Health and Medical Information

In case of emergency - ambulance - fire - police - dial 112

Dutch Emergency Services Logo

A visitor to the Netherlands faces no special health risks, as the overall health conditions are excellent. No special inoculations are required. Any necessary immunization is available locally. Although Dutch law is strict about commercial processing, cooking, handling, and serving of foods, consumers are advised to show caution when using eggs and preparing poultry, as salmonella bacteria has been found in these products. Tap water is of excellent quality and safe to drink.

Dutch medical care is of high quality and is comparable to the medical care one finds throughout Western Europe. Diagnostic laboratories and specialists in all fields of medicine are available. Hospitals are well-equipped, and maternity hospitals and many clinics are available. Most doctors and dentists speak English.

Most medicines are available locally. They may not, however, be the same brand names as those used in the United States and prices are generally higher. Tourists should bring a supply of the medicine that they know they will need whilst abroad and provide proper documentation.

American tourists are reminded that medical services cannot be provided free of charge, as the Dutch National Health Service does not cover visitors to the Netherlands. It is therefore recommended to obtain an estimate of the cost involved before receiving any services. It is also important to telephone the doctor's office for an appointment.

If your situation warrants, you should seek assistance from a hospital. These institutions are staffed and equipped to deal with emergency situations.

Emergency services (including transportation by ambulance) are not free and you will be billed for any services rendered to you.

The Netherlands Association of Hospitals has compiled a list of all Dutch hospitals, which can be searched by city.

If you are staying in a hotel, contact the reception desk and they will direct you to the doctor or dentist assigned to that hotel. If you are staying with a friend or family, you are advised to contact their family doctor or dentist.

See also : www.touristdoctor.huisartsen.nl

Non emergency medical assistance

You are obliged to register with a general practitioner [huisarts] before attempting to obtain non-emergency medical treatment from a specialist.  Your health insurance company in The Netherlands will be able to provide you with a list of doctors and/or dentists in your postcode area.  You can also consult the following websites www.huisartsen.nl  and www.tandartsennet.nl for further information.

The medical care sector in The Netherlands is based on a referral system which requires patients to see a local huisarts first.  Medical specialists will generally only see those patients who have been referred to them by a general practitioner.

For more information on the Dutch Health Care Insurance system please see the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.  http://www.minvws.nl/en/themes/health-insurance-system/default.asp