Emergencies

In case of an emergency the national phone number is 112 (police/ambulance/fire department). Whenever calling with your mobile phone, make sure to clearly state what you need (Police, ambulance, fire department) and in which city you are. They need to connect you to the right city department first. When calling: remain calm, and try to state the address, and the problem that occurred. Also make sure to say your name clearly. Of course, the number is only meant for emergencies.

For any ‘emergencies’ that do not need direct action or help, please contact your local doctor

Check your insurances

Every resident of the Netherlands is required to have health insurance. As part of the package fee for non-EU/EEA students, Tio has arranged the required student insurance through AON student insurance. You will be covered for the AON Complete student insurance package. This insurance package also includes travel and liability insurance. The insurance policy will cover you for the first academic year. After the first year you must organise your own insurance.

AON does not provide a physical insurance card. You will get a digital insurance card by e-mail that you can save on your phone or print and save in your wallet or phone case. In this way you always have your policy number and emergency numbers when needed.

Most EU students have the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). To check if you have sufficient insurance, you can use the AON tool.

How to take out Dutch public health insurance?

• You must be registered with a municipality before you can take out a basic health insurance.
• Choose your health insurance from one of the Dutch public health insurers. Fill out the application form and sent it to the health insurer.
• The registration is complete once you have received an insurance policy (in Dutch: polisblad).
• If you stop working or if you leave the Netherlands, cancel your insurance. Do not forget to deregister from the municipality.

When taking out health insurance, please make sure to check Checklist-How-to-take-out-Dutch-basic-health-insurance to know what you should look out for and what differences there are in terms of health insurance.

Find your GP

In the Netherlands, everyone is required to register with a general practitioner (GP), known as a huisarts, for non-emergency medical care. As an international student living in Amsterdam, it’s important to register with a GP close to your home as soon as possible — before you actually need medical help. You can search for GPs in your area through websites like www.zorgkaartnederland.nl or ask your university's student services for recommendations. Once you find a practice that is accepting new patients, you’ll need to contact them directly to register. Be prepared to provide your BSN, proof of address, and health insurance details. Your GP is your first point of contact for any health issues and can refer you to a specialist if needed. Keep in mind that some practices may have waiting lists, so it’s best to register early.