Health Care

Dutch Health Care System

The Dutch health care system is often referred to as the ‘gate-keeper system’; the General Practitioner (GP, huisarts) or family doctor being the main link to any specialist or hospital. In order to see a medical specialist at the hospital, you will need to make an appointment with your GP to receive a referral.

Without exception, health insurance is compulsory in the Netherlands. The insurance reimburses part of you medical costs, depending on the type of insurance you have chosen. See 'insurances' to learn more about health care insurance.

General Practitioner (huisarts)

When you first arrive in the Netherlands, make sure to register with a GP in your neighbourhood. It is necessary to make an appointment before visiting a doctor in the Netherlands. In the case of an emergency, it will be possible to meet with your doctor on the same day. A doctor can determine whether or not a referral to a specialist is necessary. Prescriprions for medicine are also prescribed by your GP. Take your prescription to the nearest pharmacy (apotheek) to collect your medicine.

Emergencies

The national emergency number (for medical assistance, police or fire brigade) is 112. You are only allowed to call this number in case of emergencies. Health insurance will not cover the cost of a non-emergency visit to the first aid department of a hospital.

Outside office hours, a special GP emergency unit (huisartsenpost) can be reached by dialling the following phone number: 0900 513 80 39. It is located at the LUMC (Leiden University Medical Center), Albinusdreef 2, Leiden. This unit is set up for emergencies only and it is more expensive to consult with than a GP during the weekly consulting hours. Your health insurance will not cover the costs of a non-emergency visit to the GP emergency unit.

Dentist (tandarts)

In general, the Dutch have a non-compulsory dental check up twice a year. When dental care is needed, you can call any dentist to make an appointment. Take into account that it could take a number of days before a dentist has time for an appointment. You may be asked to pay for the appointment in cash. If your insurance covers dental costs, ask the dentist for a receipt which will enable you to claim a refund from your insurance company.

Regional Health Services (GGD, Gemeentelijke Gezondheids Dienst)

Vaccinations for people planning to visit the tropics can be obtained at the GGD. Foreigners who come to the Netherlands do not usually have to be vaccinated at the GGD. People with certain nationalities are required to be tested for tuberculosis upon arrival in the Netherlands.

Addresses in Leiden

Addresses and phone numbers can also be found in the telephone directory.

General Practitioners
Dr Bergmeijer
Oude Vest 59

T +31 71 513 44 85

Dr Boels

Lammenschansweg 15b

T +31 71 566 33 27

Dr Boender and Dr Braken

‘De Schans’ building

Houtlaan 55

T +31 71 513 77 50

Dr van Schie

Rijnsburgerweg 96

T +31 71 517 71 00

Dr Lindenhovius and Dr Akbaren

Bonairestraat 2

T +31 71 522 28 22

Emergency service / hospitals

The national emergency number is 112.

Leiden University Medical Center

Albinusdreef 2

Open 24 hrs a day, including weekends

Diaconessenhuis

Houtlaan 55

Open mon – fri from 8-17hrs excl holidays

Pharmacies

Your doctor can provide you a prescription when necessary.

Centraal Apotheek

Breestraat 74

T +31 71 512 0552

De Aloe

Roodenburgerstraat 1a

T +31 71 512 0502

Haven Apotheek

Haven 18

T +31 71 522 6082

Reyst

Steenstraat 35

T +31 71 512 0136

De Nachtwacht (Night pharmacy)

Main entrance LUMC

Albinusdreef 2

T +31 71 566 5019

Open mon – fri from 21:00 – 08:00

Regional Health Services

GGD Zuid-Holland Noord

Parmentierweg 49

T +31 71 516 3333

Dentist
H.C. Teune
Roodenburgerstraat 18
T: + 31 71 5124724

M2 tandartsen

Praktijk Oegstgeest

Irislaan 281A

Oegstgeest

T: +31 71 5652455

Last update: 08-06-2012

Leiden Expat Center