Studying abroad for less than a year

When you study abroad for less than a year your Dutch health care policy applies. You reserve the right to medical care from the Dutch health insurance, as far as this is consistent with the Dutch rates and your insurance package. When the medical expenses abroad turn out to be higher than they would be in The Netherlands, then in most cases you make up for the difference yourself. If you want to be sure that all expenses are covered, then you should inform with your insurance company about a supplementary insurance.

As for the insurance under the AWBZ (Exceptional Medical Expenses Act); you are entitled to this during your stay (less than one year) in the country where you are studying. The compensation for medical care abroad falls under the “Compensation regulation AWBZ – health care abroad”.

Are you studying less than a year in one of the treaty countries? Then you can claim medical care under the statutory insurance packages of those countries.

European health Insurance Card

When studying less than a year in the EU, the EEA or in Switzerland, you should get an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) from your insurer. In the case of other treaty countries it is possible that you are required to request treaty form 111 instead of an EHIC.

The EHIC entitles you to emergency medical care, without you having to pay the costs then and there. The EHIC also guarantees the right to urgent medical care during a temporary stay in Australia. Treaty Form 111 only ensures the right to urgent medical assistance. Both for the reimbursement of medical expenses through the EHIC and treaty form 111, you will receive medical care under the statutory insurance packages from the respective countries.