Health and care
In the Netherlands, the healthcare system is good. There is also a strong focus on well-being. It is important to us that you are well.
Below, you can read how healthcare is arranged in the Netherlands. And what help you can get.
Healthcare in the Netherlands and Arnhem: the rules
Healthcare in the Netherlands is sometimes quite complicated for newcomers. You need health insurance. And you can't just go to the hospital, for example. On this page, we explain how healthcare works here.
Everyone in the Netherlands over the age of 18 must take out a healthcare insurance policy. This is compulsory. For newcomers, this applies from the moment they have a house. Your social worker will help you to get insurance. This insurance refunds most of the care you need. If you cannot afford the insurance, you may get an allowance. On this page, you can read more about allowances.
When you come to live in Arnhem, you register with a family doctor. The family doctor is a doctor in your neighbourhood. You go to that doctor when you are not feeling well. For example, if you have physical or psychological symptoms. If there is something wrong with you or someone in your family in the evening or at the weekend, call the out-of-hours family doctor's surgery. You should only call this doctor's surgery if you cannot wait until the next day. Only if you or someone around you is at risk of dying will you go directly to hospital. Call 112 first.
An appointment at the family doctor's takes ten minutes. If you think you need more time, you should mention this when you make the appointment. During the interview, the doctor asks all kinds of questions. He or she also asks what you yourself think about your symptoms. The doctor should not talk to anyone else about what you tell him or her. If your doctor is unable to help you, you may be given a referral. For example, for the physiotherapist, the psychologist or for further examination in the hospital. You can then make a new appointment with them.
There is also a special consultation hour for newcomers in Arnhem: every Wednesday afternoon between 1 and 3 o'clock you can visit the Sonsbeek Park, in restaurant A Beautiful Mess. You can go there with symptoms, but also with questions about healthcare in the Netherlands. This consultation is organised by Doctors of the World. You can find more information about healthcare in the Netherlands on the website of the Dutch Council for Refugees. You can find more information about healthcare in the Netherlands on the website of the Dutch Council for Refugees.
Your health and well-being
It is important to us that you feel at home in Arnhem. That is why our district teams help you. If you have questions about your health, you can contact the district team. They can help you if you need help at home. For example, with the household. Or if you need help with parenting.
Healthy living
It is important that you take good care of yourself. Therefore, eat and drink healthily. Also try to walk or exercise regularly. And take good care of your teeth. If your teeth are bothering you, see your dentist.
Mental health
As a newcomer, you may have fled your country. Some people have psychological problems as a result. They sleep badly, are afraid or feel depressed. You can also visit your doctor with these symptoms. He or she will then help you further.