health

Amsterdam, Health

Health care in Amsterdam is excellent and waiting times for operations is not long as in many other European countries. Compulsory insurance is required but rates are fixed by law so insurance companies cannot penalise you on the grounds of your age or anything else and by law must insure you. The Netherlands spends a high proportion of the national income on public health on top of this as not everyone can afford the average rates of Euro 100 a month for the health care insurance.

Amsterdam has several excellent hospitals with emergency care facilities. Those visiting Amsterdam do not require any vaccinations and the tap water is safe to drink.

Emergency Tourist Health Care:

Nothing worse than when on vacation something happens to you. Fear not, Amsterdam has great first aid services for tourists and Dutch alike.

If you wish to have a doctor visit you call the central service for doctors, dentists and pharmacists on tel: (0900) 503 2042

24 hour chemist is also available but the premises changes weekly so visitors need to check which one is open (tel: (020) 694 8709.

Emergencies: Dial 112 for an ambulance or (020) 592 3355 for the Tourist Medical Services, which operate 24 hours a day.

Insurance cover: As health care in Holland is nationalised it is relatively inexpensive and as there are reciprocal health agreements with all other EU countries you can on presentation of a completed form E111 obtain all medical treatment, including hospital treatment free but prescribed medicines and dental treatment must be paid for.

All travelers are advised to take out full medical insurance.