Health insurance
Before coming to the Netherlands, it is important to understand your health insurance obligations, as the rules depend on the type of contract you have with Maastricht University and your residence status.
You have an employment contract
Employees with a Dutch employment contract are covered by the Dutch public health insurance scheme from their official start date. To use this coverage, you must take out a basiszorgverzekering (basic health insurance policy) with a Dutch health insurance provider.
You have up to 4 months from your start date to arrange this policy, and it will apply retroactively from your first day of employment. A BSN is required to register with an insurer. If you register in the municipality and move to the Netherlands long before the start date of your employment, the insurance can also start earlier.
For shorter periods between leaving your home country and your employment start date, make sure you are adequately insured. This can be done through travel insurance or expat insurance. Citizens of EU, EEA, or treaty countries may be able to use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for this short period - check with your national insurer.
Note: If you are a cross-border worker and remain socially insured in your country of residence, different rules apply. See the cross-border work page for details.
ISSO will help arrange the necessary steps for your registration in the Netherlands and obtaining your BSN so you can apply for public health insurance.
You have a hospitality agreement
For guests on a hospitality agreement, the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) will determine whether you are considered a permanent or temporary resident in the Netherlands.
- Permanent residents fall under the public health insurance scheme.
- Temporary residents must arrange private health insurance instead.
This assessment can only take place after your arrival, registration with the municipality, and receipt of your BSN.
If you are staying in the Netherlands for less than 4 months, you cannot register as a resident. This means you are not eligible for public coverage and must take out private insurance.
If you are travelling to the Netherlands with family members, an assessment can be done for each person as the outcome can vary based on the circumstances.
ISSO will coordinate the registration process for non-EU guests and guide you through the SVB Insurance Position Assessment if needed.