Get the right travel insurance for your trip to the Netherlands
Over two million visits are made by UK holiday goers to the Netherlands each year, and Amsterdam is the destination of choice for over half of those trips.
If you’re planning to go Dutch this year, here’s what you need to know about your travel insurance.
It isn’t mandatory if you’re travelling from the UK to the Netherlands, but it’s incredibly important.
Not only will it provide cover if you were to have your possessions stolen or your flight cancelled, but it will give you essential medical cover. This comes in handy particularly if you’re travelling somewhere like the Netherlands where healthcare is privatised.
Give yourself peace of mind with the right travel insurance. Compare options and find a policy that compares everything you need it to at the lowest price.
Choose the type of travel insurance that suits your needs:
You’ll also want to think about who is going on the trip. Single, couple, family and group travel policies are available. It’s worth comparing the price of different types of insurance to find the cheapest option.
Your travel insurance should include:
Make sure it provides cover up to a cost of £5 million while you’re abroad
You’ll be reimbursed if you have to cancel your trip or cut it short due to an emergency outlined in the policy document
If your flight has been delayed by longer than a set amount of time (as specified by the insurer), you’ll receive compensation
Covers the cost of flying you home if you’re seriously ill or injured and require medical treatment back in the UK
Pays for any legal fees if you’ve injured someone or damaged their property while on holiday
If any of these happen to your baggage, you can claim
It’s worth noting that the following will usually result in a rejected claim:
Pre-existing conditions – Not all pre-existing medical conditions will be covered by your insurance. It will differ depending on the insurer. It’s possible to get insurance if you have a medical condition but it may be more expensive. Failing to declare it when applying could invalidate any claim you make
Excessive drinking – A claim that’s a result of drinking alcohol or taking illegal drugs will not be valid
Law breaking – If you’re found to be engaging in criminal activity on your holiday, your policy won’t pay out
Natural disasters and acts of terrorism – These usually aren’t covered by travel insurance
Your European health insurance card (EHIC) and its replacement, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is valid to use in the Netherlands, but you’ll still need to pay.
Your EHIC or GHIC enables you to receive emergency care in a state-run medical facility the same as a Dutch national would.
Healthcare in the Netherlands is privatised, which means you’ll have to pay for any medical treatment you receive while you’re there. So, finding the right travel insurance is a must.
It’s worth noting that under 18s are provided with free healthcare.
Here’s the lowdown:
Use your card on transport - You’ll need to use a credit or bank card to purchase tickets on trams, buses and the metro in Amsterdam
But still carry cash – You may find some establishments that will only accept cash. So, best to carry some euros on you just in case
And your ID – Everyone above the age of 14 is required to carry ID on them and show police officers or law enforcement officers when requested
Say no to drugs – Drugs are prohibited in the Netherlands apart from in certain premises. If you’re caught with drugs on you, you could be arrested. Also, it can invalidate your travel insurance
Get a museum pass – If you’re a culture vulture, consider buying a museum pass. It will give you access to 450 Dutch museums for a whole year. That’ll keep you busy
Tiptoe through the tulips – Planning on seeing the tulips? You’ll have to act fast. They only bloom for six to eight weeks a year. Think about travelling in April to see these iconic flowers in action
Hop on the train – Riding the rails is a relatively cheap way to travel around the Netherlands. Get out of the city and take a few day trips, you won’t be disappointed
Visa requirements – The Netherlands is part of the Schengen area (a group of 26 European countries), which means you can travel there without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Your passport – Make sure you check your passport before you go. It will need to have been issued no more than 10 years before the date you’re travelling, and it must be valid for at least three months after your return
The standard of healthcare is viewed as among the best in Europe. The government manages the system and it’s supplemented by private companies.
Health insurance is mandatory for residents in the Netherlands to receive medical treatment as it’s privatised.
Excessive consumption of alcohol or the use of illegal drugs will result in any claim you make being void.
No, the healthcare system in the Netherlands is privatised which means receiving any treatment will cost you.