As an EU/EEA or Swiss student, you have a major advantage: you can often use the health insurance from your home country while you study in the Netherlands. This is done via the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).
However, the EHIC is not a "magic card" that covers everything, and there are specific situations where it becomes invalid. Here is how to use it correctly.
1. What is the EHIC?
The EHIC is a free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
- Coverage: It covers you for the same costs as a Dutch person with basic insurance.
- Medical Necessity: It is intended for care that cannot wait until you return home (e.g., an emergency, a sudden illness, or ongoing chronic conditions).
2. When Can You Use It?
You can use your EHIC as a student as long as:
- You are only studying. You are not working or doing a paid internship.
- You remain a resident of your home country. You are only in the Netherlands for your studies.
- Your card is valid. Check the expiry date on the bottom right of the card.
The moment you start a part-time job or a paid internship, your EHIC is no longer valid for the Netherlands. You must take out Dutch public health insurance (Basisverzekering) immediately.
3. How to Use Your EHIC in the Netherlands
If you need to see a doctor or go to a hospital:
- Show your card: Always carry the physical EHIC card and your ID.
- Payment: In many cases, the doctor or hospital will scan your card and bill your home country directly.
- Reimbursement: If you have to pay upfront, keep all receipts. You can usually claim the money back through your home insurance or through Zilveren Kruis (the Dutch agency that handles EHIC claims).
4. What is NOT Covered?
The EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance or full-coverage Dutch insurance. It does not cover:
- Private healthcare: If you choose a private clinic, you will have to pay.
- Repatriation: Flying you back home in a medical emergency.
- Non-urgent care: Elective surgeries or treatments that can wait until you are back home.
5. Summary Checklist for EU Students
- Ensure your EHIC is valid for the entire duration of your first semester.
- Register with a local Huisarts (GP) and tell them you have an EHIC.
- Keep a digital scan of your EHIC on your phone.
- If you get a job offer, apply for Dutch insurance on your first day of work.
Got a job offer?
Don't risk a fine. Use our tool to calculate when you need to switch from EHIC to Dutch insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
My EHIC is expiring, what should I do?
You must contact the health insurance authority in your home country to request a new one. They can often mail it to your Dutch address.
Does EHIC cover dental?
No. Most dental care for adults in the Netherlands is private. You will have to pay for your own check-ups and fillings.
What if I don't have an EHIC card?
You can request a "Provisional Replacement Certificate" from your home country’s insurance provider if you need urgent care and don't have the card yet.