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Moving to a new country? Health insurance guide for European expats
~€140/mo
NL basic premium
€385
Mandatory excess (NL)
€100k+
Max coverage per year
Nov-Dec
NL switching period
What are health insurance?
Health insurance in Europe operates differently from country to country, but two broad models exist: mandatory social health insurance (like the Netherlands, Germany, and France) and national health services funded through taxation (like the UK and Spain).
In mandatory insurance systems, every resident must purchase health insurance from a regulated insurer. The government defines a minimum coverage package (basic or statutory insurance), and insurers must accept every applicant regardless of health status or age. You can then optionally purchase supplementary insurance for additional coverage like dental, physiotherapy, or alternative medicine.
In national health service models, healthcare is provided by the state and funded through taxes. Private health insurance is available as a supplement for shorter waiting times, private hospital rooms, or coverage not included in the public system.
For expats and cross-border workers, the situation can be complex. The EU coordinates social security systems through Regulation (EC) 883/2004, which determines which country's health insurance system applies to you. Generally, you are insured in the country where you work, not where you live. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides temporary coverage when traveling in another EU country, but it only covers medically necessary care, not routine treatments.
Health insurance comparison platforms help you find the best insurer for your needs by comparing premiums, coverage details, customer satisfaction ratings, and excess amounts. In countries with mandatory insurance like the Netherlands, switching insurers once a year (during the designated switching period) can save significant money without losing coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. All residents must have basic health insurance (basisverzekering) within 4 months of registration. You choose your insurer, but the basic package is standardized by law. The average premium is around €130-145/month. A government healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) is available for lower incomes.
The basic package covers GP visits, hospital care, prescription medicines, mental healthcare (with referral), maternity care, and emergency care. Dental care is only covered for those under 18. Physiotherapy is covered from the 21st session. Supplementary insurance covers extras like dental, physiotherapy, and alternative medicine.
Within the EU/EEA, you can use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary stays. For residents, you must join the local health system. International health insurance is an alternative for expats who move frequently, but it is more expensive than local coverage.
You can switch basic health insurance every year during the switching period (usually November-December for the next year). Insurers must accept you for the basic package regardless of your health. Supplementary insurance can be rejected or have waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.
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