You are becoming an expat

Becoming an expat can have consequenses for your (mandatory) health insurance in the Netherlands. Several factors are at play here.

Since each stay abroad happens under different circumstances, because every expat has his or her own reasons for leaving the country, and any country in the world can be a destination, it is impossible to name and describe all scenarios and their consequences in detail. To get you somewhat started, you can find certain standard information regarding your health insurance below (information that you would like to think about before leaving the Netherlands).

Ask yourself the following questions

  • Which country are you going to? Is this country situated within the EU and/or the EEA or not? Is there is a treaty between the Netherlands and the country of your destination?
  • Think about the duration of your stay abroad: will you be abroad for a period shorter or longer than three months? Note: this can also be important in the case of (unpaid) volunteer work abroad. If you are staying abroad for over a year, this may also affect your (mandatory) health insurance in the Netherlands.
  • Are you going abroad to work, study or an to do an internship?
  • Are you earning an income from the Netherlands during your stay abroad or not?
  • In the case of a study or an internship abroad: Are you going to work during your stay abroad or not?
  • In the case of an internship abroad: Are you entitled to social services in the country where you do your internship? If this is the case, then you are probably regarded as an employee rather than an intern.
  • Will you continue to stay registered as an inhabitant of a certain town in the Netherlands or will you sign out?
  • Will you continue to stay registered in the Netherlands or will you sign out?

For detailed information about legislation, rules and regulations that apply to your specific situation, please contact the IRS (for example: it is possible you are entitled to healthcare benefits during your stay abroad), the Healthcare Insurance Board (CVZ ) and /or the Social Insurance Bank (SVB).