Tens of thousands in the Netherlands denied medical care due to lack of health insurance
Tens of thousands of residents in the Netherlands who lack health insurance are routinely unable to access necessary medical care, the Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ) reported Monday. The inspectorate estimates that roughly 100,000 people are uninsured, including homeless individuals, EU labor migrants who lose coverage after job loss, and people without residence permits who fear seeking care will expose their legal status.
“People without a residence permit are often afraid they will be discovered as ‘illegal’ during a visit to a doctor,” the IGJ said. The inspectorate added that the failure to provide care is also caused by healthcare providers being unaware that they can bill for treatment of uninsured patients or not knowing how to do so.
The IGJ emphasized that all residents, regardless of insurance status, are entitled to medically necessary care, warning that delays or lack of treatment can lead to serious health consequences. Two legal schemes allow doctors, pharmacies, hospitals, and nursing homes to claim reimbursement for care delivered to uninsured patients—one for foreigners without residence permits and another for those uninsured for other reasons.
The inspectorate praised street doctors and street nurses for providing care to those without insurance and commended healthcare institutions that do not turn away uninsured patients. It also highlighted initiatives in municipalities and regions that guide uninsured residents toward medical services.
IGJ called on healthcare providers to ensure all staff, including front desk personnel, are fully informed about the rights of uninsured patients and trained to use interpreters when necessary. It urged local collaboration between healthcare providers, municipalities, and social organizations to identify uninsured individuals and connect them with the care they need.
“Not all healthcare providers know that or how they can claim reimbursement for care provided to uninsured patients,” the IGJ said. “As a result, people often do not receive care at general practitioners, pharmacies, or hospitals, or doctors cannot arrange follow-up care.”
