Cross-border workers and their Dutch national health insurance entitlement

In Dutch terms, the phrase “cross-border workers” typically brings Belgium or Germany to mind. However, the pool of cross-border workers is actually broader, encompassing everyone resident in the Netherlands who works in any other European Union member state. If you are a cross-border worker, this will have consequences for your entitlement to Dutch national health insurance. More information on this subject can be found below.

Insured in accordance with the system in your country of work

There is an arrangement within the European Union that you are insured in the country where you work and where you accordingly pay your social security premiums. If you are resident in the Netherlands but work in another country, you are covered by the social system of the country where you work. You must register with the health insurance service (in some countries known as a “sickness fund”) there. You can, however, claim care in the Netherlands as well. To do so, you must register with CZ Care Insurance (CZ Zorgverzekeringen).

Need private insurance?

In some countries, such as Germany, obligatory insurance with the “sickness fund” applies only up to a certain wage limit. If your income is above that limit, you must arrange for your own private health insurance. It is often possible, however, to take out (supplementary) health insurance. The disadvantage of this is that such insurance is based on the consideration that you are deemed to be “purchasing” care in that country.

Since you live in the Netherlands, it is more likely that you will want to see a doctor there. Are you looking for health insurance for such a situation? OOM Verzekeringen offers a custom solution based on its Global Traveler insurance. For more information, please contact OOM Verzekeringen.

More information

A number of websites offering interesting information are listed below: 

• Social Security Bank (SVB) (including information on when you are a counted as resident of the Netherlands).
• Health Care Insurance Board (CvZ) (including information on when you are obliged to retain Dutch national health insurance) 
• Dutch Association of Health Insurance Companies (ZN) (including a list of all Dutch national health insurance companies) 
• The government (various bodies)

Your current health insurance company can also provide more information on national health insurance abroad.

If you will be working in Belgium or Germany, more information is also available at: 

• Office of Belgian Affairs (of the SVB) 
• Office of German Affairs (of the SVB)