General Practitioner: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to access primary healthcare and specialist referrals through the General Practitioner system in the Netherlands.
The General Practitioner serves as your first point of contact for healthcare, acting as a gatekeeper for medical services. They provide primary care and issue the necessary referrals if you need to see a specialist.
Who it's for
This scheme is available to registered residents living in the country.
What you get
As a patient, you receive primary medical care for most health concerns. If your condition requires more advanced treatment, your practitioner provides a referral to a specialist.
What it costs you
Medical services are free at the point of use, as these costs are covered by your health insurance.
The catch to know
You cannot simply walk into any clinic; you must register with a specific local practice. Because of high demand, many practices have waiting lists for new patients.
How to apply
- Find a medical practice located near your home.
- Contact the practice to ask if they are currently accepting new patients.
- Complete the registration process (known locally as inschrijven huisarts).
- Once registered, you can book appointments or request a referral (verwijzing) when needed.