What actually happens to travelers here.
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date, bring your prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter, and verify your travel insurance covers international medical care + evacuation.
The system.
System: Universal (mandatory private insurance)
Quality: ★★★★★ Excellent
Consistently ranked among the best healthcare systems in Europe. English widely spoken by medical staff. GP (huisarts) is the gatekeeper for specialist referrals.
Where to actually go.
Major university hospital. English universally spoken.
General hospital serving central Amsterdam.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Most pharmacies (apotheek) open Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm. Duty pharmacies rotate for evenings/weekends — check apotheek.nl
Prescription rules: Stricter than many countries. Antibiotics, most allergy medications beyond basic antihistamines, and many pain relievers above ibuprofen require a prescription.
Dutch pharmacies are well-organized but relatively strict. Many medications that are OTC elsewhere require a prescription here. The pharmacist will check interactions with your existing medications.
Available over the counter
- paracetamol
- ibuprofen (limited pack sizes)
- antihistamines
- cough suppressants
- antacids
- throat lozenges
Useful pharmacy phrases
- Ik heb iets nodig tegen hoofdpijn
- Ik heb een dokter nodig
- Waar is de dichtstbijzijnde apotheek?
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Paracetamol (generic)
Dutch pharmacies sell paracetamol almost exclusively under its generic name. - ibuprofen → Brufen or generic ibuprofen
Sold under the generic name. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium
Available OTC at any apotheek or drogist.
What you can't bring in.
EU/EEA citizens: bring your EHIC card. All travelers: carry prescriptions with generic drug names in English. For controlled substances, a Schengen certificate from your doctor is recommended.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Adderall · Sudafed · Codeine · Xanax
Not readily available OTC, prescription may be needed
Prescription required for all codeine-containing products
Strictly controlled, bring documentation
Bring original prescription and a doctor's letter
If something breaks.
Availability: Good dental care but can be expensive.
Cost range: €30-80 for consultation; €60-200 for fillings
Dutch dental care is high quality. Dental care is not covered by basic Dutch health insurance.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $3-7/day
Dutch healthcare is excellent but expensive without insurance. A GP visit costs ~€50-100, emergency room ~€300+. EU citizens can use EHIC for necessary care.
Filing a claim
Netherlands uses a GP-first system. Visit a huisarts (GP) before hospital. EU citizens with EHIC access emergency care. Keep all receipts and declaratie forms.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $60-150 |
| ER visit | $200-700 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $400-1,200 |
| Ambulance | $100-500 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Local treatment is world-class
Secondary destination: Cross-border to a major European center
Typical cost band: $10,000-40,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle the vast majority of cases — air evacuation is rarely needed for tourists. If a condition exceeds local capacity: Western European hospitals are among the best in the world. Cross-border air evacuation is uncommon and usually only for highly specialized cases.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Routine immunizations (MMR, DTaP, flu)
- Hepatitis A (if visiting from endemic areas)
No special vaccinations needed. The Netherlands has high routine vaccination coverage.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Safe to drink — Tap water is excellent quality throughout the Netherlands — among the best in Europe. No chlorine is added (UV/ozone treatment instead).
Food safety
Very high food safety standards. Street food (herring, stroopwafels, frites) is safe. Raw herring is a traditional Dutch snack and is safe to eat.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: 113 Online: online chat available
English-speaking therapists: Widely available. English is commonly spoken in the Netherlands.
Netherlands has excellent mental health services. English-speaking therapists readily available in Amsterdam.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Netherlands is flat and generally accessible. Cobblestones in some areas can be challenging.
Hospital accessibility: All hospitals are wheelchair accessible.
Accessible transport: Amsterdam's tram system is accessible. NS trains have wheelchair spaces and assistance. Most buses are low-floor.
Canal houses typically have very steep stairs — book ground-floor rooms. The Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House are wheelchair accessible. Cycling infrastructure can create conflicts for wheelchair users on sidewalks.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID requirements.
Mask policy: No mandates.
Testing availability: Available at GGD locations and pharmacies.
All restrictions removed.
Netherlands travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- WHO
- CDC Travelers Health
- RIVM (Dutch National Institute for Public Health)
- GGD