Healthcare in The Hague

Every resident of the Netherlands must have basic Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering). The monthly premium is roughly 160 to 170 euros. Lower income residents may qualify for the zorgtoeslag subsidy. The mandatory annual excess (eigen risico) is around 385 euros: GP visits are exempt but most other care counts towards it. Supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering) is optional but worth considering for dental, physiotherapy and mental health. See the full Dutch health insurance guide for insurer comparisons and how to choose.

In the Netherlands you do not go directly to a specialist or hospital for non-emergency care. Your GP (huisarts) is the gatekeeper: they assess your situation and refer you to a specialist if needed. Without a GP referral, specialist care is generally not covered by insurance. Dutch GPs also have a geographic requirement and are typically only permitted to accept patients who live in the catchment area near their practice. Factor this into your neighborhood choice before you sign a lease. Many practices in popular expat areas are full: contact multiple practices simultaneously when you arrive.

For medical issues outside GP opening hours (evenings, weekends, public holidays) call 0900 1515 to reach the Central Doctors Service (Centrale Doktersdienst). A triage nurse will assess your situation and direct you to the appropriate care. Do not go directly to the hospital emergency department for non-emergency out-of-hours care: this is reserved for genuine emergencies and you will typically wait much longer and incur higher costs. For life-threatening emergencies call 112 immediately or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department (Spoedeisende Hulp).

Use ZorgkaartNederland to find GP practices near your postcode with patient reviews and information on whether they are accepting new patients. You will need your BSN (citizen service number), proof of identity, proof of address and health insurance details to register. If you have not yet obtained your BSN see the NLDaily BSN guide. The Hague International Centre on Spui 70 provides free orientation sessions for newly arrived expats that include practical healthcare navigation advice and is worth visiting in your first weeks in the city.

The finest dedicated expat healthcare institution in the Netherlands and the first place every international resident in The Hague should consider. The IHCH offers a genuinely comprehensive range of services under one roof: a GP family practice, a specialist polyclinic with significantly shorter waiting times than hospitals, dental care, pharmacy, travel clinic, prevention clinic and well-child clinic. Staff speak over 25 languages and the primary working language is English. The GP practice is ISO certified and appointments are longer than standard Dutch GP practices, giving you more time with your doctor. The polyclinic offers specialist consultations without the long hospital waiting times that affect the broader Dutch system. Consistently described by The Hague expat community as one of the most important resources available to international residents. If you are new to The Hague, this is your starting point.

An internationally oriented general practice in the Statenkwartier with physicians speaking English, Spanish and German alongside Dutch. NHG accredited and ideally located for the large expat community in the Statenkwartier, Archipelbuurt and Benoordenhout. The practice has a good reputation among international residents for accessible, attentive care and familiarity with the needs of expat patients navigating the Dutch system for the first time. Check ZorgkaartNederland for current availability and contact details.

A well-regarded GP practice in the Sweelinckplein area of central The Hague with English-speaking doctors and a good reputation among the expat community for accessible and attentive care. Conveniently located for residents of the Centrum, Archipelbuurt and the surrounding central neighborhoods. Check ZorgkaartNederland for current patient availability and direct contact details before approaching the practice.

A 24-hour medical centre in Voorburg, immediately adjacent to The Hague, with English and French-speaking doctors for international residents and visitors. Accessible by Sprinter train to Voorburg station or bus 23 from the centre. The 24-hour availability makes it the most practically useful healthcare option in the greater Hague area for newly arrived expats who have not yet registered with a Dutch GP, for out-of-hours situations that do not warrant a hospital visit, and for visitors who fall ill. One of very few medical centres in the South Holland area offering this combination of language support and round-the-clock access.

An online GP service specifically for people who cannot find a GP practice accepting new patients in The Hague area. Digital-first primary healthcare via the Cory.Care app with physical consultations organised through partner practices when needed. A practical solution for newly arrived expats who are struggling to register with a local GP, which is a common problem in the more popular expat neighborhoods. English-language throughout. Not a replacement for a permanent GP registration but a reliable bridge while you find one.

The Hague’s largest general hospital with two locations: the Westeinde site in the city centre and the Antoniushove location near Leidschendam. Comprehensive general hospital services covering emergency care, surgery, maternity, oncology and specialist referrals across all major disciplines. English-speaking staff throughout. The Westeinde location in the centre is most convenient for residents of the central and northern neighborhoods. GP referral required for all non-emergency specialist appointments: do not arrive without a referral letter for planned care.

A large general hospital in the south of The Hague offering comprehensive healthcare services with particular strengths in maternity care and paediatrics. English-speaking staff throughout. The HagaZiekenhuis is the natural hospital for residents of the southern and southwestern neighborhoods and is well-regarded by the expat community for quality of care. The maternity department has a strong reputation and is an important consideration for families planning a birth in The Hague. Two sites cover different parts of the city.

The academic medical centre of Leiden University, 20 minutes by direct train from The Hague, and one of the finest hospitals in the Netherlands. Relevant primarily for complex specialist care, rare conditions and academic medicine where The Hague’s general hospitals may refer you onwards. English-speaking staff throughout and strong international patient experience. A GP referral and then a specialist referral are typically required before LUMC will see you for planned care. For complex oncology, neurology or rare disease cases this is the most appropriate hospital in the South Holland region.

Psychological support and mental health services within the IHCH polyclinic, with significantly shorter waiting times than the public GGZ (mental healthcare) system. English-language care available. Covered by most Dutch health insurance policies with a GP referral from your IHCH doctor. For expats who need mental health support, the IHCH is the most accessible and practically useful starting point in The Hague. Note that waiting times for specialist GGZ care in the broader Dutch system can exceed two years in The Hague; private providers at the IHCH and elsewhere typically have shorter waits but may involve higher out-of-pocket costs.

One of the largest mental health organisations in the Netherlands with a significant The Hague presence, providing the full range of outpatient and inpatient GGZ mental health care for more complex conditions. A GP referral is required. English-speaking therapists and psychologists are available. Waiting times for specialist care are a well-documented challenge across the Dutch GGZ system and The Hague is not an exception: if you need specialist psychiatric care, ask your GP about all available options including private providers with shorter waiting times at the time of your appointment.

English-language dental care within the IHCH complex, convenient for patients already registered at the centre. Dutch basic health insurance does not cover adult dental care beyond basic check-ups (the situation for children under 18 is different). Most expats need supplementary dental insurance or pay out of pocket. The IHCH dental practice is a natural choice for those already using the IHCH for GP and specialist care. Dental Clinics Den Haag, a large chain with multiple city locations, is a practical alternative for those who want a practice closer to home.

The public health service for The Hague and surrounding area, offering sexual health testing, vaccinations (including travel vaccinations), infectious disease services and youth healthcare. English-speaking staff and many services are free or low-cost. The GGD is the correct first contact for sexual health queries, travel vaccinations, and concerns about infectious disease exposure. Not a substitute for a GP but a genuinely useful complement to primary care for the specific services it provides. The website is fully available in English.