If you are going to travel abroad for a long period of time, for example backpacking or on a world trip, you will generally keep your Dutch national health insurance.
Travelling abroad: you generally keep your Dutch national health insurance
You are generally still eligible for Dutch national health insurance if you travel abroad for a long period of time. However, this may not be the case if your stay abroad is longer than one year and is regarded as being permanent or semi-permanent.
Dutch national health insurance abroad
Dutch national health insurance refunds emergency care worldwide. However, you will never be refunded more than the treatment would cost in the Netherlands. You may, therefore, have to pay extra if you are staying in a country where medical care is expensive.
Repatriation (return to the Netherlands due to illness, an accident or death) is not covered by Dutch national health insurance. You will therefore not receive any reimbursement if you have to return to the Netherlands or go to another country for medical treatment.
If you want more extensive cover, you can take out supplementary insurance or travel insurance with medical cover. Bear in mind that also in this case, you will not always receive reimbursement for the actual costs. There is also a maximum duration for your stay abroad. Read more about healthcare costs and your travel insurance.
What does OOM Verzekeringen offer?
OOM Verzekeringen does not offer Dutch national health insurance. Our insurance offers a solution for those who are not (or no longer) eligible for Dutch national health insurance. For your situation, we offer OOM Temporary Residence Abroad Insurance.
Our insurance can also be a supplement to your mandatory Dutch national health insurance. For example, to insure you for repatriation (return to the Netherlands due to illness, an accident or death) or other costs that are not covered by Dutch national health insurance.
What if you are uncertain?
We have put together this information with great care. However, the rules are complicated and are subject to change. To be certain of whether or not you have to keep your Dutch national health insurance, please contact the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB).