FAQ - Health Insurance when studying in The Netherlands

When do you need to apply for a basic health insurance when studying in The Netherlands?

The Dutch Health Insurance is obligatory for residents of The Netherlands. Students who are temporarily visiting are an exemption, but the moment you're working or getting paid for an internship or voluntary work this might change.
If you're an International student and you are just here to study you usually don't need a basic health insurance.
The moment you take on a (part time) job you need to get a health insurance however. You can choose any insurer.
When you're doing your internship in The Netherlands, you only need to get a health insurance when you're getting paid more than the minimum wage (so it's usually not the case).
If you're an independent worker (zzp'er/freelancer) the rules are less clear, and you'll be asked to check with the SVB to do a WLZ check to know if you are obligated to get the basic health insurance.

Can I apply for care allowance (zorgtoeslag) as an International Student?

If you are required to get the basic Dutch Health Insurance (basisverzekering) you can also apply for the care allowance.
Usually this will cover most of the costs of your monthly insurance payment.

When to apply for private health insurance for your time in The Netherlands.?

When you are here for a temporary stay and not getting paid for a part time job, there are still situations when you would like to get a insurance.
This can be the case when your own health insurer doesn't cover (enough of) the costs in The Netherlands.
You can then apply for a Student Insurance, such as the OOM Studying in The Netherlands insurance.
This insurance is not a basic health insurance, so you can't apply for the care allowance. Usually the prices of these insurances are between 20 and 30 euros a month.

Where can I find more information about this?