--- title: "How to Register with a GP in the Netherlands: Complete Guide for Internationals | HeyDoc" description: "A practical guide to registering with a Dutch GP (huisarts) — what you need, how it works, what to expect, and how to find a practice that's accepting new patients." url: https://heydoc.nl/en/kennisbank/how-to-register-with-a-gp-in-the-netherlands lang: en source: heydoc.nl generated: 2026-05-03T09:32:14.724Z --- # How to Register with a GP in the Netherlands: Complete Guide for Internationals Updated1 May 2026 A practical guide to registering with a Dutch GP (huisarts) — what you need, how it works, what to expect, and how to find a practice that's accepting new patients. # How to Register with a GP in the Netherlands: A Complete Guide For most internationals arriving in the Netherlands, registering with a GP — a*huisarts*— is one of the first practical things on the list, somewhere between getting a BSN and opening a bank account. It's also one of the most misunderstood. This guide explains how it actually works, what's required, and how to avoid the common pitfalls. ## Why your GP matters more here than in many countries The Dutch system is built around the GP as the**gatekeeper**to the rest of healthcare. Your GP is the first point of contact for almost every medical question, and most specialist or hospital care requires their referral. This is different from systems in the US, much of Asia, parts of Eastern Europe, and parts of Latin America, where you can self-refer to specialists or use walk-in clinics for minor issues. Practical consequences: - Without a registered GP, you can't easily get prescriptions filled - Specialist visits without a GP referral are usually not reimbursed - Mental health services are typically accessed via the GP - Sick notes for work, school exemptions, and most administrative health forms come from your GP The upside: once you're registered, the system actually works well. GP care is free at point of use, GPs handle a wide range of issues themselves, and continuity of care is generally good. ## What you need before registering You'll need most or all of the following: 1. **A valid ID**— passport, ID card, or residence permit 2. **A BSN (Burgerservicenummer)**— your Dutch personal ID number, issued when you register at the gemeente (municipality) after arrival 3. **Health insurance**— Dutch basisverzekering, international student insurance, EHIC, or expat insurance 4. **An address within the practice's service area**— typically a 15-minute radius around the practice 5. **Optional but useful:**medical history summary, current medications list, vaccination record If you've just arrived and don't yet have a BSN, some practices can register you provisionally. Ask before assuming you have to wait. ## Step-by-step **1. Identify practices in your area that are accepting new patients.** This is the hardest step in many Dutch cities. Use: - **ZorgkaartNederland**(zorgkaartnederland.nl) — searchable, but often outdated on patient acceptance status - **Kiesuwhuisarts.nl**— newer aggregator, better filters - **Your insurance company's zorgzoeker**— Zorg en Zekerheid for Leiden, CZ for North Brabant, etc. - **Word of mouth**— neighbours, colleagues, expat groups, university support services Many GPs in larger cities have a*patiëntenstop*(patient cap). Don't get discouraged — keep calling. Some practices accept new patients in waves; others have specific arrangements for newly arrived residents. **2. Check the service area.** Dutch GPs can only register patients living within roughly 15 minutes of the practice (this is so they can reach you for emergency home visits). If you're moving in soon, you can usually register with your future address. **3. Submit a registration form.** Most practices have an online form. Some require you to call. Forms typically ask for ID details, BSN, insurance, current GP (if any), and basic medical history. **4. Identify yourself in person.** Almost all practices require a one-time visit to the front desk to verify your ID. This usually takes 5–10 minutes. **5. Wait for confirmation.** Some practices register you immediately; others take 1–4 weeks for administrative processing. You should receive written or email confirmation that you're registered. **6. Use the practice.** Once registered, you can book appointments, request prescriptions, and (depending on the practice) use a digital portal for messages and consultations. ## Common pitfalls **Waiting too long.**Many internationals try to register only after they get sick. By then, finding a practice with availability can take weeks. **Assuming all GPs speak English.**Most do, but fluency varies. If language matters to you, ask before registering. **Not registering officially.**Visiting a GP without being registered usually means paying privately and not getting follow-up care. Always register formally before your first non-emergency visit. **Registering with a practice outside your service area.**Even if they accept you initially, they cannot legally provide home visits, and they may transfer you out later. **Confusing the GP with the GGD or huisartsenpost.**The GGD is the public health authority (TB screening, vaccinations, occupational health). The huisartsenpost is the after-hours service. Neither is your regular GP. ## What to expect from your first appointment Dutch GP consultations are short — usually 10 minutes. If you have multiple issues, mention this when booking so a longer slot can be reserved. Dutch GPs are generally**conservative with antibiotics, scans, and referrals**. This isn't laziness — it's evidence-based primary care. Many self-limiting illnesses (most colds, mild ear infections, viral gastroenteritis) are managed with rest and supportive care rather than medication. Outcomes in the Netherlands are excellent across most measures. If you're used to a different style of care, this can feel dismissive. It usually isn't. Ask questions if you don't understand the reasoning — most GPs are happy to explain. ## What to do if you can't find a GP If every practice you contact has a patient stop, options include: - Contact your**health insurer**— they have a legal obligation to help you find a GP - Try**practices that explicitly serve internationals**— they sometimes have separate capacity - Consider**digital-first practices**that are taking new patients — these typically have fewer geographic constraints than fully physical practices - For urgent care while searching, the**huisartsenpost**is available evenings and weekends, and walk-in clinics serve tourists ## In Leiden specifically Leiden has a mix of traditional practices, larger GP centres, and newer digital-first practices. International student housing concentrates around Lammenschans, Roomburg, and the Bio Science Park area, and several practices in these neighbourhoods specifically welcome internationals. If you're looking for a practice that combines digital access with in-person care — including English-speaking service and immediate registration —[HeyDoc on Lammenschansweg](https://heydoc.nl/en)is currently accepting new patients without a waitlist. ## Frequently asked questions **Can I be registered with two GPs?**No. You're registered with one practice at a time. **Is the registration fee anything?**No. Registration is free, and GP visits are covered by basic insurance with no deductible. **Can I keep my GP if I move within the Netherlands?**Only if your new address remains within their service area. Otherwise you'll need to switch. **Do I need a referral letter from my home country GP?**No. Bring whatever records you have, but the Dutch system doesn't require formal handover documentation. **What if my Dutch is poor?**Most GPs speak English. Some practices specifically welcome internationals. You can also bring a friend or use a translation app — Dutch GPs are used to working with non-Dutch speakers. --- *This guide is general information, not personal medical or legal advice. Specific situations may have nuances — when in doubt, contact a GP practice directly or your health insurer.* --- Written by**HeyDoc**· 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?lang=en)or[get in touch](https://heydoc.nl/contact).