--- title: "How to Register with a GP in Leiden | HeyDoc" description: "Step-by-step guide to registering with a GP in Leiden. What you need, how long it takes, what to expect. HeyDoc accepts new patients without a waitlist." url: https://heydoc.nl/en/kennisbank/register-gp-leiden lang: en source: heydoc.nl generated: 2026-05-03T09:34:24.407Z --- # How to Register with a GP in Leiden | HeyDoc Updated1 May 2026 Step-by-step guide to registering with a GP in Leiden. What you need, how long it takes, what to expect. HeyDoc accepts new patients without a waitlist. # How to Register with a GP in Leiden Registering with a GP (huisarts) is one of the first practical things you should do when you arrive in Leiden — for any longer stay than a few weeks. It's free, takes about 24 hours to confirm, and unlocks the rest of the Dutch healthcare system. This guide explains how it works generally. If you'd like to skip ahead and register with HeyDoc,[our form is here](https://heydoc.nl/patient-worden?lang=en)— registration is open and we don't have a waitlist. ## Why you need a registered GP The Dutch healthcare system is a**gatekeeper system**: your GP is the first point of contact for almost every medical question, and most specialist care requires a GP referral. Without a registered GP: - You cannot easily get most prescription medications - You cannot access mental health care via your insurance - You will pay full price for any walk-in or after-hours service - Specialist visits often won't be reimbursed - Routine care (vaccinations, check-ups) becomes complicated Registering takes minutes. Don't wait until you're sick — by then, finding a GP that's accepting new patients can take weeks in larger Dutch cities. ## Who you can register with GPs in the Netherlands have a**service area**of roughly 15 minutes — the radius around the practice from which they can reach you for emergency home visits. You generally need to live within this radius. In Leiden this means: - HeyDoc (Lammenschansweg 15B) covers Leiden-Zuid, Roomburg, Meerburg, Cronesteyn, Professorenwijk, Tuinstadwijk, Vreewijk, parts of the centre. - Other practices cover Stevenshof, Merenwijk, Leiden-Noord, the wider region. If you're moving in within a few weeks, you can usually register with your future address. ## What you need to register For any GP in the Netherlands you'll need: 1. **Valid ID.**Passport, ID card, or residence permit. 2. **BSN (Burgerservicenummer).**Your Dutch personal identification number, issued when you register at the gemeente. If you've just arrived and don't have a BSN yet, talk to the practice — some can register you provisionally. 3. **Insurance details.**Either Dutch basisverzekering, international student insurance (AON, Aetna, Cigna, Allianz Care), or EHIC. 4. **Address in the practice's service area.** 5. **Optional but useful:**A summary of your medical history. Major diagnoses, current medications, allergies, vaccinations. ## How long it takes At HeyDoc: - **Form submission:**5–10 minutes online - **Identification at front desk:**one-time visit, about 10 minutes - **Patient portal access:**within one working day - **First appointment:**chat available immediately, video usually within 1–2 days, in-person within 1–3 days At many traditional practices, expect 1–4 weeks before you're formally registered. ## What happens at registration There is no formal medical interview required to register. Some practices offer a free "introductory consultation" — useful but not mandatory. At HeyDoc you can register, get portal access, and start using the practice without an introductory visit. If you have an existing medical history that needs handover, your first chat or video consultation handles that. If you've been registered with another GP (in NL or abroad), your new GP can request the records with your written consent. From a Dutch GP, transfer is digital and usually arrives within 1–2 weeks. From abroad, it can take longer — bring whatever records you have. ## Switching from another GP in the Netherlands You're free to switch GPs at any time, for any reason. You don't need permission from your current GP. The new practice handles the records transfer. Common reasons people switch: - Their current GP is full and never available - Communication issues (language, attitude) - Moved house, current GP outside service area - Want a different model of care (digital, more time per visit, specific specialty) Tell your new GP at registration that you're switching — they'll send the request to your old practice automatically. ## What to expect from Dutch GP care A few cultural differences worth knowing if you're new: **Watchful waiting is normal.**Dutch GPs are trained to be cautious with antibiotics, scans and referrals. For self-limiting illnesses (many colds and gut bugs), the usual advice is supportive care rather than immediate prescriptions — in line with NHG-style primary care. **Consultations are short.**Standard appointments are 10 minutes. If you have multiple issues, mention this upfront so a longer slot can be booked. **You see the GP, not specialists, for many things first.**The GP coordinates contraception, mental health entry (such as POH-GGZ), chronic disease follow-up, and referrals when needed. **Paracetamol is your friend.**It's the default first-line for fever and pain. This isn't because GPs are dismissive — it's because it works for most things, with fewer side effects than alternatives. At HeyDoc we follow the same clinical principles, with extra attention to explaining how Dutch primary care works for international patients (without promising longer consultations than clinically booked). ## Frequently asked questions **Is registering with a GP free?**Yes. Registration itself is free. GP visits are free under basic insurance. Most international student and expat insurances also cover GP visits. **Can I register at multiple GPs?**No. You're registered with one GP at a time. This is how the Dutch system tracks your medical record and reimbursement. **Do I need a GP if I'm only here for a few months?**For very short stays (under 4 months), you may not need formal registration. For anything longer — and certainly for any study or work stay — yes. **What if I get sick before I'm registered?**Walk-in clinics exist (huisartsenpost), but they bill at higher rates. Hospital A&E (SEH) is for emergencies only and shouldn't be used for non-urgent care. Once registered, this all becomes much simpler. **My partner is registered with a different GP. Is that a problem?**No. Family members can register with different practices. Children typically register with one parent's GP for practical reasons. **Can I change my mind after registering?**Yes. You can switch GPs at any time, with no waiting period. ## Register with HeyDoc If you'd like to register with us, the form takes about 5 minutes: →**[Registration form](https://heydoc.nl/patient-worden?lang=en)**→**[Send a question first](https://heydoc.nl/contact)** If our service area doesn't cover you, we're happy to recommend other Leiden practices that take international patients. --- 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).