Healthcare allowance
If you are obliged to take out Dutch public healthcare insurance ('zorgverzekering') but have an income that does not exceed a certain maximum amount, you may be eligible for a contribution towards the costs of your insurance. Euraxess the Netherlands provides a toolkit for non-Dutch speaking foreign nationals which will help you out with the application process.
How to apply
When to apply
Download our toolkit
Healthcare allowance and residence permits
If you have a partner
How to apply
Applying for healthcare allowance can be done online or by post. As you need an electronic signature ('DigiD') in order to apply online and the application tool is only available in Dutch, filling out a paper application form might be the easiest option.
Postal applications
Application forms can be obtained from your local Tax Office or through the Tax Hotline (phone 0800 0543, choose 1 and then choose 4 from the menu). The helpdesk officers at the Tax Hotline have been instructed to only speak Dutch, however most employees will be happy to help you out in English. Make sure to have your burgerservicenummer (BSN) or sofi number at hand.
Online applications
If you read Dutch, have a DigiD and wish to apply online: go to www.toeslagen.nl.
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals
We recommend that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals register with the immigration authorities first as this will make the application process easier.
When to apply
You can apply for healthcare allowance at any time of the year. However, applying for healthcare allowance for the previous year is possible only until 1 April of the current year. For example, healthcare allowance for 2009 can be applied for until 1 April 2010. If you received healthcare allowance in the previous year, you don't need to re-apply. The Tax Administration will automatically check if you are still eligible.
Download our toolkit
The application form of the healthcare allowance is only available in Dutch. However, we have created a translated version of both the application form and the explanatory notes. Please note that the translation is for reference purposes only. This means that the form you must complete, sign and submit, should be the original Dutch form.
Applying for 2010 healthcare insurance
Download the translated healthcare allowance application form (2010) (.pdf)
Download the explanatory notes (2010) (.pdf)
Healthcare allowance and residence permits
If you hold a residence permit, the reverse side of your card will most likely mention: "Een beroep op publieke middelen is niet toegestaan". This means that you are not allowed to claim certain government benefits, the consequence of which being that your residence permit may be revoked.
Applying for healthcare allowance, however, does not affect your right of residence.
If you have a partner
You are eligible to receive healthcare allowance if your income is below a certain level. The income of your partner will usually be included in the calculation of your (joint) income, even if he or she does not actually work or live in the Netherlands. This situation is explained in more detail in our factsheet on healthcare allowance if your partner lives abroad.
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