Hospital Care
Accessing hospital care in The Netherlands requires following some steps that depend on your specific situation
For non-urgent hospital visits, you need a referral from your GP.
For example:
- Seeing a specialist
- Getting an X-ray
- Specialists work in hospitals or medical clinics.
- Always check if your hospital or specialist is covered by your insurance
- Waiting times may apply
- Your GP or insurance company can help you find a faster option
Urgent medical care (Not Life-Threatening)
If you need urgent care:
Call your GP
- Choose the urgent option (spoedgeval) in the menu
- Available during office hours
Outside office hours:
- Contact a GP urgent care centre (huisartsenpost)
You can also go directly to a hospital emergency room (spoedeisende hulp) for urgent issues (e.g. a dislocated shoulder).
Emergency care
Call 112
Only use this number for life-threatening situations, such as:
- Heart attack or heart failure
- Serious accidents (e.g. road accidents)
- Situations where immediate medical help is needed
- Crime or dangerous situations