Mandatory Health Insurance in Rotterdam
In the Netherlands, including for Rotterdam residents, health insurance is mandatory for everyone living or working here. Every Rotterdammer must take out a **basic insurance policy** with a health insurer to access essential medical care. The **Dutch Health Insurance Act (Zorgverzekeringswet, Zvw)** ensures that no one in the Maasstad is left without coverage and that healthcare costs are fairly distributed. This article explains what this obligation means for Rotterdam residents, including local support through the **Rotterdam Legal Helpdesk (Juridisch Loket Rotterdam)**.
What Does Mandatory Health Insurance Mean for Rotterdam Residents?
The mandatory health insurance ensures that all Dutch residents—including those in Rotterdam—must have a **basic policy** covering standard care, such as GP visits in neighborhoods like **Charlois or Kralingen**, hospital admissions at **Erasmus MC**, and prescription medications. The system promotes solidarity: healthy port workers contribute to the care of sick neighbors, regardless of health status or income. **Insured individuals** in Rotterdam pay a **fixed premium** to their insurer and an **income-dependent contribution** via the **Tax Authority (Belastingdienst)**.
The basic coverage is uniform nationwide, but insurers in Rotterdam differ in terms of **service quality, excess (eigen risico), and additional packages**. For children under 18, parents pay the premium, but the government covers the cost for free. Exceptions apply to groups such as **marines stationed at Rotterdam’s naval base** or **diplomats**, who have special coverage arrangements.
Legal Basis
The obligation is outlined in the **Dutch Health Insurance Act (Zvw)**, introduced in 2006 and regularly updated. Key provisions include:
- Article 2 Zvw: Defines who is insured, including Rotterdam residents and foreign workers in the port.
- Article 11 Zvw: Requires taking out a basic insurance policy.
- Article 66 Zvw: Governs the income-related contribution, collected by the Tax Authority.
- Article 69 Zvw: Imposes penalties for the uninsured, such as fines or reimbursement of costs.
Enforcement is handled by the **Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGZ)** and the **Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa)**. The government sets annual premiums and excess amounts effective January 1st. In 2023, the average **fixed premium** was **€1,390**, and the **mandatory excess** was **€385**. For advice in Rotterdam, contact the **Juridisch Loket Rotterdam**.
Who Must Be Insured in Rotterdam?
Not everyone is automatically covered. Below is an overview for Rotterdam:
| Group | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Residents of Rotterdam | Yes | From age 18, individuals must have their own basic insurance if registered in the **municipal population register (BRP)** via the City of Rotterdam. |
| EU/EEA workers in Rotterdam’s port | Yes, unless double-insured | Working in the Netherlands requires Zvw coverage unless covered by a foreign pension scheme. |
| Asylum seekers in Rotterdam | No | The government provides temporary coverage via **AWBZ or COA**. |
| Students abroad with Rotterdam ties | Yes | Remain insured if registered in the **Rotterdam BRP**. |
| Military personnel in Rotterdam | No | Covered by the **Ministry of Defense (Defensie)**. |
Upon emigrating from Rotterdam, you must cancel your policy and may need a **travel insurance plan**. For more on being uninsured, see our article on **[uninsured for health insurance](link)**. The **Rotterdam District Court (Rechtbank Rotterdam)** handles disputes.
Rights and Obligations for Rotterdam Residents
As an insured resident in Rotterdam, you have specific **rights** and **obligations**:
Rights
- **Access to basic care**: Insurers must accept you regardless of health status (**acceptance guarantee**).
- **Freedom of choice**: Switch insurers annually (November 1–December 31).
- **Reimbursement**: If uninsured at the time of care, your insurer will reimburse you upon enrollment.
- **Appeal**: Challenge insurer decisions via the **Social Insurance Appeals Board (SKGZ)**; seek local advice at the **Juridisch Loket Rotterdam**.
Obligations
- Take out a basic policy within **four months** of moving to Rotterdam.
- Pay premiums: **Fixed monthly amount** + income-based contribution via taxes.
- Meet the **excess (€385 in 2024)** for non-reimbursed care.
- Report changes: Update address or income with the **Tax Authority** and insurer; verify via the **City of Rotterdam**.
Non-compliance may result in a fine of up to **€458 (2023)** and personal liability for medical costs.
Practical Examples in Rotterdam
**Scenario 1**: A 25-year-old newcomer starts a job at Rotterdam’s port. They must enroll in health insurance within four months to avoid fines. Should they choose a **restitution-based policy** (free provider choice) or a **managed-care policy** (e.g., for **Ikazia Hospital**)? Managed-care plans often have lower premiums.
**Scenario 2**: A Polish expat works temporarily for a Rotterdam company. As an EU citizen, they must be insured under Zvw unless an **A1 form** applies. If uninsured—e.g., after a port accident—they could face **thousands in personal costs** for hospital care.
**For Rotterdam families**: Parents with children under 18 pay a **child premium**, but low-income households benefit from **healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag)**. In 2023, families earning up to **€38,000** could receive up to **€140/month** via the Tax Authority.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.