--- title: "How to register with an English-speaking GP in the Netherlands | HeyDoc" description: "Practical guide for expats and international students: how the Dutch GP system works, what documents you need, and how to find an English-speaking GP in Leiden and around." url: https://heydoc.nl/en/kennisbank/english-speaking-gp-netherlands lang: en source: heydoc.nl generated: 2026-04-24T20:58:17.272Z --- # How to register with an English-speaking GP in the Netherlands Updated24 Apr 2026 Practical guide for expats and international students: how the Dutch GP system works, what documents you need, and how to find an English-speaking GP in Leiden and around. **Quick answer.**In the Netherlands your general practitioner (huisarts) is your medical gatekeeper: you need to register with one to access prescriptions, specialist referrals, blood tests and most follow-up care. Registration requires (1) Dutch health insurance or an accepted alternative such as Aon Student Insurance, (2) a BSN (citizen service number), and (3) a valid ID for one-time in-person identification. English-speaking GPs exist but are concentrated around university cities, HeyDoc is one of them in Leiden, with no waiting list as of April 2026. ## The Dutch GP model in one paragraph Unlike many countries, you do not simply walk into a hospital for routine issues. The GP first evaluates you, treats most issues within the practice, and refers you to a specialist only when appropriate. All of this is covered by your basic health insurance (basisverzekering). The GP is also the only doctor who knows your full history, so choosing one carefully matters. ## Who qualifies for GP registration? To register at a GP in the Netherlands you generally need: - **Address in the Netherlands**, within the practice's service area. - **BSN (burgerservicenummer)**, your tax/social security number, issued by the municipality (gemeente). You can start registration without one, but you must have a BSN before your first consultation. - **Valid health insurance**, either Dutch basisverzekering or an approved alternative like Aon Student Insurance. - **Valid ID**, passport, ID card or residence permit for one-time identification (required by Dutch law to process your BSN in the medical record). ## Finding an English-speaking GP Most Dutch GPs speak some English, but that is different from offering your full medical care in English. Truly English-first GPs are more common in: - **Leiden**, university city with many expats, international students and ESTEC-adjacent professionals - **Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Rotterdam**, international populations - **Eindhoven**, tech workers HeyDoc in Leiden operates fully in English, including chat, video and in-person consultations. We are a contracted provider for Aon Student Insurance. ## What does registration actually look like? A typical English-language GP registration follows these steps: 1. **Online form**, personal details, contact info, insurance details (5 minutes). 2. **In-person identification**, one visit to the practice with your ID. Required by Dutch law. 3. **Activate patient portal**, set password, configure two-factor authentication (TOTP). 4. **Start using the service**, chat, video or in-person consultations; prescriptions, lab, referrals. At HeyDoc the turnaround for new registrations is typically within one working day. ## What if I do not have a BSN yet? You can still start the registration process. Go to your municipality (gemeente) first to register your address, the BSN usually arrives within a few working days. As soon as you have it, let your GP practice know so they can complete your medical record. ## Is my insurance enough? If you have: - **Dutch zorgverzekering**, yes, GP consultations are covered. - **Aon Student Insurance**, yes, if the GP is contracted (HeyDoc is contracted). - **EHIC card from an EU country**, only for urgent care during short stays, not for GP registration. - **Private international insurance**, depends on the policy; contact the GP practice before registering. ## What will it cost? GP care in the Netherlands is free at the point of use: consultations, video calls, phone consultations and most in-house diagnostics (lab, ultrasound, ECG at HeyDoc) are covered. Your only cost is the Dutch "own risk" (eigen risico) per calendar year for*non-GP*follow-up such as specialist appointments, medications and hospital tests. ## Common misconceptions **"I can just walk into a hospital."**No, that only works for emergencies (spoedeisende hulp). For routine care, the GP first. **"I need to pay upfront."**Usually not, HeyDoc and most GP practices bill your insurance directly. **"I need a referral letter from my country."**Not for GP care. Bring a list of current medications and previous relevant conditions; that helps your new GP pick up continuity. **"I can stay registered with my GP back home."**For the Netherlands' system you need a Dutch GP, staying registered elsewhere doesn't give you access to prescriptions, referrals, or lab work here. ## What to do in an emergency - **Life-threatening:**call**112**immediately. - **Urgent but not life-threatening during office hours:**call your GP (HeyDoc: 071 781 0036). - **Urgent outside office hours:**call Huisartsenpost Limes (the regional out-of-hours GP service) at**088 427 47 00**. --- Written by**Dr. Amir Mirrezai**ยท HeyDoc GP practice, Leiden. This article is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. Questions?[Register with HeyDoc](https://heydoc.nl/patient-worden)or[get in touch](https://heydoc.nl/contact).