How is healthcare organized in the Netherlands?

A new health insurance system has been introduced in the Netherlands from 1 January 2006. A basic insurance package defined by the government is mandatory for everyone who lives in the Netherlands. Supplementary insurance packages are optionally available at extra cost. Insurance companies have to accept all applicants. For more information, visit http://www.zorgkiezer.nl/ (in Dutch).

For many newcomers, the single most important difference between medical practice in the Netherlands and that of their home country is the predominant role of the general practitioner (‘huisarts'). The doctor's surgery will be near your home, making visits (for you to the surgery or for the doctor to your home if needed) easy to arrange. You need to register with the doctor once you know where you will be living. After that, you should normally call the doctor to make an appointment to see him.
There is 24/7 medical coverage throughout the community. In practice this means that outside regular hours you need to call a central point (the ‘Centrale Huisarten Post') to consult a doctor. This coverage system applies equally to pharmacies.

Another big cultural difference regards childbirth; since pregnancy and childbirth are considered natural conditions, pain relief is used less frequently and many women prefer to give birth at home. You can also choose to have your baby in hospital.

Emergencies
The emergency services are accessible under the 112 telephone number, which covers ambulance, fire and police services. ‘112' will connect you to a central operator who will inquire what services are needed and transfer you locally to someone who can send help.

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