Travel insurance for the Netherlands

Do I need travel insurance for the Netherlands?

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.

What type of insurance do I need?

Choose the type of travel insurance that suits your needs:

• Single trip – For those who are travelling only to the Netherlands and have no other holidays lined up this year
• Multi-trip or annual – Consider this type of policy if you travel to the Netherlands multiple times a year or have holidays to other destinations in the pipeline. There’ll be a limit on how many trips you can take per year
• Backpacker – If you’re planning to travel continuously for up to 18 months and visit multiple countries, backpacker travel insurance could be just the ticket
• Adventurous sports – If you’re up for some thrill seeking while in the Netherlands, you may need this type of policy. It could provide cover for activities like bungee jumping and horse riding

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.

What won’t my policy cover?

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

What you need to know when travelling to the Netherlands

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