Doctors, dentists and emergencies for international students
You can't just walk into a doctor here. Register with a GP now, learn what 112 and the huisartsenpost are, and know what your insurance covers.
Register with a huisarts (GP) while you're healthy
The GP is the gate to everything: specialists, hospital, prescriptions. You must be registered with one to get an appointment. Practices near student areas fill up; check your university's student doctor first, then the gemeente's list of practices taking new patients. Bring your BSN and insurance details.
Emergency
112 for life-threatening emergencies. Evenings, nights and weekends: the huisartsenpost (out-of-hours GP), always call first. Don't walk into A&E (spoedeisende hulp) without being sent; you'll wait and you'll pay.
What's covered
EU students on an EHIC: GP and hospital care at Dutch rates, not dentistry. Non-EU students on Aon or Insure to Study: check your policy, most cover GP, hospital and some dental. On Dutch basic insurance (when you work): GP is free, most other care counts towards your own risk (eigen risico, €385 a year). Dentists are never in basic insurance for adults; a check-up is €25 to €60.
Mental health
Every university has student psychologists, usually free and fast for a first talk. Your GP can refer you to further care. Don't wait until exams.
Pharmacy
Apotheek for prescriptions, drogist (Kruidvat, Etos) for painkillers and everyday stuff. Paracetamol is in the supermarket.