Healthcare & education
Health insurance, family doctor and school for your children.
Topics in this section
Taking out health insurance
In the Netherlands a basic health insurance is mandatory for everyone aged 18 and over. Take out insurance within 4 months of getting your residence permit. You are often entitled to healthcare allowance.
Family doctor and emergencies
The family doctor (huisarts) is your first contact for health complaints. Register with a family doctor nearby. In life-threatening situations call 112; outside office hours call the out-of-hours doctor service (huisartsenpost).
School for your children
Children aged 5 to 16 must go to school (compulsory education). Newcomers often start in a language class (newcomers class). You apply directly at a school nearby.