New to the Netherlands?
If you’ve just moved to the Netherlands, understanding how the healthcare system works is essential—especially when it comes to finding a GP (huisarts), knowing what your insurance covers, and what steps to take if you need care.
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GP, Specialist, or Emergency Room?
Not sure where to go when you're feeling unwell? Here’s a quick guide:
GP
Go to a GP if you have flu, infections, minor injuries, or need a check-up.
Phone number of Brabantpark GP: +31 765216733
Specialist
Go to a specialist if your GP refers you. You can’t just walk in and see one!
Emergency
Go to the Emergency Room (ER) if you have a
life-threatening situation
Think: chest pain, major bleeding, or passing out).
Call 112 if it’s serious.
Location: Amphia Ziekenhuis, Molengracht 21, 4818 CK Breda
A website that can be useful to use is Thuisarts.nl, this website is available in many languages
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EU Students
If you have an EU health card (EHIC), you should always check with your insurer in your home country to see if they will cover your stay and studies abroad.
Health Insurance
If you’re studying in The Netherlands, you MUST have health insurance.
Antibiotics? Not so Fast!
In the Netherlands, doctors are cautious with antibiotics. You won’t get them for every sniffle — only when truly needed. For colds or mild infections, expect advice like: “drink tea, rest, and take paracetamol.”
To improve student and employee well-being and to make sure health care is accessible for everyone, Marlot Peters MSc. (picture) of the General physician practice Brabantpark runs consultation hours at the campus of BUas three days per week.
When?
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11.00 to 12.00 hrs and Wednesdays from 10.00 to 12.00 hrs.
Where?
In room Hn2.020 or Hn2.021 (private area of Horizon, watch this video for the route or follow the sign directions).
Your GP is basically your healthcare manager. They help with minor illnesses, give prescriptions, and decide if you need to see a specialist. You can’t just book an appointment with a hospital doctor—you need a GP’s referral first. This keeps the system efficient and prevents overcrowding at hospitals.
GP = First point of contact
No direct access to hospital or doctors
Referral required for specialist
The Role of the GP
How Does the Dutch Healthcare System Work?
The Dutch healthcare system is simple: if you're sick, start with a GP (huisarts). They’ll check you out and, if needed, send you to a specialist or hospital. Everyone in the Netherlands must have health insurance, which covers most medical costs.
Some things are free (like GP visits), while others have an "own risk" fee (eigen risico) before insurance kicks in. Don’t forget to register with a local GP when you move to the Netherlands! Need help? Check ‘How to register with a GP’.
Start with a GP (huisarts)
Health Insurance is mandatory
Pay own risk