Healthcare allowance
26 Mar 2010
If you are obliged to take out a Dutch public healthcare insurance (in Dutch: zorgverzekering) it is likely that you are eligible for compensation for your insurance costs.
This compensation is called healthcare allowance. If you do not participate in the public health care insurance scheme (but you are insured via an independent policy with an insurer such as AON or Lippmann) you will not be eligible for healthcare allowance.
How to apply
Applying for healthcare allowance can be done online or by post. As you need an electronic signature (called DigiD) in order to apply online and the application tool is only available in Dutch, filling out a paper application form might be the easiest option.
Application forms can be obtained via the Tax Authorities Telephone Number (BelastingTelefoon) at 0800 0543. You will then hear a selection menu in Dutch. Choose 1 and then choose 5. The helpdesk officers at the Tax Hotline have been instructed to only speak Dutch, however most employees will be happy to assist you in English. Make sure to have your burgerservicenummer (BSN) at hand.
If you read Dutch, have a DigiD and wish to apply online: go to www.toeslagen.nl.
If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or of Switzerland the application process will be much simpler if you register with the immigration authorities first.
‘Toolkit’ manual
The application process for healthcare allowance is difficult for persons who do not speak Dutch fluently, as the Dutch tax authorities communicate only in Dutch. This is why we translated the healthcare allowance application form into English for you.
Download the English translation of the 2010 healthcare allowance application form (16 kB)
Download the English translation of the 2010 notes to the application form (45 kB)
Note! this translation is only a tool. The form that you must fill in, sign and submit is the original Dutch form.
Healthcare allowance and residence permits
If you hold a residence permit, the reverse side of your card will most likely mention: "Een beroep op publieke middelen is niet toegestaan". This means that you are not allowed to claim certain government benefits, the consequence of which being that your residence permit may be revoked.
Applying for healthcare allowance, however, will not affect your residence permit.