Health insurance
For the duration of your stay in the Netherlands you are required to have appropriate health insurance. A liability (third-party) insurance is also recommended, but not compulsory. Before arrival in the Netherlands you should check whether your current health care insurance covers the complete period of your stay in the Netherlands.
If your current healthcare insurance does not cover your stay in the Netherlands, you can apply for two types of insurance: private insurance or the basiszorgverzekering.
Basiszorgverzekering
By law, the basiszorgverzekering (basic health care insurance) is compulsory for all Dutch citizens. The basiszorgverzekering is also compulsory in the following cases:
- if you are 30 years or older, or if you reach the age of 30 during your stay in the Netherlands;
- if you are employed in the Netherlands;
- if you will be staying in the Netherlands for more than a year.
With around €80 - €96 per month, the basiszorgverzekering is more expensive than private insurance. However, people with low incomes, such as students, can apply for an allowance (maximum around €61 as of 2010) to help cover the costs for the health care insurance. For more information on this allowance please visit 
www.toeslagen.nl.
Private insurance
You can opt for private insurance if you meet the following requirements:
- you are younger than 30 during your entire stay in the Netherlands;
- you are not employed in the Netherlands;
- you will not be staying in the Netherlands for more than a year.
Please note that it must be clear in advance that your total stay and study will be less than a year. If not, you must choose the basiszorgverzekering at the start of your studies in order not to be fined.
There are several private companies offering insurances that cover medical expenses, accidents, luggage, general liability and legal assistance in the event of physical injury. See www.students-insurance.eu for more information.
European Health Insurance Card
If you are from a country within the European Union you can apply for a European Health Insurance Card. This card is at least equal to the basiszorgverzekering and can be extended with a special package (ICS start+), including a liability insurance, which for example covers the costs for physiotherapy.
For more information on the coverage you need, please check www.students-insurance.eu. When applying for an ICS package please tick that you have a European Health Insurance Card.
Additional cover
Please note that with a Dutch basiszorgverzekering or a European Health Insurance Card only your basis medical costs will be reimbursed. Other medical costs, e.g. for physiotherapy, Mensendieck, psychotherapy or acupuncture, are not covered.
The ICS+ package will pay twelve treatments a year for physiotherapy, Mensendieck or Cesar therapy, as well as psychotherapy, acupuncture and many other coverages. A third-party (liability) insurance is also included.