your provider preference and budget.
Step 3: Decide on your voluntary deductible level.
Step 4: Add supplemental or dental cover only if you’ll use it.
Step 5: Apply online and set the correct start date.
Step 6: Use the toeslagen portal to apply for the healthcare allowance if you qualify. Keep your address, bank account, and family composition up to date in your insurer’s portal to avoid missed notices or reimbursement delays.
Choosing the right Dutch health insurance as a newcomer doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding who must be insured, how Zilveren Kruis structures its plans, and what financial support is available, you can match your coverage to your lifestyle and budget with confidence. If you’re still unsure which option fits best, speak to an adviser who can compare Basis Budget, Basis Zeker, and Basis Exclusief against your income, family situation, and expected care then apply for the healthcare allowance to reduce your monthly costs. With a clear plan, your first year in the Netherlands can be healthy, protected, and financially smart.
