NHS (National Health Service)
The British public healthcare system. Free for all residents. Register with a local GP (general practitioner) as soon as you have an address. Wait times can be long.
Nederlands
NHS (National Health Service)
Het Britse publieke gezondheidszorgsysteem. Gratis voor alle inwoners. Registreer je bij een lokale GP (huisarts) zodra je een adres hebt. Wachttijden kunnen lang zijn.
Portugues
NHS
O NHS Ă© o sistema pĂşblico de saĂşde do Reino Unido. Oferece cuidados mĂ©dicos gratuitos para todos os residentes; Ă© necessário registrar-se em um mĂ©dico de clĂnica geral (GP) local apĂłs obter um endereço.
If you’re moving to the United Kingdom from the Netherlands, understanding the NHS (National Health Service) is essential. The NHS is the British public healthcare system, offering free medical care to all residents. Here’s what Dutch emigrants need to know about accessing and using healthcare in the UK.
What is the NHS (National Health Service)?
The NHS is the UK's national healthcare system, funded through taxes and providing most medical services free to residents. Unlike the Dutch system, there are no monthly insurance premiums or deductibles for GP or hospital care.
The NHS covers general practice, hospital treatment, emergency care, and many prescription medicines. Dental and eye care are only partly subsidized—expect to pay towards the cost of these services.
How do you register with the NHS?
To receive NHS healthcare, you need to register with a local GP (general practitioner) once you have a UK address. Registration is free and gives you access to most NHS services.
Steps for registering:
- Find a GP surgery near your home.
- Contact the practice and ask to register as a patient.
- Complete the registration form (GMS1) and provide proof of your address and identity.
- Wait for confirmation from the GP surgery.
Once registered, you can book appointments and access further NHS care as needed.
How does UK healthcare differ from the Dutch system?
The main difference is that the NHS is a public service funded by taxes, with no insurance required. In the Netherlands, you must purchase health insurance and pay monthly premiums.
| Netherlands | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Mandatory health insurance | No premiums, tax-funded |
| Referral to specialists via GP | Always via GP |
| Deductible applies to most care | No GP deductible, some costs for prescriptions/dentists |
Not all services—especially dental and vision—are fully covered. Check the current rules with NHS England for details.
What about waiting times at the NHS?
NHS waiting times can be long, especially for non-urgent care or specialist appointments. Emergency treatment is always available, but routine appointments may take several weeks.
It’s wise to plan ahead for non-urgent healthcare and be prepared for longer waits than you might expect in the Netherlands.
Should you keep your Dutch health insurance?
If you move permanently to the UK for work or study, you usually cannot keep your Dutch health insurance. You should deregister from your Dutch insurer once you are registered with the NHS.
If your stay is temporary or you have specific circumstances, exceptions may apply. Check the current rules with the Dutch authorities and the NHS.
What to do in case of emergencies?
For emergencies, NHS care is always accessible. Call 999 for life-threatening situations or go to the nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department.
For less urgent issues, contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice.
Where can you find more information?
For up-to-date information on the NHS and registration process, check the current rules with NHS England or ask your local GP. The Dutch embassy in the UK may also provide practical advice for Dutch citizens.
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healthcare