The core rule
Anyone who lives or works in the Netherlands must take out Dutch basic health insurance (Zvw). "Lives here" is assessed the same way residency is assessed for the Wlz (the long-term care insurance scheme) — if you count as Wlz-insured, you're also required to have Zvw basic insurance.
Source: rijksoverheid.nl, "Ben ik verplicht een zorgverzekering af te sluiten?" — checked 2 October 2026.
You work here (employed or self-employed), or you're moving here to live with a partner or family member.
You're posted here without a confirmed A1 certificate, on an orientation year without work yet, or your situation doesn't fit neatly — the SVB can assess it.
You're studying only, with no job, or you're a posted worker with a confirmed A1 certificate.
Working here
Once you work in the Netherlands, Dutch insurance is required if all three apply: you have a Dutch employer, you work for them on an ongoing basis, and you pay Dutch wage tax. You then have 4 months to arrange it.
Source: rijksoverheid.nl, "Moet ik een zorgverzekering afsluiten als ik in Nederland ga werken?" — checked 2 October 2026.
Studying, with or without a job
If you're here for study purposes only, with no job, you're not legally allowed to take out Dutch public health insurance — arrange private, travel or home-country cover instead. Any part-time job changes that.
Study only, no job
Not eligible for Dutch public insurance. Arrange private or international cover.
Study + part-time job
Required to have Dutch insurance — any part-time job triggers it.
Study + paid internship (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)
Required if the internship pays at least the Dutch minimum wage.
Study + paid internship (EU/EEA/Swiss)
Required if you're also covered by an employee insurance scheme through the internship.
Source: Study in NL (Nuffic, the Dutch government's international education body), "Healthcare insurance" — direct quote: "You are legally not allowed to take out a Dutch public health insurance if you are in the Netherlands for study purposes only. ... You are required to have a Dutch public health insurance if you have a (part-time) job." Checked 2 October 2026.
Orientation year (zoekjaar)
Whether you need Dutch public insurance during the orientation year depends on your specific situation — it isn't a fixed rule. The SVB (Sociale Verzekeringsbank) is the body that decides this: request an assessment from the SVB rather than assuming either way.
Sent here by an employer abroad
A posted worker stays insured at home if their employer holds an A1 certificate for the posting, which covers postings to EU/EEA/treaty countries. The SVB issues the A1 certificate. If you're not sure your employer has arranged one, ask them or contact the SVB directly.
Source: svb.nl, "Wat is een A1 certificate of coverage" — checked 2 October 2026.
The SVB's role
The SVB (Sociale Verzekeringsbank) is the official body that decides ambiguous or cross-border cases. It assesses your Wlz (long-term care insurance) status, which in turn decides whether you're required to have Dutch basic health insurance.
Source: Study in NL (Nuffic) — direct quote: "contact the SVB and request an assessment of your Wlz position. The SVB will decide whether you need to take out a Dutch public health insurance or not." Also svb.nl, "Wanneer verzekerd voor de Wlz" — checked 2 October 2026.
This guide explains how Dutch health insurance eligibility works. It isn't legal or financial advice. If your situation is unclear, the SVB can give you a definitive assessment. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@zorglane.com.