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Health insurance while studying at Codarts

Which type of health insurance applies to you depends on:

  • Your nationality; and
  • Whether you work in the Netherlands or not. (paid job or paid internship)

Codarts provides information and referrals. Students remain responsible for arranging appropriate health insurance and staying informed about their obligations. 

Important
As soon as you start working, your health insurance obligation changes immediately, regardless of your nationality. You have to change your type of health insurance yourself. Read Healthcare insurance | Study in NL for more information. We recommend private health insurance via AON, take a look at AON for more information.

What applies to you?

Do you work in the Netherlands (paid job or paid internship)?

  • Yes → Read ‘Working students’ below
  • No → Read ‘Non-working students’ below
  • No, but I am considering working in the near future → Read ‘Working students’ below

  • Working students (all nationalities)

    If you work in the Netherlands (paid job or paid internship), you are legally required to take out Dutch public health insurance (basisverzekering). There are no exceptions.

    Why this is important

    Many international students start with private student health insurance (such as AON). Once you start working, Dutch public health insurance is usually more suitable, because it:

    • Gives direct access to a GP (huisarts);
    • Covers most medical costs without advance payments;
    • Includes (partial) physiotherapy coverage;
    • Allows you to apply for healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag)

    Depending on your income, health care allowance (zorgtoeslag) can significantly reduce monthly costs. In practice, this often results in lower net costs than private insurance.

    Risks of not switching insurance

    If you work without a contract or keep private insurance after starting work:

    • You may receive a letter from the CAK (Central Administration Office) and risk a fine;
    • Medical costs may not be reimbursed;
    • You may delay or avoid medical treatment;
    • You may face legal and financial consequences

    If in doubt, always check your situation via the SVB (Sociale Verzekeringsbank).

  • Non-working students

    1. Dutch students

    • Dutch public health insurance is mandatory (basisverzekering).
    • Depending on your income, you may be eligible for healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag).

    2. EU/EEA students (not working)

    If you do not have paid employment or a paid internship, you are not eligible for Dutch public health insurance (basisverzekering). You rely on:

    Important about EHIC

    EHIC only covers medically necessary care and usually does not cover:

    • Physiotherapy;
    • Performance-related injuries;
    • Third-party liability;
    • Legal aid;
    • Travel, accidents, or repatriation

    Because of the physical nature of Codarts programmes, additional private health insurance such as AON is strongly advised.

  • Non-EU/EEA students (not working)

    If you do not work:

    • You are not allowed to take out Dutch public health insurance;
    • You must have private student health insurance such as AON;
    • Being insured is a condition for your residence permit.

  • CAK letters: action required

    If you receive a letter from the CAK (Central Administration Office):

    • Contact the SVB (Sociale Verzekeringsbank) within three months;
    • Do this even if you think the letter is incorrect;
    • Failure to act may result in a fine of approximately €400

       

  • Why Codarts advises AON Student Insurance

    Codarts mentions AON Student Insurance as a widely used and accessible option, especially for students arranging insurance from abroad. This recommendation is based on practical reasons:

    • Accessible from outside the Netherlands;
    • Suited to the Dutch healthcare system;
    • Relevant coverage for Codarts programmes

    Students are free to choose another provider which:

    • Covers medically necessary care in the Netherlands;
    • Is valid for the entire duration of the stay

    Codarts does not assess individual insurance policies and does not provide personal insurance advice.

  • Healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag)

    Healthcare allowance helps make Dutch public health insurance affordable. Eligibility depends on your income.

  • Other important insurances

    In addition to health insurance, students are strongly advised to consider insurance for:

    • Accidents;
    • Third-party liability;
    • Legal aid;
    • Travel and luggage;
    • Fire and theft

  • Students going abroad

    This information applies to all students enrolled at Codarts who temporarily go abroad as part of their study programme (exchange, internship or minor), regardless of nationality. This includes Dutch students, EU students and non-EU international students studying in the Netherlands.

    Students are required to arrange appropriate insurance coverage for their stay abroad. Codarts advises Aon Student Insurance: Exchange Student | Aon Student Insurance. Students may choose an alternative provider, provided that the coverage is equivalent. The student remains responsible for adequate insurance coverage during the period abroad.