We are the NVHP, the Dutch patient association for everyone with a congenital bleeding disorder. We have approximately 1,100 members and donors and were founded in 1971 as the 'Nederlandse Vereniging van Hemofilie Patiënten' (Dutch Association of Hemophilia Patients). We are independent, proactive, knowledgeable through experience and reliable.
Our goal is to improve the quality of life for people with a bleeding disorder. For over fifty years, we have been doing this with enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers in our board and working groups, who focus on our three core pillars: advocacy, peer support and information provision.
Do you have any questions or do you need help?
Feel free to get in touch with us:
T: +31 (0)33 247 10 49
E: nvhp@nvhp.nl
W: nvhp.nl
Our website is not available in English. Below you will find the most important information about health insurance in the Netherlands and transporting medicines. We also collected the most important information for refugees and other people with a bleeding disorder that want to travel to the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is known for its universal and excellent standard of healthcare that is regularly rated as one of the best healthcare systems in the world. This page gives you a brief overview of healthcare in the Netherlands, on insurance, finding doctors and specialists and on dealing with emergencies.
Excellent news for anyone looking to work, visit as a tourist or relocate permanently to the Netherlands, healthcare is one area where you won’t have to worry. The system is world-class and affordable for all.
The healthcare system (information last updated june 2025)
*The currency in the Netherlands is euro which is written as EUR or €. Use an online currency converter to check the value of your money in case it’s different from the euro. Consider a Wise borderless account to manage your spendings in the Netherlands. An account let's you hold multiple currencies, avoid hidden fees and send money to over 50 countries with low exchange costs.
The Netherlands has an universal healthcare system managed by the government and supplemented by private insurers. The insurance companies receive funding from a regulator’s fund. Everyone living or working in the Netherlands must have a basic Dutch health insurance, even if you already have private international health insurance from a non-Dutch company.
Health insurance for primary and long-term healthcare services is offered at fixed prices without discrimination based on health or income. People with a lower income can apply for financial assistance for the basic healthcare or supplemental services they can’t afford. Children under 18 are insured for free via the insurance policy of their caretakers.
The basic insuranceplan costs approximately € 150–175 per month and covers costs for visiting the Genreal Practioner (GP) and hospital visits. Some treatments require additional out-of-pocket payments. Many people opt for extra coverage - at a higher cost - for treatments not included in the basic package. An annual mandatory deductible ('own risk') amount of € 385 is set by the government. This amount is reviewed yearly (and possibly changed) by the government.
The government also sets the standards for the basic health coverage. In 2025, this included:
Important: you need to get insurance within 4 months of your arrival.
In emergencies, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital's UCC (Urgent Care Centre or in Dutch 'Spoedeisende hulp'), no registration needed. You can also first contact your local GP or the GP’s out-of-hours telephone line.
Once insured, register with a local GP, your first point of contact for care. GPs often speak English. Registration is required, and not all practices accept new patients and many have waiting lists. You can find GPs online or through your insurer.
You’ll need to register ahead of time before you can visit a local GP. Many general practices offer consultation hours by telephone to assist new patients.
Specialists
To see a bleeding disorder specialist, you will need a referral from your GP. Most specialists work in hospitals, and hospital waiting times can be long. Visits are covered by basic insurance, though an extra fee may apply.
Hospitals
The Netherlands has the following types of hospitals: general, academic and specialized hospitals and independent clinics (mostly privately run). For specialist visits, you register upon arrival and receive a hospital ID card. Basic insurance covers hospital care, though some treatments may include an excess fee.
Expert treatment centres for people with a bleeding disorder
An expert treatment centre (behandelcentrum, hemofiliebehandelcentrum or in short HBC, in Dutch) for adults and children with a bleeding disorder provide care, medication, and advice on treatment, bleeding, medication, sports, or physiotherapy. In the Netherlands there are six expert treatment centres (on 8 locations). Every situation is different, so consult the HBC for the best course of action when you’re in doubt.
You are allowed to bring medication for own use into the Netherlands, provided you carry a letter from your GP indicating that you need this medication. The letter needs to be signed and dated by a licensed GP or better a treatment centre. The letter should list which medicines, how much and which peripheral items you bring (needles, alcohol swabs, etc.) see also this checklist.
If you’re a tourist from an EU/EEA country and staying in the Netherlands for less than 12 months, you can use your European Health Insurance Card. Temporary visitors from outside the EU/EEA should arrange to have their own travel insurance or international health insurance while in the Netherlands.
Anyone with a congenital bleeding disorder, carriers, and parents of a youth with a bleeding disorder can become a member. Membership costs € 37,50 per year.
Why become a member?
We have collected the most important information for refugees who want to travel to the Netherlands. If you have no accommodation (friends, relatives) foreseen in the country, it is best to contact the local organisation before you flee the country. Most European countries have a centralised system to welcome and care for refugees. We strongly recommend that the first contact you establish is with these official systems, so that all the available support, such as accommodation and food, as well as the essential documentation and legal advice, is accessible to you!
This non-governmental organisation represents the interests of refugees and asylum seekers in the Netherlands:
Health care for refugees
It is essential to inform receiving officials that you or your child has a congenital bleeding disorder, so that they can take the necessary steps to support you, such as by contacting a Dutch treatment centre and/or us, the national patient organisation in the Netherlands, as well as provide you with relevant information on the healthcare offered to refugees.
Health care for asylum seekers
Asylum seekers have the right to medical care. At nearly every COA (Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers) location, GZA (Asylum Seeker Healthcare) has a healthcare centre where the asylum seeker can go for an appointment with a healthcare profession, such as the GP’s assistant, nurse, POH-GGZ (Mental Healthcare Nurse Practitioner) or general practitioner.
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