It is obligatory to have a valid healthcare insurance in the Netherlands. What kind of health insurance you need depends on what nationality you have and whether you have a job here (as employee or self-employed).

For non-EU-students

1. if you do not have a job and do not pay income taxes in the Netherlands as a self-employed worker, you are obliged to either have a healthcare insurance from your own country that covers medical costs in the Netherlands, or to take out a Dutch commercial health insurance.
2. if you have a paid job, however small that job, or you pay taxes as a self-employed worker in the Netherlands, you are obliged to take out Dutch health care insurance. This is the insurance that all Dutch people have. 

For EU-students

1. If you do not have a job and/or pay taxes in the Netherlands as a self-employed worker, you should be covered for basic health care with your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It varies per country what medical costs are covered. In most cases emergency costs and the family doctor (also called general practitioner (GP)) are covered, but a referral by the GP to a psychologist or therapist, is not. So please double-check this. And double-check the validity date on your pass as well!
2. if you do have a paid job, however small that job, or you pay taxes as a self-employed worker in the Netherlands, you are obliged to take out a Dutch health care insurance.

For non-EU students without a job and for EU-students who do not have a job and are looking for additional insurance we highly recommend the Master + package from Insure to study.  

If you have any questions, please contact the Student Counsellor.