Having Dutch papers but no Dutch health insurance
Do you live in the Netherlands with a valid document, but have no Dutch health insurance? Read below how you can still get health care, how to get insured, and who can help you.
Important: HealthEmove is developed by the Amsterdam health & technology institute (ahti). We are not a medical or legal organisation. This information was checked on 25 September 2026, but rules can change. Always check with your doctor, health insurer or municipality what applies to you.
In an emergency, call 112. You will always get help in an emergency, also without insurance.
List of organisations that may help:
Your GP (huisarts)
Your first contact when you are sick. Even if you are uninsured, you have the right to medically necessary care, or in other terms, all care that is covered by basic insurance in the Netherlands.
Health insurer (zorgverzekeraar)
Offers the Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering). Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands must have one.
CAK
The CAK may check whether you have insurance. If you have Dutch papers but no insurance, the CAK may contact you to make sure you get health insurance. Please beware that there may be consequences if you continue to live in the Netherlands without health insurance. When healthcare providers give care to people without insurance, they can claim reimbursement with the CAK. https://www.hetcak.nl/
Your municipality (gemeente)
Your municipality can give you a postal address (briefadres) if you have no home, and can help if you have debts. Many municipalities offer cheaper health insurance for people with a low income. Please look at https://www.amsterdam.nl/en/civil-affairs/postal-address/ for a postal address and look at https://www.amsterdam.nl/en/work-income/help-with-debt/ if you want help from the municipality for debt.
GGD
The public health service of the municipalities. Some GGD care is free, for example vaccinations for children, the TB check and STI tests for some groups. https://www.ggd.amsterdam.nl/
Dokters van de Wereld
Helps people who cannot get regular health care to find a doctor. Helpdesk: 085 109 4800 (Monday to Thursday, 09:30 to 12:00). https://doktersvandewereld.org/need-help