How do you find a GP in the Netherlands as an expat?
Moving to the Netherlands is an exciting adventure, but navigating the Dutch healthcare system is one of the first practical challenges you will face as an expat. Knowing how to find a GP in the Netherlands is essential for your health and peace of mind, and it is one of those settling-in tasks that is far easier when you understand how the system works from the start.
Whether you have just arrived in Eindhoven, Tilburg, Amsterdam, or anywhere else in the country, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about registering with a Dutch doctor, finding available practices near you, and avoiding the common pitfalls that catch many expats off guard during their first weeks of expat life in the Netherlands.
What is a GP in the Netherlands, and why do you need one?
A GP in the Netherlands, known as a huisarts, is a general practitioner who serves as your primary point of contact for all non-emergency medical care. Unlike in some countries, Dutch GPs act as gatekeepers to the entire healthcare system. Without one, you cannot get referrals to specialists, renew prescriptions, or access most forms of medical support.
In the Netherlands, you do not simply walk into a hospital when you feel unwell. Your huisarts assesses your situation first and decides whether you need specialist care. This makes registering with a GP one of the most important steps when settling in the Netherlands. It is not optional, and it is not something you should leave until you actually need medical help, because by then it may be too late to register quickly.
How does the Dutch healthcare system work for expats?
The Dutch healthcare system is built around mandatory health insurance, known as zorgverzekering. If you live and work in the Netherlands, you are legally required to take out Dutch health insurance within four months of registering with your municipality. Your GP is then funded through this insurance system, meaning visits to your huisarts are generally covered without an additional co-payment.
As an expat living in the Netherlands, your rights within the healthcare system are the same as those of Dutch citizens, provided you have valid insurance and a BSN (Burgerservicenummer, your citizen service number). Your BSN is essential for registering with a GP, so make sure you obtain it from your local municipality as soon as possible after arriving. Expats from EU countries may also use their European Health Insurance Card temporarily while arranging permanent coverage.
How do you register with a GP in the Netherlands?
Registering with a GP in the Netherlands involves contacting a local practice directly and asking to be added to their patient list. The process typically requires your BSN, proof of address, and your health insurance details. Most practices allow you to register in person, by phone, or increasingly via an online form on their website.
Here is what the registration process generally looks like:
- Find a GP practice that is accepting new patients in your area
- Contact them with your BSN, address, and insurance information
- Complete any intake forms they require
- Receive confirmation and note the practice’s out-of-hours contact details
It is worth noting that GP practices in the Netherlands typically serve patients within a specific geographic area. This means you need to register with a practice that covers your home address, not simply the one closest to your workplace. Always confirm this before starting the registration process to avoid being turned away.
Where can you find a GP near you in the Netherlands?
The most reliable way to find a GP near you in the Netherlands is through the official tool on huisartsenzoeker.nl or through your health insurer’s website, which often includes a search function for contracted GPs in your area. You can search by postcode and filter for practices that are currently accepting new patients.
Your municipality’s website is another useful resource, particularly in expat-heavy cities like Eindhoven and Tilburg, where international residents are common. Expat community groups on social media can also be a goldmine for personal recommendations, and this is where connecting with other internationals in your area becomes genuinely valuable. Asking fellow expats which GP they use and whether the practice has English-speaking staff can save you a great deal of time and uncertainty.
What should you do if no GP is accepting new patients?
If you cannot find a GP accepting new patients in your area, contact your health insurer first. Dutch insurers are legally obligated to help you find a GP, and most have a dedicated helpline for exactly this situation. They can contact practices on your behalf or point you toward practices with availability that may not be advertised publicly.
You can also contact the regional GP cooperative, known as a huisartsenpost, to explain your situation. In urgent cases, a huisartsenpost can provide temporary care while you continue your search. Additionally, some municipalities have a waiting-list coordination system, so adding your name to multiple lists simultaneously is a practical strategy. Do not give up after the first few rejections, as availability changes regularly, and persistence pays off when navigating expat life in the Netherlands.
What are the most common mistakes expats make when finding a GP?
The most common mistake expats make when finding a GP in the Netherlands is waiting too long to register. Many newcomers assume they can sort it out when they actually need a doctor, only to discover that practices in their area are full. Registering within your first two weeks of arriving is strongly recommended.
Other frequent mistakes include:
- Trying to register without a BSN, which most practices require before accepting you
- Choosing a GP based on location alone without checking whether the practice covers your home address
- Not informing your GP when you move to a new address or change your insurance provider
A subtler but equally important mistake is underestimating the language barrier. While many Dutch GPs speak English, communication during medical appointments can still be stressful when you are not confident in the local language. Building even a basic level of Dutch before your first appointment can make a real difference, both practically and emotionally.
How Dutch on Track helps you feel at home while living in the Netherlands as an expat
Finding a GP is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to settling in the Netherlands. Feeling genuinely at home takes more than ticking administrative boxes. It means being able to communicate, connect, and participate in daily Dutch life with confidence. That is exactly what we help you do at Dutch on Track.
Our Dutch language courses are designed specifically for expats, knowledge workers, and their partners in Eindhoven and Tilburg. Learning Dutch with us is not just about grammar and vocabulary. It is a genuinely enjoyable experience where you meet other internationals who are navigating the same journey, build real friendships, and gain the cultural understanding that makes everyday life so much richer. Our small groups of 8 to 10 students create a warm, social atmosphere where making mistakes is encouraged and confidence grows naturally from day one.
Here is what makes learning Dutch with us a great next step for your integration:
- A communicative approach that gets you speaking from your very first lesson
- Small, social group classes where you meet fellow internationals and build lasting connections
- Practical, real-life language skills that help you in situations like doctor’s appointments, shopping, and workplace conversations
- Certified teachers who specialize in Dutch as a Second Language, guiding you with patience and expertise
Whether you are a complete beginner or already have some Dutch under your belt, Dutch on Track has a course that fits your level and schedule. You can explore our Beginner Dutch Course to see how we take you from zero to confident, or schedule a free meeting with us to find out which course suits you best. Your Dutch adventure starts here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see a GP in the Netherlands before my health insurance is fully arranged?
Yes, but your options are limited. If you are an EU citizen, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can provide temporary coverage while you arrange permanent Dutch insurance. Non-EU expats should prioritise getting their zorgverzekering in place as quickly as possible, ideally within the first few weeks of arrival. In a genuine medical emergency before your insurance is active, you can visit a huisartsenpost, but be aware that costs may need to be covered out of pocket and claimed back later.
Do I need to speak Dutch to register with and visit a GP in the Netherlands?
Not necessarily, as many GPs in expat-heavy cities like Eindhoven, Tilburg, and Amsterdam speak English and are accustomed to international patients. However, it is worth specifically asking whether the practice has English-speaking staff before registering, as this varies widely between practices. Building even a basic level of Dutch will significantly reduce stress during appointments and help you understand written communications, prescriptions, and referral letters that may not always be translated.
What happens if I move to a different neighbourhood or city — do I need to find a new GP?
Yes, in most cases you will need to re-register with a new GP if you move outside your current practice's catchment area, as Dutch GP practices serve patients within a defined geographic zone tied to your home address. Notify your current huisarts of your move as soon as possible, and begin searching for a new practice in your new area before your move date if you can. Failing to update your GP and health insurer with your new address is one of the most common and disruptive mistakes expats make during a house move in the Netherlands.
How long does the GP registration process typically take, and when will I be able to book my first appointment?
Once a practice accepts your registration, the administrative process is usually completed within a few days to a week, after which you can book appointments like any regular patient. Some practices may invite you for a brief intake consultation to go over your medical history before you can book for specific concerns. The longest part of the process is often finding a practice with availability, which is why starting your search in the very first days after arrival is so strongly recommended.
Is there a way to access my GP outside of regular office hours in the Netherlands?
Yes, every region in the Netherlands has a huisartsenpost (GP cooperative), which provides out-of-hours care for urgent but non-life-threatening medical issues during evenings, weekends, and public holidays. You should call your own GP's practice first, as their voicemail will typically direct you to the relevant huisartsenpost for your area. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 112 directly rather than the huisartsenpost.
Can I transfer my medical records from my home country to my new Dutch GP?
Yes, and it is highly recommended that you do so, particularly if you have ongoing conditions, take regular medication, or have a relevant medical history your new GP should be aware of. Request a summary or full copy of your records from your previous doctor before leaving your home country, and bring both a digital and printed copy to share with your new huisarts during your intake appointment. Your Dutch GP can also help arrange any prescription continuations or specialist referrals once they have your background medical information.
What if I need to see a specialist — can I contact one directly without going through my GP first?
In almost all cases, no — the Dutch healthcare system requires a referral from your huisarts before you can access specialist care, which is a fundamental difference from healthcare systems in many other countries. Attempting to book directly with a specialist without a referral will typically result in the appointment not being covered by your insurance and you being sent back to your GP anyway. The only exceptions are emergency care (via 112 or the emergency department) and a small number of self-referral services such as certain mental health platforms, though even these often work more smoothly with a GP referral in place.
