In the Netherlands you first go to the huisarts when you are ill and not in danger, and in the evening or at the weekend to the huisartsenpost. In a real emergency you call 112. Health insurance is compulsory for almost everyone, with an eigen risico that you pay before the insurer does, and you collect medicine at the apotheek. Children must go to school from the age of 5, basisschool lasts until about 12, and then pupils go to vmbo, havo or vwo; young people up to 18 must stay in school until they have a basic qualification. Hitting a child is forbidden, and parents may use childcare with a benefit towards the cost.
What you'll learn
- Who to see when: huisarts, huisartsenpost, 112, apotheek, ziekenhuis
- How health insurance, eigen risico and zorgtoeslag work
- The Dutch school system: basisschool, vmbo, havo, vwo, mbo and university
- Compulsory education, parents’ evening and childcare benefit
A sample question from the bank
Vraag: Vanaf welke leeftijd is een kind in Nederland leerplichtig? Antwoord: Vanaf 5 jaar. (From what age must a child go to school?)
Vraag: Wat is het eigen risico? Antwoord: Het bedrag aan zorgkosten dat u zelf betaalt voordat de verzekeraar betaalt.
Frequently asked questions
When do I call 112?
For a serious accident, a fire or a life-threatening situation. For an ordinary illness, call the huisarts.
Is school free?
Attending primary and secondary school is compulsory and largely paid by the government; some costs, such as a contribution for school trips, can still exist.