Mandatory Health Insurance in The Hague
In The Hague—as across all of the Netherlands—a health insurance policy is mandatory for everyone residing or working in the city. As a resident of the Dutch capital, you must take out a **basic insurance plan** with a health insurer to access essential medical care. This obligation, enshrined in the **Health Insurance Act (Zorgverzekeringswet, Zvw)**, ensures solidarity and equitable cost-sharing, preventing anyone in the city from being left without coverage. This article is tailored for Hague residents, outlining the rules, local resources, and practical applications.
What Does Mandatory Health Insurance Mean for You?
The mandatory health insurance requires all Dutch residents—including those in The Hague—to hold a **basic insurance policy**. This covers standard care such as GP consultations, hospital treatments, and prescription medications. The system operates on solidarity: everyone contributes, regardless of health status or income. **As an insured individual**, you pay a **fixed premium** directly to the insurer and an **income-related contribution** via taxes. For personalized advice, residents with low incomes can turn to the **Juridisch Loket Den Haag**, which offers free assistance.
The basic coverage is uniform nationwide, but insurers differ in service quality, excess amounts (*eigen risico*), and optional add-ons. Children under 18 are covered free of charge through the **child benefit** (*kinderbijslag*); parents pay the premium. Special cases—such as diplomats in The Hague or military personnel under **Defense (Defensie)**—fall under separate arrangements.
Legal Framework
The rules are governed by the **Health Insurance Act (Zvw)**, introduced in 2006 and regularly updated. Key provisions include:
- Article 2 Zvw: Defines who is insured, including Hague residents and foreign workers in the city.
- Article 11 Zvw: Mandates the purchase of a basic insurance policy.
- Article 66 Zvw: Regulates the income-dependent contribution via the **Tax Authority (Belastingdienst)**.
- Article 69 Zvw: Imposes penalties—such as fines or cost reimbursement—for uninsured individuals.
Oversight is conducted by the **Dutch Health Care Authority (NZa)** and the **Health Insurance Board (CVZ)**. The government sets annual premiums and excess amounts effective January 1st. In 2023, the average fixed premium was **€1,390**, with a mandatory excess of **€385**. For disputes, residents can seek legal aid at the **District Court of The Hague (Rechtbank Den Haag)**.
Who Must Comply with Health Insurance in The Hague?
Not everyone is automatically covered. Below is a breakdown of local scenarios:
| Group | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Residents of The Hague | Yes | From age 18: Must enroll in a basic plan via **Municipality of The Hague registration (Gemeente Den Haag)**. |
| EU/EEA Workers in The Hague | Yes (unless double-insured) | Working in the city? Mandatory under Zvw, except for foreign pension schemes. |
| Asylum Seekers | No | Covered by the government via **AWBZ or COA**; in The Hague through local shelters. |
| Students Abroad | Yes | Coverage remains valid if registered in the **Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP)** of The Hague. |
| Military Personnel | No | Covered by **Defense (Defensie)**, relevant for bases near The Hague. |
For emigrants: Notify your insurer and consider travel insurance. Uninsured residents should consult our guide on **[being uninsured in The Hague](link)**. The **Municipality of The Hague** assists with BRP registration.
Your Rights and Obligations as a Hague Resident
As an insured individual in The Hague, you have specific **rights** and **obligations**:
Rights
- **Guaranteed acceptance**: Insurers cannot refuse coverage based on health status (*acceptatieplicht*).
- **Annual switch**: You may change insurers between **November 1 and December 31**.
- **Backdating**: If uninsured, your insurer will cover care retroactively upon enrollment.
- **Appeals**: Dispute insurer decisions via the **Social Insurance Appeals Board (SKGZ)**; The Hague’s **Juridisch Loket** offers support.
Obligations
- Enroll in basic insurance **within four months** of moving to The Hague.
- Pay premiums: Fixed monthly amount + income-based tax contribution.
- Meet the **excess** (€385 in 2024 for non-reimbursed care).
- Report changes: Update address/income with the **Tax Authority** and insurer; register with the **Municipality of The Hague**.
Non-compliance may result in fines up to **€458 (2023)** and liability for medical costs. The **Juridisch Loket Den Haag** advises on compliance.
Practical Examples for The Hague
**Scenario 1**: A 25-year-old newcomer starting a job with a Hague-based company must enroll within four months—or face a penalty. Should they opt for a **restitution-based policy** (reimbursement) for flexibility or a **managed-care policy** (*naturapolis*) for lower premiums with local providers?
**Scenario 2**: A German expat temporarily working in The Hague is **mandatory insured under Zvw**, unless an **A1 certificate** (for EU cross-border coverage) applies. Without insurance, an accident in the city could leave them liable for thousands in costs—the **District Court of The Hague** can mediate disputes.
**Families**: Parents pay the **child premium**, but low-income households in The Hague may qualify for **childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag)** up to **€140/month (2023, for incomes under €38,000)**. Contact the **Juridisch Loket Den Haag** for application assistance.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.