This page gives an overview of options for finding a psychologist or GP in town, and information on Dutch health insurance. The list includes places recommended by other students, all of which welcome English-speaking clients and are based in Utrecht.
General Practitioners
Your huisarts (General Practitioner, GP) is your initial contact person for any and all medical questions or concerns. They either treat you directly, prescribe medication, or refer you to another medical specialist. To see a specialist at a hospital, you need a referral from the GP, so you must see your GP first. It is strongly recommended to register with a GP as soon as you arrive in the Netherlands, rather than waiting until you need one. You need to choose a GP nearby, as by law the GP needs to be able to reach your home address within 15 minutes, in case of an emergency. Recommended GPs near UCU, from nearest to furthest, where international students are often taken, include:
Most GP's are only available via phone during daytime working hours. For medical help during the weekend/night/holidays, call the emergency GP line (088 - 130 96 70). For any medical emergency, dial 112
For more information about the Dutch healthcare system, visit https://www.thuisarts.nl/dutch-healthcare
- Huisartenpraktijk Bosboomstraat (030 87 03 610, for emergency dial 1)
- Huisartsenpraktijk Koningslaan (030 251 44 54, for emergency dial 1)
- Huisartsenpraktijk Daltonlaan (030 251 44 54, for emergency dial 1)
- Huisartsenpraktijk Vogelenbuurt (030 2714196)
- Gezondheidscentrum Het Zand (030 670 09 79, for emergency dial 1)
Most GP's are only available via phone during daytime working hours. For medical help during the weekend/night/holidays, call the emergency GP line (088 - 130 96 70). For any medical emergency, dial 112
For more information about the Dutch healthcare system, visit https://www.thuisarts.nl/dutch-healthcare
Dutch Health Insurance
As soon as you are registered by the local municipality (Utrecht) and get your Citizen Service Number (BSN), you are legally required to get Dutch basic health insurance policy (basisverzekering). It covers the essentials: visits to the GP, hospital care, prescription medication, and emergency care. Some things are not included, such as dental care for adults, glasses, and most physiotherapy. For these you can add optional supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering). You don't need to buy it, but it is worth checking if you wear glasses or expect to need a dentist.
EU/EEA students who do not work locally may rely on their EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), but this only covers emergency and medically necessary care, not full healthcare access. Students who are not working and are staying for a shorter period, for instance, on a semester exchange, may be able to rely on private international student insurance or their EHIC instead. For full degree students, getting a Dutch health insurance will give you full access to essential healthcare, and is therefore the best option.
For more information, visit www.studentinsurance.nl/health-insurance/
EU/EEA students who do not work locally may rely on their EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), but this only covers emergency and medically necessary care, not full healthcare access. Students who are not working and are staying for a shorter period, for instance, on a semester exchange, may be able to rely on private international student insurance or their EHIC instead. For full degree students, getting a Dutch health insurance will give you full access to essential healthcare, and is therefore the best option.
For more information, visit www.studentinsurance.nl/health-insurance/
Psychologists
If you wish to seek psychological help, you can make an appointment with the UU Student Psychologists. The initial intake meeting costs 25 euros, but all following meetings are free of charge. It is important to note that the UU Psychologists are mainly available for short term help, often with a maximum of five sessions. Also, there is usually a long waiting list for the UU Psychologists. To circumvent this, your GP will be able to offer more immediate help. Find more information here.
For any significant concerns, including questions about mental health or requests for a referral to a psychologist, your GP (huisarts in Dutch) should be your first point of contact. The GP is essential for addressing not only physical but also mental health matters. You can only make an appointment with a psychologist after receiving a referral from your GP! Many GP practices also have in-house specialists, including mental health professionals. It is also important to know that even with all-coverage insurance, the number of sessions with a psychologist may be limited. It’s important to discuss this with your insurance provider in advance to ensure you understand what is covered.
Are you having suicidal thoughts, or are you worried about someone with suicidal thoughts? Talk about it. Call 0800-0113 or chat via 113.nl. Available 24/7, anonymous and confidential. In case of acute situations, always call 112.
For any significant concerns, including questions about mental health or requests for a referral to a psychologist, your GP (huisarts in Dutch) should be your first point of contact. The GP is essential for addressing not only physical but also mental health matters. You can only make an appointment with a psychologist after receiving a referral from your GP! Many GP practices also have in-house specialists, including mental health professionals. It is also important to know that even with all-coverage insurance, the number of sessions with a psychologist may be limited. It’s important to discuss this with your insurance provider in advance to ensure you understand what is covered.
Are you having suicidal thoughts, or are you worried about someone with suicidal thoughts? Talk about it. Call 0800-0113 or chat via 113.nl. Available 24/7, anonymous and confidential. In case of acute situations, always call 112.