The Netherlands has a well-organized emergency medical system with quick response times and state-of-the-art medical facilities. In case of an emergency, it is important to know how to reach medical assistance, where to go for emergency medical treatment, and whether there are any costs or insurance requirements.
Phone Number for Emergency Medical Assistance
In the Netherlands, the emergency phone number for medical assistance is 112. This number is toll-free and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones, payphones, and hotel phones.
When calling 112, you will be connected to the emergency operator who will assess the situation and dispatch the appropriate emergency services, such as an ambulance or fire department. The operator will also provide instructions on what to do while waiting for medical assistance to arrive.
It is important to note that 112 is only for life-threatening emergencies. For non-life-threatening situations, such as minor injuries or illnesses, you can contact your general practitioner or a nearby medical facility.
Mental health emergencies
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, such as a panic attack or suicidal thoughts, you can also call 112 for assistance. The emergency operator will connect you to specialized mental health services or dispatch an ambulance to transport you to a mental health facility.
Alternatively, you can call the mental health crisis line at 113. This number is available 24/7 and provides immediate support and guidance for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.
Emergency medical treatment
In the Netherlands, emergency medical treatment can be received at any hospital emergency department or at a general practitioner’s office (huisartsenpost) outside regular business hours.
If you require immediate medical attention, it is recommended to go to the nearest hospital emergency department. The emergency departments are open 24/7 and provide treatment for a wide range of medical conditions, including trauma, heart attack, stroke, and respiratory problems.
If your condition is not life-threatening, you can also visit a general practitioner’s office. These offices are open outside regular business hours and provide treatment for minor injuries and illnesses.
Cost of Emergency Treatment
Emergency treatment in the Netherlands is free of charge for everyone, regardless of nationality or insurance status. However, there may be costs associated with follow-up treatment or hospitalization.
If you are admitted to a hospital or require specialized medical care, you may need to pay a deductible fee, also known as the eigen risico. This fee is set annually by the government and is currently €385. If you have health insurance, your insurance provider will cover the cost of the deductible fee.
It is important to note that health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands. If you are not insured, you will be responsible for all medical costs, including emergency treatment.
Insurance requirements
As mentioned above, health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands for all residents, including expats and international students. If you are staying in the Netherlands for more than three months, you are required to have Dutch health insurance.
If you are a EU/EEA citizen or a Swiss national, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive emergency medical treatment in the Netherlands. The EHIC provides access to the same emergency medical care as Dutch residents.
If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you may need to purchase private health insurance before coming to the Netherlands. It is important to check with your insurance provider whether emergency medical treatment is covered under your policy.
In the Netherlands, the emergency phone number for medical assistance is 112. Emergency medical treatment can be received at any hospital emergency department or at a general practitioner’s office outside regular business hours. Emergency treatment in the Netherlands is free of charge, but there may be costs associated with follow-up treatment or hospitalization. Health