In Holland, the standard of healthcare is extremely good. For most treatments, there is virtually no waiting list.
However, it is important to understand that the Dutch system is very different. It is financed partly by both employer and employee contributions. However, the majority of the healthcare in Holland is provided by the private healthcare sector. By law, every adult citizen has to buy private healthcare regardless of his or her age or working status. Failure to buy this policy results in heavy fines and not having access to some aspects of healthcare.
How quickly do You Need to Buy Health Insurance
If you are planning to move to Holland, you need to do some research before actually moving. Taking this approach will ensure that you know how much your families healthcare will cost, so you can be sure you can afford to live in Holland.
By law, you do not have to actually buy the health insurance until you have been in the country for four months. However, you need to bear in mind that if you do not buy insurance immediately you and your family will not be able to access basic healthcare in Holland straight away. If you need a doctor for all but emergency care, you will have to pay to see a private doctor.
This is the case even if you are from Europe and have an EHIC card. You can only get emergency care using this card, so if you are suffering from migraines a state doctor will not be able to see you via the EHIC system. Even if you are seen under the EHIC system, you may have to pay for treatment up front. Given that you will no longer be resident in your former country, claiming the money you pay out back may not be possible.
To better understand the Dutch healthcare system we recommend you visit the http://zorgverzekering-2014.nl website.