Can tourists go to the doctor in the Netherlands? (2024)

Can tourists go to the doctor in the Netherlands?

Tourists should bring a supply of their necessary medicine and provide proper documentation while traveling. American tourists are reminded medical services aren't provided free of charge, as the Dutch National Health Service does not cover visitors to the Netherlands.

How do I go to the doctor in the Netherlands?

Making an appointment with a doctor in the Netherlands

You can make an appointment by calling your huisarts office directly. If you prefer to go the digital way, most offices also have their own websites where you can pick and choose an appointment timeslot.

Is healthcare free in the Netherlands for foreigners?

If you don't have insurance, you'll still receive care and treatment in any emergency situations. However, healthcare in the Netherlands for foreigners isn't free. You'll be expected to pay for any medical care you receive. If you don't have the financial ability to pay for your care, assistance may be available.

Can I go to the hospital without a GP in Netherlands?

For medical assistance in the Netherlands, you need to consult the family doctor before you go to the hospital. The only exception is an emergency. If there is an emergency you must call 112 directly. The national emergency number in the Netherlands is 112 for police, fire and ambulance assistance.

What happens if you get sick in the Netherlands?

Who do you need to contact? If you become ill, you must report this to your employer as soon as possible. If you do not have an employment contract, you have to report your illness to the UWV in order to claim Sickness Benefit. If you are self-employed, you can take out insurance in case you become ill.

What to do if you get sick in Amsterdam?

Do you need a prescription in the Netherlands?

You can only buy prescription drugs at a pharmacy. Over-the-counter drugs can be bought at chemists and supermarkets without a prescription.

How much does a doctor visit cost in the Netherlands?

How much does it cost to go to the doctor in the Netherlands?

Doctor's appointments

A GP visit in the Netherlands costs around €30. Your GP is the only person who can refer you for specialised care, for example to go to the hospital. They can also give you basic pharmacy prescriptions.

What happens if I don't have health insurance in the Netherlands?

The Central Administration Office (CAK) is responsible for verifying that everyone in the Netherlands has health insurance. If you're uninsured, you'll receive warning letters from CAK and a fine.

Do I need health insurance to visit Netherlands?

What kind of insurance do I need when applying for a visa for the Netherlands? When you apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands you must have health insurance or travel insurance that covers any medical expenses you may incur while in the Schengen area.

Do I need health insurance in the Netherlands?

Everyone residing in the Netherlands is obliged to take out health insurance, even if you are only temporarily living and working in the country. Find out about Dutch health insurance providers, what you're covered for and how to apply, to make settling into life in Amsterdam that much easier.

Do you pay to see a GP in the Netherlands?

Normally, you do not have to pay a personal contribution for care provided by your GP. In this case, it is important that your GP has a contract with your health insurer. If you visit a GP who does not have a contract with your health insurer, you may be asked to pay a personal contribution.

How much is a hospital visit in the Netherlands?

How do I go to the hospital in the Netherlands?

Healthcare emergencies

Dial 112 for emergency help in the Netherlands. If well enough, you can also travel directly to an accident and emergency department at your nearest hospital. However, it is first recommended to contact your family doctor or your local out-of-hours huisartsenpost for advice.

What happens if an American gets sick in Europe?

Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.

What to do if you get sick internationally?

Health Care Resources for Travelers

The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

What diseases are common in Netherlands?

In 2019, the leading causes of death in the Netherlands were lung cancer, stroke and ischaemic heart disease (Figure 2). Mortality rates from lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continue to be among the highest in the EU, despite some reductions over the years.

Can you get antibiotics in Amsterdam?

You cannot get prescription medicines without a prescription. A legal medicine supplier will never give you prescription medicines if you do not have a prescription from a Doctor. Doctors, including online doctors, may only prescribe you medicines if they meet certain conditions.

Can I go to the emergency room in the Netherlands?

Urgent medical care

The GP's office is only available during working hours. Outside working hours you can contact an urgent care centre (in Dutch: huisartsenpost). For urgent medical care, such as a dislocated shoulder, you can also directly go straight to a hospital's emergency room (ER) (in Dutch: spoedeisende hulp).

What to do in a medical emergency in the Netherlands?

If it's an emergency, call 112. In less serious cases, you can visit your GP.

Can I bring ibuprofen to Amsterdam?

You can bring most medicines with you to the Netherlands as long as you can prove that they are for your own use. You should however follow the rules for bringing medicines with you.

Can pharmacists prescribe antibiotics in the Netherlands?

Prescription medicines that you get from your doctor and pharmacy are always safe. In the Netherlands, only they are allowed to prescribe and supply prescription drugs. They will also tell you how you should use the medicine. Health insurers only provide cover for medicines supplied by legal pharmacies.

Do you need a prescription for antibiotics in the Netherlands?

Most medicines require a prescription from your GP after a personal consultation. However, after a consultation, it is possible that you will receive a diagnosis, but no medication. This restraint in prescribing medication applies particularly to the use of antibiotics.

Is health Care cheap in the Netherlands?

The Dutch system is worthy of such attention: It provides virtually everybody with high-quality and convenient medical care, and at a much cheaper price than the U.S. system—per capita health spending in the Netherlands in 2009 was only $4,914, compared with $7,960 in the U.S.