If you’re reading this, chances are you’re an expat in the Netherlands, living far away from your family and friends back home. And I know what it can be like: hard.

Internationals around the globe struggle with mental health issues linked to their move away from home. 

We often experience feelings of displacement and loneliness, and some of us are heavily affected by things such as culture shock and the cold Dutch weather.

But getting help for your mental health in the Netherlands isn’t an easy feat: the waiting times are long, therapy sessions can cost up to €120 per hour, there’s a language barrier, and sometimes you simply don’t have a connection with your Dutch psychologist.

That’s where this new app can help.

Online therapy, wherever and whenever you need it

How does it work? It’s easy as pie — let’s have a look.

The EXPATHY app is available for download on your Android or iPhone. When signing up, you will be asked five questions to ensure you are matched with the best psychologist for your needs.

From there, you can immediately use your free intake session to schedule a call with an expat psychologist — no need to sit through a months-long waitlist!

Once you’ve found a professional that suits you, all therapy sessions will take place seamlessly through the EXPATHY app, which allows you to video call with a psychologist from your home country. It’s the perfect way to get therapy for expats!

Expat psychologists with the needed expertise

Not only are EXPATHY’s psychologists from your home country, but they also specialise in providing therapy for individuals living abroad. 

Many of them even have their own international experience, and providing therapy for expats is what they specialise in.

They are trained to address the unique challenges and stressors that come with living in a foreign country, such as navigating cultural adjustments, language barriers, and emotional challenges.

Want to know more about therapy for expats?

If you’re curious to know more or are interested in getting therapy through EXPATHY, here’s what you need to know.

EXPATHY currently has therapists available in the following languages: 

• Albanian
• Bulgarian
• Croatian
• Czech
• Farsi
• Greek
• Hindi
• Hungarian
• Italian
• Japanese
• Polish
• Brazilian Portuguese
• Russian
• Serbian
• Slovak
• Spanish
• Argentinian Spanish
• Turkish

Once you are matched with an expat psychologist who suits you, you can schedule your free session immediately. After that, you will be able to choose between two packages.

The monthly package includes four sessions at  €69 per session, while the quarterly package gives you 12 sessions at €59 each. 

An added bonus of the quarterly package is that it can match you with another client who faces similar challenges as you do.

What do you think about EXPATHY? Would you try it out? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

There’s a whole list of things to figure out when you first move to the Netherlands — and one of them is where you can get your medications. Geen stress, here’s all you need to know about pharmacies in the Netherlands. 

Wherever you live in the Netherlands, you’re likely to come across a pharmacy with that telling green sign — but do Dutch pharmacies work the same way as in your home country? 

Let’s answer some of your burning questions about pharmacies in the Netherlands. 

1. How can I find a pharmacy in the Netherlands?

When you first move to the Netherlands, you probably have no idea where the closest pharmacy would be or how to find one. 

The best way to find yourself a pharmacy in the Netherlands is by searching in Dutch. Try searching “apotheek dicht bij mij” (pharmacy close to me) or “apotheek bij mij in de buurt” (pharmacy near me). 

2. How can I register at a Dutch pharmacy?

When you go to a pharmacy in the Netherlands for the first time, you will likely be asked to register or sign up at that pharmacy. 

The staff will ask you for your personal information, contact details, your health insurance information, and who your doctor is. Once you give this information, you should be all set up! 

So, why do you have to register at a pharmacy in the Netherlands? Your registered pharmacy will have a record of your health insurance information, as well as the history of your prescribed medications. 

READ MORE | 9 things you need to know about Dutch health insurance as an international

This ensures that you don’t take conflicting medications that could cause health risks, and it also streamlines the process of receiving any prescribed meds — simply head to your registered pharmacy, and they should have been sent the prescription from your doctor.

Does this mean you’re tied down to one specific pharmacy? Not necessarily. 

If you have received a new non-repeat prescription (or recept, as they’re known in Dutch), it is sometimes possible to go to a different pharmacy and request your medication there. 

However, if you have a repeat prescription, then it is usually only possible to collect this at your registered pharmacy. 

READ MORE | Top 5 ways Dutch and US healthcare are different

In general, it is best to use the same pharmacy every time for each of your medications. This way, they have an up-to-date record of your different medications.  

3. What can I get at a Dutch pharmacy? 

Pharmacies, or apotheken in Dutch, are where you go for your prescription medication, such as: 

• Heart pressure meds
• The contraceptive pill
• Condoms 
• Prescribed creams
• Psychiatric medications 
• Certain over-the-counter drugs that need instructions

4. What can’t I get at a Dutch pharmacy?

If you’re planning on grabbing a few extra toiletries at the pharmacy while you pick up your prescription, you might be surprised to see they don’t have much.

In the Netherlands, pharmacies tend to be very no-nonsense. If it’s not some kind of medicine, soothing balm or form of protection, then you likely won’t find it at your apotheek. 

READ MORE | Pollen, allergies, and hay fever in the Netherlands: how to survive it

Things you won’t find in a Dutch pharmacy include general self-care items such as:

• Your favourite shampoo 
• Makeup 
• Skincare
• Hair brushes
• Body washes and soaps 

So where can you find these items? 

In drogisterijen, natuurlijk! Examples of popular drugstores in the Netherlands are Etos or Kruidvat. 

5. What time are pharmacies open in the Netherlands?

Want to grab your prescription on the way home from the office but not sure if the pharmacy is still open? Well, you just might make it in time.

Most pharmacies are usually open from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday.

Opening times can differ on the weekends, but you may be lucky enough to have a pharmacy that is also open on Saturdays. Your neighbourhood pharmacy should display their opening times on their website and at their entrance. 

Pharmacies in the Netherlands are generally closed on Sundays as well as during big national holidays such as Tweede Paasdag, Hemelvaartsdag, and Koningsdag. This may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, however. 

6. When can I pick up my medications at a Dutch pharmacy?

Once you have received a prescription from your doctor, your pharmacy will contact you (usually via email) when your prescription is ready to be collected. 

If you have a bad habit of forgetting to fetch your medications from the pharmacy during normal opening hours, geen probleem.

At many Dutch pharmacies, it is possible to ask your pharmacist to place your items in the 24-hour prescription vending machine or after-hour locker. By placing them in this locker, you can collect them at a time that suits you best. 

READ MORE | 15 dang smart things Dutch people do

If this is something you think you’ll need, you can ask your pharmacist if they have an after-hour locker. If they do, voila, you can request that they register you for this method of collection.

Some pharmacists also offer the option to have your prescription medication delivered to your house, so you never have to worry about not having your medication.

This can also be very helpful when you’re sick and can’t make it to the pharmacist yourself.

7. How are pharmacists trained in the Netherlands?

Before becoming a Dutch pharmacist, you have to complete a three-year bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy followed by a three-year master’s degree in Pharmacy. Yep, Dutch pharmacists train for as long as Dutch doctors.

READ MORE | What the Dutch are getting right: antibiotics in the Netherlands

During their university education, pharmacists learn important information about medicines and how to calculate dosage. 

Pharmacists also have to register in the BIG register, which allows them to officially use the legal title of ‘Pharmacist’.

What this means is simple: you can trust that your Dutch pharmacist is a professional who knows what they’re doing.

8. Does my Dutch health insurance cover pharmacy costs?

Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands, but it’s not a given that they’ll cover all of your pharmacy costs. 

How much of your pharmacy costs will be covered depends on a few things:

• The type of medication
• The cost of the meds
• Your insurance provider
• The type of health insurance policy 

READ MORE | 9 things you need to know about Dutch health insurance as an international 

For example, depending on the health insurance policy you opt for, it may be possible to claim back the cost of your contraceptive pill. This is something you should consider when choosing your health insurance. 

Knowing how you’ll get medicine when you need it will allow you to rest easy and avoid panic when the time comes. Armed with your newfound knowledge, you can go forth and enjoy your new life in the Netherlands.

How do Dutch pharmacies differ from pharmacies in your home country? Tell us in the comments!

Being pregnant is one of the most exciting yet frightening experiences in life — and if you happen to deliver your baby in the Netherlands, you might need to prepare yourself for a little cultural shock.

Dutchies are known for their down-to-earth attitude, and so is their baby delivery system. A Dutch pregnancy revolves around one magic word: natural (well, and eating beschuit met muisjes).

So, we plundered 24Baby and compiled this list of stuff you gotta know before that magic moment happens.

1. Maternity leave is relatively generous

Whether you’re an employee at a company or self-employed, you’re entitled to a total of 16 weeks of maternity leave (zwangerschapsverlof).

This means you get six weeks off before your due date, and another 10 once you give birth to your child.

You are also allowed to decide when you start your leave. However, make sure you tell your employer a minimum of two weeks before you intend to take your maternity leave in the Netherlands.

2. Paternity leave is a real thing

In the Netherlands, paternity leave (or partner leave, both of which are referred to by the Dutch government as geboorteverlof) is weirdly short.

You are entitled to five weeks of paternity leave (vaderschapsverlof), for which you get 70% of your regular pay — unless your employer is willing to supplement full pay.

3. Midwives are the norm…

Now, we all know the Dutch medical system can be rather laid-back. Oftentimes (more like all the time), you’re sent home with nothing but a box of paracetamol and some advice to “take it easy”.

With that being said, you can imagine Dutch doctors want to medicalise birth as little as possible. Therefore, the role of the doctor or a gynaecologist is often minimal.

Instead, Dutch women put their faith in their midwives (verloskundige).

Finding a midwife that suits your needs and wishes can be a bit of a challenge for internationals, but the easiest way is to ask your general practitioner for a good list of local midwives.

Once you find a midwife, you’ll have your first appointment between weeks six to 10 of your pregnancy (zwangerschap). This first contact is the perfect opportunity to discuss how you visualise your labour plan.

Waterbirth in your living room? Completely in the range of possibilities.

READ MORE | Parenthood in the Netherlands: advantages and challenges

Your midwife will guide you during your pregnancy and, in the end, will help you deliver your baby. If you and your midwife don’t seem to click, you can always choose to switch to another during your pregnancy.

4. …and having your baby at home is common

Home births (thuisbevalling) are very common in the Netherlands. In fact, 30% of all births take place at home, making the Netherlands the country with the highest rate of home births in the western world.

The keyword here is again natural. A lot of Dutch women find that home births are much more personal and relaxed than giving birth in the clinical environment of a hospital.

So, if you’re someone who wants to give birth at home, make sure you get yourself a kraampakket (maternity package). This box contains all the unexpected yet essential things you need for giving birth at home.

However, if the thought of a Dutch-style home birth makes you nervous, you should make it clear to your midwife that you want a hospital birth.

Most hospitals have special information events that provide you with a look inside the maternity ward and practical information about going into labour.

You should keep in mind, though, that if you don’t have a medical indication for a hospital birth, you need to pay a contribution (more than €300) for the costs.

5. No pain, no gain

Dutch women are known for their no-nonsense mentality and extend this point of view toward giving birth. Most Dutch women find pain relief to be something unnecessary.

The idea that you shouldn’t take it for granted is made painfully (pun intended) clear by Dutch hospitals.

If your baby decides to show up outside of office hours, some hospitals won’t have an anaesthesiologist available, and you can’t expect any pain relief.

With a home birth, pain relief isn’t even an option since midwives are not qualified to administer anaesthetics.

Luckily, pain is temporary… or so they say.

6. The kraamzorg is one of the best Dutch ideas yet

After the hard work of labour is done, you should be out of the hospital within hours. This seems a bit harsh, but there is no need to worry.

The Netherlands has an excellent postnatal care system: kraamzorg.

READ MORE | 9 things to expect as an expat mother in the Netherlands

Kraamzorg is a maternity care assistant, who will be your rock for at least a week after giving birth.

The kraamzorg will help with things like breastfeeding and baby care, and this type of postnatal care is unique to the Netherlands.

7. You’ll need to eat crackers with muisjes

You simply can’t have a Dutch-style birthing experience without eating beschuit met muisjes (literally meaning rusk with mice) after the baby is born.

Muisjes are anise seed sprinkles that come in the colours blue (for a boy) and pink (for a girl).

The anise in muisjes was thought to stimulate lactation and was a symbol of fertility.

It is a custom that the parents of a newborn baby give rusk with butter and muisjes to all of the baby’s visitors at home, their colleagues and the classmates of their other children.

There really is no proper celebration without some food!

8. Don’t forget your stork!

You may have noticed some interesting-looking house decorations here and there. These usually consist of the backside of a cuddly stork attached to people’s doors or windows.

No, these are not some avant-garde Christmas-Easter-Halloween decorations, these are just decorations to let your neighbours know that a stork has arrived at your home (carrying a baby, of course — how convenient).

In the Netherlands, the stork has become a symbol of childbirth, so naturally, you should have a stuffed stork to mark the occasion!

Have you given birth in the Netherlands? How was your experience? Tell us in the comments below! 

Registering with a doctor in the Netherlands can be quite a confusing process compared to how it works in your home country. Is the practice accepting patients? Do you have all the required documents? Where’s your pharmacy?

Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through the whole process, step by step. 

In a rush? Skip to the step you need.

• Why should I register for a doctor in the Netherlands?
• Step one: scout for a general practitioner (GP) near you
• Step two: check whether the doctor accepts new patients
• Step three: sign up for health insurance (if you haven’t already)
• Step four: gather the required documents
• Step five: fill out an intake form or attend an intake appointment
• Step six: register with a Dutch pharmacy
• How to register for a doctor in the Netherlands: Frequently Asked Questions

Before we begin, however, let’s quickly run through why registering for a doctor in the Netherlands is so important. 

Why should I register for a doctor in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, you can’t just show up at any doctor’s office with a fever or stomach pain. You first need to register with a specific general practitioner (GP) or huisarts, as they’re called in the Netherlands. 

Why? If you’re not registered, they may refuse to give to help you if you aren’t considered an ‘urgent case.’

Registering with a GP is essential and a gateway to medical care in the Netherlands. For example, if you want to see a specialist, you first need to consult with your GP and have them refer you. 

READ MORE | 5 things that will shock you when you arrive in the Netherlands

Plus, you’ll have someone to turn to who knows your medical history and can give you the best help. 

For this reason, it’s best to register with a GP as soon as you move to the Netherlands. It can be a lengthy and tiresome process — and no one wants to sit at home with a fever, scouring the internet for a doctor to take them in. So, get going!

Step one: scout for a general practitioner (GP) near you

First things first, do some research and identify the doctors in your region. In the Netherlands, GPs often only accept patients within a 15-minute perimeter of the practice. Why? In the case of a medical emergency, your doctor can provide you with medical care quickly.

There are a few ways to go about finding a GP in your area. 

Check comparison websites

You can use comparison websites, such Zorgkaart Nederland or Kiesuwhuisarts to find a practice near you. With these websites, you simply enter your home postcode, and the site lists all the practices closest to you. 

Use the right Google search

Another way to find a doctor’s practice near you is to do a Google search. In the Netherlands, the best way to get results is by searching your postcode and the word ‘huisarts’.

Just make sure to check the practice’s website or give them a call to ask that they take patients from your exact postcode! 

READ MORE | Going to a doctor in the Netherlands? Here’s the ultimate guide

The catch with this system is that there’s a limited number of doctors that you can register with, often making the search a bit of a lengthy task. 

In some cases, you may be forced to register with a doctor’s practice that’s quite far from your home. 

That’s where some other options come into play — and they can be lifesavers for internationals. 

Consider alternative options

A few big cities in the Netherlands have ‘international health centres’ that accept new patients based on city-wide postcodes. So, for example, no matter where you live in The Hague, you’re eligible to register at the International Health Centre The Hague. 

Another alternative option is to skip all these steps and use telemedicine services, which can find you an English-speaking doctor and set up an online consultation within minutes. 

With online appointments, you avoid long commutes, full waiting rooms when feeling sick, and you have someone to turn to if you haven’t managed to register with a Dutch doctor yet.

Step two: check whether the doctor accepts new patients

Now that you’ve found a GP that matches your home address, the next step is to make sure that the practice is actually taking on new patients. 

As we’ve pointed out above, there are a limited number of doctors to treat patients in the Netherlands. 

Many Dutch GPs reach full capacity quickly, especially in late summer. This is why it’s very important to register for a doctor as soon as you arrive in the country. 

If a practice is no longer taking patients, it will usually say so on the practice’s website. If there’s no message, call or e-mail the practice to find out if they can take you. 

READ MORE | All you need to know about going to the hospital in the Netherlands

While you’re on the phone with the doctor’s office, it’s also important to take the opportunity to tell them if you’re a non-Dutch speaker.

Most GPs in the Netherlands speak English, but it’s always good to check this in order to ensure a fully comfortable medical care experience. 

Step three: sign up for health insurance (if you haven’t already)

So, you’ve found a huisarts that you want to register for, great! Now it’s time to sign up for health insurance if you don’t have some already. Health insurance is essential in order to complete your registration with a Dutch doctor. 

Although health insurance can sound complicated, you can generally rely on these rules to figure out what type of health insurance you need:

• If you’re working in the Netherlands: it’s compulsory for you to take out Dutch health insurance
• If you’re an EU student (and not working): you should use your home country’s insurance with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or take out private travel insurance.
• If you’re a non-EU student (and not working): you will have to get private health insurance, as you are not eligible to apply for basic Dutch health insurance and you don’t have access to an EHIC card.

If you are required to take out Dutch health insurance, these are some of the most popular providers for internationals in the Netherlands: 

• Zilveren Kruis
• Cigna
• FBTO
• A.S.R

What does Dutch health insurance cover? Well, that all depends on the type of package you’re paying for. 

READ MORE | 9 things you need to know about Dutch health insurance as an international

However, basic Dutch insurance packages cover costs for visits and treatments by a GP, most prescribed medication, and hospital stays. 

Step four: gather the required documents

Now, the next step in registering for a Dutch doctor is to rummage around all those stacks of papers and find a few documents that you must provide.

What do you need to register with a GP? Here’s a checklist of three things to have at hand:

• Proof of identity (a passport or EU identity card)
• Your BSN number
• Your health insurance details 

Your BSN number is an eight or nine-digit-long number given to you by the Dutch municipality when you registered your address after moving to the Netherlands. 

When it comes to your health insurance details, you will usually need your insurance policy number (relatienummer) and the name of your health insurance provider.  

Step five: fill out an intake form or attend an intake appointment 

You’re almost there! One of the last steps to registering with a doctor in the Netherlands is filling out the intake form using all the documents you have gathered. 

All you’ll need to give them are your personal information, such as your name and address, and important bureaucratic details, such as your BSN number, and health insurance number. 

You can usually find an online intake form on the practice’s website. However, in some cases, you might have to hand in a hard copy at the doctor’s office. 

The doctor may also ask you to attend an intake appointment to get to know you better, ask about your medical history, and any medical concerns you have. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions and get familiar with the Dutch healthcare system. 

Step six: register with a Dutch pharmacy

Ta-daa, you’ve now got a Dutch GP. One important last step is to register with a Dutch pharmacy in order to collect your meds and get healthy! 

In the Netherlands, everyone registers with one particular pharmacy — usually the one closest to their home or doctor’s office. This means that they’ll have all your medical information and can provide more advice for your personal situation. 

READ MORE | Sick leave in the Netherlands: the easy guide [2024]

All you’ll need to register with a Dutch pharmacy is proof of identity and your insurance information. The rest of the process should be automatic. 

By registering with a particular pharmacy, the process of receiving your medication is simplified. After an appointment with your GP, your prescription should arrive straight in your pharmacy’s mailbox, where you can then pick it up.

While registering for a doctor in the Netherlands may seem like quite a big task, it’s perhaps one of the most important things you can do when you first arrive in the country. 

After following these steps, you can relax and be at ease. You’re completely prepared for those not-so-nice moments to go smoothly. 

How have you found registering with a general practitioner in the Netherlands? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

How to register for a doctor in the Netherlands: Frequently Asked Questions

Mental healthcare is more important than ever in the Netherlands, with more and more people coming forward to talk about their struggles with their mental health.

Anyone can suffer from mental health issues, and we should all be able to seek help and get support to heal and improve our mental well-being.

Mental healthcare is especially important for internationals in the Netherlands, who face the struggles of moving to another country (often unaccompanied by family) and settling into a completely foreign world.

It’s important to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. We understand the difficulty of wanting to seek help and not knowing where to start or how to do it.

Here’s all you need to know about mental healthcare in the Netherlands.

Where can I get help for mental health problems in the Netherlands?

If you are suffering from mental health problems, there are a few options that you can try.

Before we begin, it’s important that you first take out Dutch healthcare insurance, as this is compulsory in the Netherlands.

READ MORE | Dutch health insurance in 2024: what’s new?

Once you’ve done this, you must register with a huisarts (general practitioner). This way, you can easily make appointments to be seen by a doctor or physician.

Visiting your GP for mental healthcare in the Netherlands

It’s recommended that you visit your GP, as they’ll be the ones who will refer you to a mental health specialist (especially if you have a complex mental health condition).

However, if your symptoms are mild, you can usually just be treated by the GP.

Online mental healthcare in the Netherlands

If you feel like you’re not yet ready to go to see a GP, you can also find support online or from an online mental health specialist.

This is especially recommended if you find it hard to go outside or find social situations difficult and prefer to remain anonymous.

Workplace mental healthcare in the Netherlands

Some workplaces have a company doctor or welfare support you can visit if you seek professional help about a (mental) health issue.

All in all, it’s important to note there is always someone there to help, and we strongly recommend that you see or talk to at least one person if you are struggling with mental health problems.

Will my basic healthcare insurance cover mental healthcare?

According to the Dutch government’s website, health insurance has to cover all or part of mental health care costs.

However, it depends on the insurance company you’ve signed with and the policy you have.

For example, if you have a more severe mental health condition that may need additional treatment, your insurer might not cover all of your primary or secondary care.

READ MORE | All you need to know about healthcare allowance in the Netherlands [2023]

Make sure to read up on your insurance policy before undergoing any treatment. You might end up having to pay for additional mental healthcare alongside your basic healthcare insurance.

When you are first referred to a mental healthcare specialist by your GP, you will have a meeting to discuss your treatment.

From this, your total cost of treatment will be estimated.

If your insurance does not pay for your mental health treatment, it’s essential to note that you won’t be able to pay per session.

Since doctors can’t know exactly when you will get better, a total bill will be calculated at the end of your recovery journey.

READ MORE | ‘Tis the season for switching Dutch health insurance: 8 things to know

If your mental health is severe and you are admitted to a mental health institution, your insurance will cover the first three years of your hospital stay under the Long-term Care Act. After that, it’s at your discretion.

The difference between primary and secondary mental health care in the Netherlands

There are two different types of mental health care services in the Netherlands, primary and secondary care.

Primary care

If your mental illness is seen as too complex for your GP’s (or another doctor’s) level of training, you will be referred to a primary mental healthcare service.

Primary mental healthcare is for people with mild to moderate mental health issues but whose issues are too severe to be treated without intervention.

It consists of services such as online mental health support and counselling services with a psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist. Sometimes, you can have both, depending on the severity of your illness.

Secondary care

If your mental illness is seen as too severe for the GP’s (or another doctor’s) level of training and is more complex than primary care, then you will be referred to a secondary mental healthcare service.

These include psychiatrists or clinical psychologists working in a mental health institution, hospital or private practice.

This service is for very serious disorders, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Borderline Personality Disorder, and Schizophrenia, to name but a few. This care will be different and may require hospital stays.

What happens if you are admitted to a mental health institution in the Netherlands?

You may be admitted to a mental health institution if you have a complex and very serious mental illness.

You will be admitted without consent in serious incidents where you are a danger to yourself or others around you.

In usual circumstances, though, it is voluntary, and there is a meeting with everyone to discuss if this is the right course of action for you.

A long-term plan is sometimes created to provide supported accommodation to ensure that the patient is independent and in a safe environment.

What is mental health support like for young people in the Netherlands?

You may have a child or friend under the age of 18 who’s struggling with mental health problems, and you’re wondering what options are available for them to get help.

Well, the system for youngsters is generally the same as it is for adults. They should first go to their GP and get referred for additional help.

They will usually obtain help from the pediatric mental health services (Jeugd GGZ), who specialise in child psychological development and associated parenting and behavioural problems.

Will I come across any issues with mental healthcare in the Netherlands?

Overall, getting help for your mental health problems shouldn’t be difficult if you’re living in the Netherlands.

The main issue you might encounter is a language barrier if you’re not fluent in English or Dutch.

The Netherlands has quite a notorious reputation when it comes to providing health care. Some say the country is known for its amazing healthcare, while others say it is seriously lacking in these areas.

READ MORE | Isolation, mental health and the Dutch weather: an interview with a psychologist in Leiden

However, the Dutch tend to be very laid-back and down-to-earth people when it comes to mental health. In fact, they’re pretty open-minded about mental health issues.

With that being said, don’t hesitate to seek help if you have any mental illness — whether that be anxiety or depression, as well as eating disorders or PTSD.

We must continue to fight the stigma surrounding mental health issues and spread awareness about the importance of mental health to society.

What are your experiences with mental healthcare in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

Expecting an addition to the family? Gefeliciteerd! Let’s have a look at your future maternity leave and what you can expect around the time of giving birth in the Netherlands.

Maternity leave in the Netherlands is divided up into “pregnancy leave” (zwangerschapsverlof) and “child-birth leave” (bevallingsverlof) to distinguish between the time before and after you bring a new life into this world.

Luckily, in the Netherlands, new moms have quite good conditions for maternity, so let’s take a look, shall we?

The basics of maternal leave in the Netherlands

First things first: If you are employed when you get pregnant, you are automatically entitled to a minimum of 16 weeks of maternity leave. This is true even if you’re self-employed!

These 16 weeks are made up of six weeks of “pregnancy-leave,” and 10 weeks of “birth-leave.”

If you’re having twins, triplets, or any amount of multiples, you are entitled to a total of 20 weeks (10 pre-birth, and 10 post-birth).

How to apply for Dutch maternity leave

Taking your maternity leave in the Netherlands can be done at any moment from ten (in case of multiple) to six weeks before your due date.

If you take your so-called zwangerschapsverlof (pregnancy leave) later than six weeks before giving birth, your extra weeks will be added to your bevallingsverlof (childbirth-leave).

However, in all cases, it is mandatory to take leave by week 36 (four weeks before birth). This gives you at least 12 weeks of maternity leave after the baby is born. In special cases (such as premature birth), the leave starts counting from the moment of birth.

To begin your maternity leave, you need to inform your Dutch employer at least three weeks in advance, meaning at least seven weeks prior to your due date.

How much can you expect to be paid during your maternity leave in the Netherlands?

Throughout your maternity leave in the Netherlands, you’re entitled to 100% of your earnings, based on your average wage over the past year.

However, the Dutch government will only cover a maximum of €256,54 per day in 2023.

READ MORE | 9 things to expect as an expat mother in the Netherlands

Luckily, if your wage is higher, a Dutch employer will often choose to supplement the government benefit even though they are not obliged to.

Fathers and partners get a much more raw deal — they are only entitled to one week of fully paid paternity leave, and five additional weeks of partially paid leave.

Parental leave in the Netherlands

In addition to maternity leave, there is also parental leave (ouderschapsverlof), where both parents are entitled to take a maximum of 26 times their working hours.

This time can be distributed in different ways, and can be taken until the child turns eight.

So, for example, let’s say you work 40 hours: you are entitled to 26 x 40 = 1040 hours (130 eight-hour days).

You may take this leave all in one go, or, more commonly, take one day a week (the famous mamadag or papadag) for two years and a half or so (counting 52 weeks a year).

Dutch people with both sets of grandparents who are able and willing to help with childcare have a good deal. One day with mom, one day with dad, one day with maternal grandparents, one day with paternal grandparents.

This means the kid would only need to spend one day at daycare (which is subsidised when both parents work).

For international parents, without help from family, it’s a whole other story — but at least the subsidy for daycare still applies.

What are your experiences with maternity leave in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

With winter upon us, the days are shorter and the nights longer. Here in the Netherlands, that tends to mean only one thing: we’re all scrambling to catch those sun rays when we can. (A difficult enough task at any time of year in this country!)

Dutch weather; it’s Dark, gloomy, rainy, windy, and subject to complaints all year around. But did you know that lack of sunlight can be detrimental to anybody’s health? Experts are rallying to bring attention to its effects.

Indeed, a majority of people living in the Netherlands are not getting enough sunlight, as they are spending much of their time indoors (let’s face it, it can get too cold to go outside).

The result? The amount of light most of us get is just not enough to keep up with daily life.

How does a lack of light affect our health?

In short, a lack of sunlight ruins our quality of sleep, and makes us feel more sluggish. In more severe cases, it could lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or seasonal depression.

But why does sunlight matter so much? Well, in our brains, we all have an organ called the hypothalamus. This maintains homeostasis (balance and stability) and regulates the hormonal balance of the body.

READ MORE | Isolation, mental health and the Dutch weather: an interview with a psychologist in Leiden

When we don’t receive enough sunlight, this organ stops functioning properly, causing a hormonal imbalance, which in turn can lead to symptoms of depression.

More specifically, a lack of sunlight can lead to a drop in serotonin levels — the brain chemical that affects your mood.

Melatonin levels (the hormone that monitors your sleep cycles) are also affected by the change in seasons since darkness produces more of the hormone, directly inducing sluggishness (now that explains a lot…).

But if you think this meant that taking an extra afternoon nap will help you beat the seasonal depression, we’re sorry to say that that’s not going to cut it.

“It is not so much about sleeping longer, but about the quality of sleep,” chronobiologist Marijke Gordijn from University Medical Center Groningen tells RTL Nieuws.

READ MORE | How to survive the Dutch winter: weather, clothing, and more

“How fast you fall asleep, how often you wake up during the night and how deep you sleep; the quality of your sleep has a huge effect on your body.”

How does the poor quality of sleep affect your health?

The link between sunlight, sleep quality, and depression is undeniable.

Gordijn explains, “There are direct connections between your eyes and the part of the brain that controls your mood. Insufficient light influences your mood negatively and can even lead to depression.”

But a lack of (high-quality) sleep can also lead to numerous other health risks — some of which can really keep you up at night (ironically).

READ MORE | Four reasons to be grateful for crappy Dutch weather

For example, Gordijn says that hormonal imbalances caused by lack of sunlight and proper sleep increase the risk of obesity.

In general, depression has also been associated with the worsening of existing (chronic) diseases, headaches, loss of libido, and digestion issues, among other things. Ouch.

How much light do we need?

Gordijn and her colleagues conducted three studies to establish how much sunlight we would need in a day to function well.

According to the Working Conditions Act, your work desktop needs to emit light of 500 lux. Gordijn, however, disagrees. She states workers should be exposed to at least 1000 lux, which is equivalent to the light we get on a cloudy day.

We also know that the employees of offices where artificial light is designed to simulate daylight sleep better, she says. They also perform better, as they are in better spirits.

Three ways to avoid SAD

Gordijn says you have to find ways to get the light fix your body requires to function at an optimum level. Here is her advice to avoid SAD:

• Go out for a walk or jog for at least half an hour every day (she recommends going in the morning between 8 AM and 9 AM if you can).
• Try sitting close to a window to bask in any natural light. If that is not possible, get stronger lamps that mimic sunlight.
• Finally, brave the cold, get out there and stay active. Layer up and get those muscles moving even if your brain is telling you otherwise!

Living with seasonal depression in the Netherlands can be hard. How do you cope with it? Let us know in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in October 2019, and was fully updated in December 2023 for your reading pleasure.

Big changes are coming to healthcare in the Netherlands, and there are a lot of factors to keep in mind when comparing health insurance plans. 

With the January 1 deadline to change your policy or provider fast approaching, you need to strongly consider if you have the best plan for you. 

Whether you need to refresh your health insurance (zorgverzekering) or are looking for a way to save a bit of cash, these steps will help you choose your 2024 Dutch health insurance plan. 

Check how much health insurance premiums are increasing in the Netherlands 

First, it’s important to check the basic premiums for health insurance with your current health insurance provider and compare these with other providers. 

Come January 1, the four largest health insurance companies (CZ, Menzis, VGZ, and Zilveren Kruis) are increasing their basic monthly premium, reports RTL Nieuws. 

• CZ: from €138.25 euro to €145.85
• Menzis: from €141.25 euro to €146.75
• VGZ: from €141.95 euro to €146.95
• Zilveren Kruis: €138.95 euro to €147.45

You may find that another provider can offer you more bang for your buck! One thing is certain — health insurance companies have increased their premiums for 2024. 

It’s also worth noting that in addition to the increase in health insurance premiums in the Netherlands on January 1, the maximum amount of healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) you can receive in the Netherlands is also decreasing. 

Depending on your income, you can only receive a maximum of €127 per month in healthcare allowance in 2024, instead of a maximum of €154 per month in 2023. 

Confirm the reimbursement policies of your provider

When choosing a health insurance plan or changing to a new healthcare provider, it’s also important to check the reimbursement policies of your health insurance provider. 

Reimbursement policies relate to specialist healthcare and your coverage at different hospitals in the Netherlands. 

Check which specialists and healthcare providers are covered by the insurance companies

Helaas, three of the largest health insurance companies (VGZ, CZ, and Zilveren Kruis) have announced that they won’t fully reimburse care from healthcare providers that don’t have a contract with the insurer, the NRC reports. 

This means health insurance companies will only reimburse someone’s costs to see a mental healthcare specialist or a physiotherapist if that specialist has a contract with the insurer. 

Not covered? It’s time to compare health insurance plans to find a policy and provider that suits your personal situation.

Find out which providers reimburse costs at your local hospitals

Most health insurance providers make it clear in advance that you can visit any hospital in the Netherlands, and your health insurance will reimburse any costs. 

For example, according to Zorgwijzer, if you’re insured by CZ, Menzis, OHRA, and a.s.r., they will cover the cost of visits to any hospital in the Netherlands. 

On the other hand, if you’re insured by Interpolis, Just, ZieZo, or Univé, there’s a possibility you’ll have to pay for specialist care from your own pocket if the hospital does not have a contract with the insurer. 

For a rundown of which providers cover what, you can compare health insurance plans. 

Decide if you need dental, vision, and specialist care

On top of monthly premiums, you’ll have to take out extra insurance for any dentist or eye doctor appointments and any other specialist care you want to have. 

Other healthcare like physiotherapy, cosmetic procedures, and mental healthcare aren’t typically covered in basic packages, and you also may have to join a waitlist to receive specialist healthcare.

2024 is coming in hot with many changes to the healthcare system and health insurance plan. It’s time to make sure your healthcare plan continues to serve you in the new year.

Have you sorted your health insurance for 2024? Tell us about your experiences in the comments!

Emergency rooms and care in the Netherlands work differently from other countries. 

But let’s face it: medical emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere.

Want to know what to do? Here is your guide to navigating emergency care in the Netherlands!

Types of emergency care in the Netherlands

Emergency care in the Netherlands comes in all different shapes and sizes. It’s important to know which to access and when.

There are emergency rooms and urgent first aid, but there are also general practitioner appointments and dental emergencies.

We’ve broken them down into a few main categories so that you know who to call and where to go for each type of Dutch emergency care.

READ MORE | Mental healthcare in the Netherlands: all you need to know for 2023

Help! I have a life-threatening emergency

Do you require emergency care because of an accident? In the case of a life-threatening emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke, call 112. 

In the Netherlands, ambulances are only really reserved for serious, life-threatening emergencies. 

When you call 112, the operator will determine whether or not an ambulance should be sent to collect you or if you can make your own way to the emergency room. 

I have a problem that is not life-threatening 

What if you have a medical problem that requires emergency care but is not life threatening? Well, in the Netherlands, there is a slightly different procedure for non-emergency help.  

GP or your huisartsenpost 

If the situation is not life-threatening, call your huisarts (general practitioner) first. They’ll advise if you need to go to the emergency room at a hospital (spoedeisende hulp).

However, if your huisarts is closed or unavailable, you can search online for the number of a nearby huisartsenpost. A huisartsenpost connects you to nearby doctors who are on standby to help. 

READ MORE | How to register for a doctor in the Netherlands

Then, the receiver should either invite you to visit their office, refer you to the hospital, or tell you to wait for your own huisarts to become available again. 

Dental emergencies

Annual dental checkups are part of a normal routine — but if you suffer from continuous bleeding, a knocked-out tooth, intense pain, or broken bones in your face, you’re in need of emergency dental care.  

READ MORE | Pharmacies in the Netherlands: 8 questions answered

While it’s advisable to try contacting your own dentist first, if that’s not an option, you can call the spoed tandarts (emergency dentist). These dentists are available to help residents in the Netherlands and tourists as well.

The easiest way to find one? By looking up the number of emergency dental clinics in your city — every city in the Netherlands has at least one that’s open 24/7. 

Cost of emergency care in the Netherlands

If you’re living in the Netherlands for more than four months, health insurance is mandatory (unless you have a health insurance card from within the EU). 

READ MORE | All you need to know about healthcare allowance in the Netherlands [2023]

The good news is that your health insurance plan, which costs an average of €138.11 per month, should also cover many expenses of emergency care in the Netherlands. 

It’s important to know that if you use your GP or the huisartsenpost, your insurance should cover everything. 

However, if you need to be transported by an ambulance or go to spoedeisendehulp (the emergency room), you’ll likely need to pay the excess (eigen risico) on your insurance policy. This is typically around €385.

What if I’m a tourist or am not insured? 

Emergency care can be necessary at any time  — even while on vacation in the Netherlands. 

Unfortunately, if you’re not a resident of the Netherlands and also don’t have a European Health Insurance card, you will have to pay for your own healthcare costs. 

READ MORE | The complete guide to getting health insurance in the Netherlands

Some countries, like the UK, have reciprocal healthcare agreements with the Netherlands, where they provide medical care to each other’s citizens. 

If your home country is one of them, you could get reimbursed for your healthcare costs while in the Netherlands. 

Ambulances in the Netherlands

Ambulances in the Netherlands are reserved for life-threatening emergencies. For example, if you broke your arm playing football, it’s normal to have someone you know drive you to the hospital instead of calling an ambulance.

Whether you require a land ambulance (van) or an air ambulance, the Netherlands is fully equipped with Rapid Response Vehicles. 

Each ambulance is staffed with at least two people and at least one trained paramedic. 

READ MORE | All you need to know about going to the hospital in the Netherlands

However, note that the word “paramedic” is not used for emergency care in the Netherlands — instead, they’re referred to as “nurses”. 

If the ambulance’s staff manage to stabilise you on the spot without transporting you to the hospital, the service is free of charge.

Whether you’re living here or just a tourist passing through, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with emergency rooms in the Netherlands work — that way, you won’t have to wait until the actual emergency.

Do you have any other tips for emergency care in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below! 

Emergency care in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions

It’s that time of the year — let’s talk about seasonal depression in the Netherlands. Mental health in the Netherlands is a topic that we discussed before, but today we want to focus on Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

Before we dive into the topic of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), please consider contacting your GP as soon as you can if you or someone you know is exhibiting very serious symptoms of a breakdown or could potentially harm themselves or people around them.

You can also call these helplines:

• Suicide prevention Netherlands: 0800 – 0113
• Samaritans: 0602 222 88

We can also understand the nervousness and anxiety you must feel when moving to a new country with an already existing mental or physical health issue.

If you want to know everything about healthcare and health insurance in the Netherlands, check out our guide. You can also find out everything you need to know about mental healthcare in the Netherlands here.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD)

Have you ever had the feeling that you’re entering into hibernation mode during the winter months, where you sleep either too much or too little, eat way too much or too little, and avoid social gatherings because you seriously lack the energy to get out of your house?

You might tell yourself that you just can’t be bothered to go out because it’s too cold, or that you prefer your own company. Even running necessary errands like going to the grocery store becomes a chore, and the things on your to-do list just keep getting longer.

If you feel like this in the colder months of the year, then you might have Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD for short.

Although it’s different from depression, it is more common among those with a pre-existing depressive disorder. People with SAD usually show symptoms during late autumn or early winter and resume normal mental health during the spring and summer.

There are also cases where the symptoms begin in spring or summer. This disorder makes the person exhibit mild to moderate depressive symptoms, which start to get more severe as the season continues.

Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder

According to Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of SAD include but are not limited to:

• Feeling depressed for most of the day on most days
• Lack of motivation or interest to do things you once enjoyed
• Lack of energy
• Lack of sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
• Eating too much or too little
• Fatigue
• Finding it hard to focus
• Feelings of hopelessness or guilt
• Suicidal thoughts or thoughts about death

Some symptoms are specific to winter and autumn depression and may include:

• Oversleeping
• Change in appetite and craving more carbohydrate-rich foods
• Gaining weight
• Feeling tired all the time

Other symptoms are specific to summer and spring depression and may include:

• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Leading to weight loss
• Restlessness or anxiety

What causes SAD?

SAD was first mentioned in medical literature as early as 1845 and was dubbed as such only in the 1980s. The causes of this disorder are yet to be established. However, there is a correlation between SAD and a lack of light.

Without getting bogged down with too much medical terminology, the important terms to know about are the hypothalamus, the part of your brain that maintains hormonal balance; melatonin, the hormone which monitors your sleep cycles; and serotonin, the brain chemical or neurotransmitter which affects your mood.

The lack of light during Dutch winter can impact your internal biological clock. Reduced light is linked to a drop in serotonin levels, which are related to symptoms of depression.

Melatonin levels are also affected by the change in seasons, where darkness produces more of the hormone, making us more sleepy.

In the summer or spring, the body could have exhausted the hypothalamus during the winter months, thus leading to the improper functioning of this part of your brain.

Who is more likely to suffer from SAD?

This disorder has been diagnosed more in women than in men, and it affects younger adults more than older adults. The risk of having the disorder increases if you have a blood relative who has this disorder or another form of depression.

If you have major depression or bipolar disorder, your symptoms can worsen during the same time of the year.

If you have or are at risk for any of the above-mentioned factors, be sure to tell your doctor or the mental health professional who’s treating you.

What can be done to help with SAD?

If you are exhibiting mild symptoms, the following tips may help. But seek medical help as soon as possible before it starts to severely affect your work and quality of life.

Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule

As mentioned before, it can get difficult to wake up in the morning or get to bed at night because of changes in your hormone and brain chemical levels.

If it’s only mild symptoms that you are exhibiting, try to get to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Be sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep between the same times. This may seem silly, but sleep affects much more than we realise.

Be sure not to use your computer, stare at your phone screen right before bed, or stimulate your brain too much. Make your room as dark as possible by closing the curtains so that no streetlights keep you up.

To make yourself sleepy as your bedtime approaches, you can take a relaxing shower, have a cup of tea, or get your to-do list together for the next day.

READ MORE | 27 ways to thrive in the gloomy Dutch weather

Bonus points if you want to write down a few good things that happened to you that day! Being depressed can make you feel like nothing is going right, but this can make you realise it’s not all bad. Even if some good things are very small, it’s better than nothing!

Dust off your gym clothes

Exercise, even when your brain tells you not to. Start off small: start with a walk. Remember: anything is better than nothing.

Do this for a week, increasing your distance slowly. Slowly build up your stamina by turning your walks into jogs, and try to keep increasing the distance you cover.

If jogging is not your thing, geen probleem! Your bike is there when you need it. You can also join the gym, take up yoga, try Zumba, salsa, kickboxing, or even rock climbing! Basically, any physical activity is good for you. It is up to you to decide what kind.

Light therapy

Yes, there is something called a SAD lamp (or the more positive “happy lamp”, they both mean the same thing), and you can buy it on Bol! It’s basically a lamp that emits light which mimics sunshine.

Portable sizes can be bought, and you can keep one in your office and use it throughout the day while you work away at your computer. But be sure to consult your doctor so that it is the most effective for you.

“Sunshine” vitamin supplements

The lack of sunlight can also be linked to vitamin D deficiency. When there is no natural source of vitamin D, like the sun, it is important to incorporate it into your diet.

The foods which are rich in this vitamin are dairy products like milk (soy milk for the vegans), cheese, and citrus fruits like oranges. Consult your doctor for more options and to consider adding vitamin D supplements into your routine. They can help you determine the dosage.

Rely on your support system

Your support system is the group of people who you can always rely on to take care of you when you cannot take care of yourself.

Living as an expat, especially if you have recently arrived, can be extremely lonely. It is understandable if you feel like you do not have anyone like this in the country yet.

It becomes difficult to be social if your symptoms are really severe, and that is a point you do not want to reach. Moving to a new country is all about breaking out of your shell, right?

You can build that support system by going to classes (this is where that physical activity tip also comes into good use) and meeting people with similar interests. Invite your co-workers out for lunch, or have them over for dinner.

Or turn that around if you know someone who is new and does not know a lot of people. You know how hard it is to be the new kid on the block. Use your experience so that it is a little bit easier for the newbies. We are all in this together, after all!

Seasonal depression can be very challenging sometimes. When it starts to get tough, sometimes it can help to go back to the very basics: sleep, food, movement, and loved ones.

But, if none of these tips helps you, contact your GP and get help because mental health sometimes needs additional help.

Have you experienced seasonal depression in the Netherlands before? Do you have more tips? Let us know in the comments below!
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in February 2019 and was fully updated in November 2023 for your reading pleasure.