How do I register with a GP (huisarts) in the Netherlands?

Registering with a general practitioner, or huisarts, is one of the first healthcare tasks you’ll need to complete after moving to the Netherlands. Unlike walk-in clinics common in other countries, the Dutch healthcare system requires you to be registered with a local GP who serves as your primary point of contact for all non-emergency medical care. This gatekeeper system ensures continuity of care and helps manage healthcare costs effectively.

For expats, understanding how to find and register with a huisarts can seem confusing at first, especially when you’re navigating a new country, language, and healthcare system simultaneously. However, once you complete this essential step, you’ll have access to quality primary care and a trusted medical professional who can refer you to specialists when needed. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about GP registration in the Netherlands.

Understanding the role of a huisarts in Dutch healthcare

In the Netherlands, your huisarts is your first point of contact for virtually all medical issues, from minor ailments to chronic conditions. The GP acts as a gatekeeper, meaning you generally cannot see a specialist or access hospital care without a referral from your huisarts. This system ensures coordinated care and prevents unnecessary specialist visits.

Your GP maintains your medical records, monitors your overall health, prescribes medications, provides preventive care, and refers you to specialists when necessary. Most huisartsen work in group practices with other GPs, which means you can usually get an appointment even if your specific doctor is unavailable. Many practices also offer evening and weekend consultations through rotating schedules.

Requirements for registering with a GP

Before you can register with a huisarts, you must meet several requirements:

• Dutch health insurance: You must have basic Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering), which is mandatory for all residents. Your insurance must be active before most GPs will accept you as a patient.
• BSN number: You need a Burgerservicenummer (citizen service number), which you receive when you register with your local municipality.
• Proof of address: Most practices require proof that you live within their service area, such as a rental agreement or registration confirmation from the gemeente.
• Valid identification: Bring your passport or Dutch residence permit when registering.

Finding a GP in your area

Most huisartsen practices accept patients who live within a specific geographic area, typically within a few kilometers of the practice. To find GPs near you, start by searching online using your postcode. Websites like www.kiesbeter.nl and www.zorgkaartnederland.nl allow you to search for practices in your area and read patient reviews.

You can also ask neighbors, colleagues, or your relocation specialist for recommendations. If you have specific needs—such as a GP who speaks your language, has experience with certain conditions, or welcomes international patients—call practices directly to inquire before attempting to register.

Keep in mind that popular practices, especially in Amsterdam and other large cities, may have waiting lists. It’s worth contacting multiple practices to find one accepting new patients quickly.

The registration process step by step

Once you’ve identified a suitable practice, the registration process typically follows these steps:

• Contact the practice: Call or visit the practice to ask if they’re accepting new patients. Some practices allow online registration through their website.
• Complete registration forms: You’ll need to fill out intake forms with your personal details, medical history, current medications, and insurance information.
• Provide required documents: Bring your insurance card, BSN number, ID, and proof of address to your first visit or registration appointment.
• Transfer medical records: If you had a previous GP in the Netherlands, your new practice can request your records. If you’re coming from abroad, bring any relevant medical documents, translated if possible.
• Initial consultation: Some practices schedule a brief introductory appointment to discuss your medical history and any ongoing health concerns.

What to do if practices are full

In densely populated areas like Amsterdam, Amstelveen, and Utrecht, many GP practices have reached capacity and maintain waiting lists. If you’re struggling to find a practice accepting new patients:

• Contact your health insurance company—they’re legally required to help you find a GP and may have contacts with practices accepting patients.
• Expand your search radius slightly, as practices just outside your immediate neighborhood may have availability.
• Ask if you can be placed on a waiting list; spots often open up when patients move away.
• Check if newly opened practices in your area are accepting registrations.
• Consider practices in nearby towns if you have transportation flexibility.

Remember, Dutch law guarantees your right to primary care, so persistent effort will eventually result in registration.

Language considerations and English-speaking GPs

While many Dutch GPs speak excellent English, especially in international areas like Amstelveen and Amsterdam, not all practices advertise this. When searching for a huisarts, you can specifically look for practices that list English as a spoken language on their website or call to ask about language capabilities.

Even at practices where not all GPs speak fluent English, there’s usually at least one doctor or assistant who can communicate effectively with international patients. Some practices also offer telephone interpretation services for other languages.

Keep in mind that medical terminology can be complex in any language, so don’t hesitate to ask your GP to explain things clearly or write down important instructions. Many doctors are experienced with international patients and will take extra time to ensure understanding.

Understanding practice opening hours and appointments

Dutch GP practices typically operate during business hours on weekdays, with some offering limited evening or early morning appointments. Many practices have a telephone consultation hour (telefonisch spreekuur) in the morning, during which you can speak briefly with a GP to determine if you need an in-person appointment.

For non-urgent matters, you’ll usually need to call for an appointment, which might be scheduled several days ahead. For urgent but non-life-threatening issues, most practices reserve same-day appointment slots. True emergencies should always be directed to emergency services (112) or the hospital emergency department.

Outside regular practice hours—evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays—care is provided by a rotating huisartsenpost (GP post), a centralized facility where GPs from various practices take turns providing after-hours care.

Costs and insurance coverage for GP visits

In the Netherlands, GP visits are covered by your basic health insurance without requiring you to pay the practice directly. You won’t receive a bill for standard consultations, as your GP claims payment directly from your insurance company.

However, these costs do count toward your annual eigen risico (deductible), which is mandatory in Dutch health insurance. The standard deductible is €385 per year (as of 2024), though you can choose a higher voluntary deductible to lower your monthly premium.

GP care itself is exempt from the deductible—you won’t pay out of pocket for consultations. However, any prescriptions, referrals to specialists, or medical procedures that result from your GP visit will count toward your deductible until you’ve met the annual amount.

Changing GPs if needed

You’re free to change your huisarts at any time if you’re not satisfied with the care you’re receiving or if you move to a different area. There’s no penalty for switching, and you don’t need to provide a reason.

To change GPs, simply register with a new practice following the same process outlined above. Inform your old practice that you’re transferring (though this isn’t strictly required), and your new GP can request your medical records from your previous provider.

Give your new practice a fair chance—building a trusting relationship with a GP takes time, and continuity of care is valuable. However, if you feel your concerns aren’t being heard or you’re experiencing communication difficulties, switching to a provider who better meets your needs is a reasonable decision.

Key takeaways

• Register with a huisarts as soon as possible after arriving in the Netherlands—you’ll need Dutch health insurance and a BSN number first.
• Your GP serves as the gatekeeper to all healthcare services and is your primary point of contact for medical issues.
• Find practices near your home by searching online with your postcode, and call to confirm they’re accepting new patients before visiting.
• In busy areas, practices may have waiting lists—contact your insurance company for help if you’re struggling to find availability.
• GP visits are covered by your basic insurance without direct payment, though related costs count toward your annual deductible.
• You can change GPs at any time without penalty if your needs aren’t being met or if you relocate.