I’m going to work abroad

If you’re going to work abroad, you are generally no longer eligible for Dutch national health insurance. But there are exceptions.

Working abroad: generally, no national health insurance

You are no longer eligible for Dutch national health insurance when you start working abroad, unless:

  • you work abroad, but live in the Netherlands
  • you have been temporarily seconded by a Dutch employer in the EU, EEA or treaty country
  • you have been sent abroad as a civil servant or diplomat

Exception: you continue to live in the Netherlands

If you are going to work abroad, but will continue to live in the Netherlands, your personal situation will determine whether or not you have to keep your Dutch national health insurance. More information. 

Exception: seconded to an EU, EEA or treaty country

If you have been temporarily seconded by a Dutch employer to an EU, EEA or treaty country, you will generally stay insured under your Dutch national health insurance. It is possible that during a long-term secondment you may still need insurance in the country of your secondment. For further details, contact the department of International secondment at the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB).

Exception: you have been sent abroad as a civil servant/diplomat

If you have been sent abroad by the Dutch government as a civil servant or diplomat, you must keep your Dutch national health insurance for medical expenses.

Family members

Other rules may apply to your partner and your children. We advise you to contact the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) for further information.

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.

Wat biedt OOM Verzekeringen?

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 such situations, we offer the following options:

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).

More information