Hospitals
Hospitals
There are three types of hospitals in the Netherlands.
1-University Hospitals 2-Teaching hospitals 3-General hospitals
New arrivals in the Netherlands will be pleased to know the country has one of Europe’s best healthcare systems. Indeed, the Netherlands is the only country that has consistently ranked in the top three of the European Health Care Index since rankings were introduced in 2005.
Most Dutch hospitals offer similar specialties .However, some specialize in certain diseases. Your GP can best advise you on which specialist is best for your needs.
In the Netherlands, you generally only go for a hospital visit when you have a referral from your GP to see a specialist. You will receive a letter to take with you and you will have to make an appointment at the outpatient clinic yourself. Only go to the hospital immediately in an emergency (bone fracture, open wound, heart attack or, for example, if a child has taken poison). However, in most cases, you should always see your GP first. If you need a GP outside of business hours, see a medical emergency.
In the first visit in the hospital, you should register at the reception desk. Provide your personal details such as name, address, health insurance and name of your general practitioner . Deliver any referral from your GP. An overview of the medications you are taking
Once the information has been processed, The Patient will receive a small plastic card that serves as a medical passport. This card will save history in the hospital and send the bills to the insurance company.
Access to emergency treatment as a tourist in the Netherlands
Anyone, including tourists, can have immediate medical treatment at a hospital in the Netherlands if the injury or illness is dangerous or serious. EU / EEA residents visiting the Netherlands on holiday must present a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
If you are visiting a non-EU country / European Economic Area, it is best to get travel insurance before traveling to the Netherlands for any minor health care problems that may arise. Otherwise, you may end up with a heavy medical bill at the end of your stay.
Emergency hospital treatment
If you need emergency care that cannot wait, call 112, This will take you through to either the ambulance, the fire brigade or police. It’s a free number.
f you do not have health insurance, you will have to foot the bill for all treatment carried out. This includes the ambulance that will take you to the hospital. If you have Dutch health insurance, this will be covered by your basic insurance, no matter what hospital you go to — not even if it’s not covered in the policy .