Introduction to Dutch healthcare
You can be assured that you will receive high quality health care in The Netherlands. However, some things will be arranged in a different way than you are used to. Here we will explain the most important differences. We understand that you may have concerns and we are here to help you navigate Dutch Healthcare system.
Scheduling Appointments
When you call your GP’s office to make an appointment, the GP’s assistant (doktersassistente), a trained professional, will ask questions to determine the urgency of your situation. The GP’s assistant is a professional and has obligatory confidentiality. Asking questions is done only to have the patient and the doctor better prepared, to suggest alternatives, like a consultation by phone or e-mail, or in some cases, to check if more immediate action is required. Home visits are reserved for urgent cases and people incapable of visiting the GP’s office. Normally a regular consult with a GP is limited to 12 minutes.
Appointments can be made between 08:00am- 10:00 am or between 10:20 – 12:30 am and between 15:00 pm– 17:00 pm. If you call, make sure you press 3, you will be directly connected to the assistant. In case of an emergency press 1.
It is also possible to come by without an appointment. Every morning between 8.00 am and 8.15 am. This is especially for problems which do not take a long time, maximum 2-3 minutes. Our advice is to make an appointment, for problems that need more time.
The role of the GP
The role of the GP in the Dutch health system is central to all health care. For many newcomers the single most important difference between medical practice in The Netherlands and that of other countries is the predominant role of the GP. Your GP is the key to the Dutch world of medicine. The GP treats patients for basic problem sand can answer most of your general health questions. (S)he will also perform, for example, standard gynecological or pediatric examinations. Your GP will also serve as your link to most other services, such as hospitalization, specialists, home nursing midwifery and physiotherapy
Referral for specialist medical care
If your GP cannot diagnose or treat a problem (s)he will refer you to a specialist. You may have to wait several weeks or more for an appointment, unless the matter is urgent. Some insurance companies can work with you to help to speed up your appointment.
Urine analysis
If you think you have a urinary infection, you can ask the assistant to check your urine. Hand over a sample of your first “midstream morning urine” before 10.00 am. Midstream urine means that from the first morning urine, you collect the mid part; first urinate a little bit to get rid of bacteria, then you collect your urine.
Preventative Care and Health Checks
The Netherlands has good nation-wide preventive health programs. Preventative health programs are available at different stages in an individual’s development and most are free of charge. There are screening programs during pregnancy and several after a child is born such as developmental checkups and a preventative vaccination program. These checkups are done by the Consultation Bureau. There is also population screening later in life for diseases such as breast, cervical and colon cancer. Next to that there are also screening options available for people at risk for certain disease such as cardiovascular, pulmonary or sexually transmitted diseases.
A general check-up is not recommended in the Netherlands This is because scientific evidence suggests that general health checks are unlikely to be beneficial and may cause harm. If you are concerned and still may wish for a general checkup, please contact your GP to discuss the matter.
Medication
Most medicines require a prescription from your GP after a personal consultation, since they can be potentially harmful. However, after a consultation, it is possible you will receive a diagnosis but no medication. Dutch physicians believe it is often best to let an illness run its course without expensive and potentially dangerous tests and medication. This wait-and-see approach is medically appropriate for minor illnesses such as a soar throat or a common cold. That being said we do also encourage a shared decision model, where patient and doctor as much as possible form a treatment plan together. If possible, show the medicine that you were on back home to the GP, who can prescribe this medication or find you an appropriate alternative.
Costs and reimbursement
Do I have to pay when I consult a GP? When you have a Dutch health insurance the insurance company directly pays the GP. GP health care is not at the expense of your “Own Risk”. Also when you go to GP post night and weekend; the cost are covered by your Dutch insurance without affecting your own risk.
Medication prescribed by your GP is not included in your basic health insurance. However, there are exceptions. Your pharmacy can inform you on these. Also if you are referred to a hospital or laboratory for diagnostic blood, ultrasound, x ray, pathologic and microbiological ( for example STD ) tests and medicines, the costs will be at the expense of your own risk ( min. € 385 yearly ). Your insurance company knows exactly which costs will be covered and which not in your situation.
For an estimate of laboratory costs we refer you to the webiste of the CWZ: costs of laboratory tests.
Extra info
Here you can read extra info ; GP healthcare in Nijmegen
Here you can see an English introduction to the Dutch Health care system for patients in the Netherlands, this is not the G.P. present at this practice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lq3xK87eUc&feature=youtu.be
