If you need medical assistance during a stay abroad, your Dutch health insurance may cover part of the costs. This depends on the country you are in and the type of care you receive.
Medical Assistance within the EU/EEA
In the EU, EEA countries, and Switzerland, you have access to necessary medical care. With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you receive treatment under the same conditions as the local population.
Which Costs Are Covered?
| Circumstance | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Acute care within EU | Fully covered (with EHIC) |
| Planned treatment EU | Reimbursement up to Dutch rate |
| Care outside EU | Reimbursement up to Dutch rate |
| Return to Netherlands | Only with extra insurance |
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
The EHIC can be applied for free from your health insurer:
- No costs associated with application
- Valid in EU, EEA, and Switzerland
- Access to necessary care
- Treatment via public healthcare providers
Outside the EU/EEA
Outside the EU/EEA, coverage is often limited:
- Reimbursement up to the Dutch rate
- Often required to pay out-of-pocket
- Supplementary travel insurance is recommended
Frequently Asked Questions about Care Abroad
Do I have to pay healthcare costs abroad myself?
Usually yes, especially outside the EU. Within the EU, you can usually receive treatment directly without advance payment using your EHIC.
Will I be brought back to the Netherlands in case of an accident?
Repatriation is not included in the basic insurance. A supplementary or travel insurance is required for this.
Can I go abroad specifically for treatment?
This is possible, but you must first obtain permission from your insurer. Without approval, you risk limited reimbursement.
Practical Questions and Answers
How do I apply for an EHIC?
The EHIC is available free of charge via your health insurer, often online or through customer service. The card is personal and has a validity period of up to two years. Always take it with you on trips within the EU/EEA or Switzerland to avoid unexpected costs.
What to do in case of emergency assistance abroad?
Within the EU/EEA: show your EHIC at a public healthcare provider for direct treatment. Outside the EU: pay yourself and claim reimbursement later from your insurer (up to Dutch rate). Keep all receipts and reports. In emergencies, call 112 (EU) or the local emergency number.
Are dental costs abroad reimbursed?
Only acute dental care within the EU/EEA is covered with the EHIC. For non-emergency treatments, such as a filling, reimbursement is up to the Dutch rate, provided you have permission from your insurer. Outside the EU, only emergency assistance is reimbursed. Check your policy conditions.
What if my medication is not available?
Take sufficient medication for your trip, plus a reserve supply. Ask your doctor for an English-language prescription and medical certificate. Within the EU, you may sometimes obtain emergency medication with the EHIC, but this is not guaranteed. Consult your insurer in advance if you use chronic medication.
How do I claim healthcare costs from abroad?
Keep all original invoices and medical documents. Complete your insurer's claim form and attach supporting documents. Within the EU/EEA, this often proceeds via the EHIC; outside the EU, you pay upfront. Reimbursement is up to the Dutch rate; note the claim deadline (usually 6 months).
Can I go to a private clinic with my insurance?
With basic insurance, you only get coverage at public healthcare providers within the EU/EEA. For private care, supplementary insurance is often required. Outside the EU, private care is usually not reimbursed. Always request prior permission from your insurer to prevent surprises.
What if my EHIC is not accepted?
First, seek a public healthcare facility. If that is not possible, pay yourself and keep proof for claiming. Contact your insurer for assistance. In some countries, you can involve the local healthcare authority. Supplementary travel insurance often provides a solution.
Relevant institutions in Leiden:
District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location
Juridisch Loket Leiden, Stationsweg 46