I want to go to the Netherlands for medical treatment
You are registered as a treaty-entitled person with the CAK. And you want to come to the Netherlands for medical treatment. You can. You don't need permission to do that. However, the Dutch rules apply.
What steps should I take?
You are free to choose a healthcare provider. Zilveren Kruis reimburses your care on the basis of nationally fixed rates or market rates. Usually, it covers the cost of treatments. Do you want to know if your treatment costs are fully reimbursed? Please contact Zilveren Kruis via [email protected] or + 31 (0) 33 445 68 70.
Do you not yet know who is going to treat you (which doctor, which hospital or other health care provider)? You can choose a healthcare provider via KiesBeter (Zorginzicht.nl, Dutch only). Here you will find healthcare providers for which quality information is available.
Do you need a referral letter? Arrange a referral letter in Dutch or English in your country of residence. You'll ask your GP or your doctor there. Are you in the Netherlands yet? First visit a Dutch GP. This GP can give you a referral letter.
Take your EHIC with you on the first visit. Do you have a referral letter? Then you turn it in to your health care provider.
Show your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the CAK to the healthcare provider in the Netherlands. You do not have to advance the cost of your treatment. The health care provider sends the bill to the Zilveren Kruis. This is the health insurer that regulates the health care costs for treaty beneficiaries in the Netherlands.
Is your treatment subject to a personal contribution? Then you have to pay for it yourself.
Please note: Are you a family member of a person working in the Netherlands and do not yet have an EHIC? Then apply for an EHIC online.
What care will I be reimbursed?
You are entitled to reimbursement if the treatment is part of the Dutch basic healthcare package or the Long-Term Care Act (Wlz).
Long-term care
Do you need intensive care and supervision all day long? Then you may be entitled to long-term care. For that care you need a so-called indicative decision. You can request this from the Care Assessment Centre (CIZ.nl, Dutch only). You can do that before you come to the Netherlands.
The CIZ will examine whether you can get care from the Wlz. The CIZ also determines what kind of care and how much. You will receive a message from the CIZ within 6 weeks. Do you not agree with that decision? Then you can object to the CIZ.
Please note
Are you receiving long-term care? And do you stay in a Dutch institution for a long time? Then you will be officially living in the Netherlands again. In that case, you are no longer subject to treaty law.