Huisarts Registration in the Netherlands
Expat Guide
How to Register with a GP (Huisarts) in the Netherlands
Your GP is the gateway to all healthcare in the Netherlands. Register as soon as you arrive – before you need one. This guide covers everything from finding a practice to what to expect at your first appointment.
GP visits cost
Free — no excess or co-payment
You need
BSN, health insurance and proof of address
When to register
As soon as you have a permanent address
In the Netherlands, your huisarts (GP) is not just a doctor — they are the central figure in your entire healthcare experience. You need a GP referral to see any specialist, get a prescription or access mental health services. Registering is one of the most important things you can do when you arrive, and one of the most commonly delayed. Do not wait until you are ill.
How the Dutch GP system works
The Netherlands uses a gatekeeping model. Your GP assesses every health concern first and decides whether you need to see a specialist. You cannot self-refer to a specialist or walk into a hospital for non-emergency care. This feels restrictive to many expats at first, but it means your GP builds a complete picture of your health and prevents the specialist system from being overwhelmed.
GP visits are fully covered by your basic health insurance with no eigen risico (annual excess) and no co-payment. You pay nothing out of pocket for a standard appointment.
Important
Dutch GPs are trained to recommend watchful waiting, paracetamol and rest before escalating treatment. This is evidence-based practice and not indifference. They also prescribe antibiotics very sparingly – the Netherlands has one of the lowest antibiotic prescription rates in Europe.
What you need before you register
BSN (Burgerservicenummer)Your citizen service number, obtained when you register at your gemeente. Without a BSN you cannot register with a GP. Get your BSN first →
Health insurance detailsYour insurer name and policy number. Some practices require proof of insurance before registering. Dutch health insurance guide →
Proof of addressYour Dutch address confirmed — a rental contract, utility bill or gemeente registration document.
Medical history summary (recommended)A letter from your previous GP summarising your health history, ongoing conditions and current medications. Request this before leaving your home country — it saves significant time when you first need care.
How to find a GP accepting new patients
In major cities like Amsterdam and The Hague, many practices are at capacity and cannot accept new patients. Finding one can take several weeks. Start looking as soon as you have your address.
Zorgkaart Nederland
Most comprehensive database. Search by postcode, filter by huisarts, check availability and read patient reviews.
Huisartsinfo.nl
Shows current opening hours and registration availability for practices near you.
Your health insurer
Insurers are legally obliged to help you find a GP. Most have a postcode search tool on their website.
Local expat groups
WhatsApp and Facebook expat groups for your city are often the fastest source of up-to-date recommendations.
Tip
If English-speaking care is important to you, search specifically for practices that advertise English-speaking doctors. In cities with large expat communities — Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven — this is common and usually mentioned on the practice website.
How to register: step by step
1
Find a practice near you that is accepting patients
Most practices only accept patients within a few kilometres. Use Zorgkaart Nederland to find one near your address. Check the practice website first — most will state clearly whether they are open or closed for new registrations.
2
Contact the practice by phone or online form
Many practices in major cities now have an online registration form. Others prefer a phone call. Have your BSN, insurance details and address ready.
3
Attend an intake appointment if required
Some practices accept you immediately. Others require a kennismakingsgesprek (introductory appointment) where the doctor reviews your health history before formally registering you. This is normal and helpful.
4
Register with the linked pharmacy (apotheek)
Ask your GP practice which pharmacy they work with and register there. Your prescription history is held at your apotheek and sharing it with your GP ensures they have a complete picture of your medications.
If you cannot find a GP
In Amsterdam and other large cities, practices filling up is a genuine and common problem. If you are struggling:
Contact your health insurer directly. They are legally obliged to help you find a GP if you cannot find one yourself. This is one of the most effective routes.
Try practices slightly outside your immediate area. Most practices accept patients within a 15-minute travel radius, not just your immediate street.
Try a gezondheidscentrum (health centre) rather than a solo practice. Health centres often have more capacity and more English-speaking staff.
For urgent care before you are registered, call a nearby GP and ask for a passant appointment. You pay a higher rate upfront (around €35-60) and claim it back from your insurance.
Out-of-hours care
Save these numbers in your phone now — before you need them.
Important numbers
0900-1010
Huisartsenpost — out-of-hours GP line for urgent but non-life-threatening issues. Call first, you cannot walk in. English available.
112
Emergency services — police, fire and ambulance. Life-threatening emergencies only.
What surprises expats about Dutch GPs
Appointments are 10 minutes. Come prepared with a clear, concise description of your issue. Dutch GPs appreciate directness.
Watchful waiting is normal. Your GP may suggest paracetamol and monitoring before prescribing. This is standard Dutch practice, not dismissiveness.
Antibiotics are prescribed sparingly. The Netherlands has one of the lowest antibiotic prescription rates in Europe. If you are used to receiving them regularly, this may take adjustment.
You speak to a doktersassistente first. The doctor’s assistant takes your call, assesses urgency and schedules your appointment. This is normal — they are trained to triage.
Home visits are rare. Dutch GPs expect patients to come to the practice. Home visits are reserved for patients who genuinely cannot travel.
You are registered at a practice, not with one doctor. In group practices you may see different doctors at different visits. Your records are shared within the practice.
