In the Netherlands, your huisarts (general practitioner) is the cornerstone of your healthcare experience. The Dutch system operates on a strict gatekeeping model: your GP is your first point of contact for almost every health issue, and you cannot see a medical specialist without a referral from your huisarts, except in genuine emergencies. This keeps costs down and ensures care is well-coordinated, but it also means finding and registering with a GP early is one of the most important steps after arriving.
When and How to Register
You can only register with a huisarts once you have your BSN. The process is straightforward: search for practices near your home address, call or email to ask if they are accepting new patients, and fill out a short registration form. Many practices will ask you to come in for an initial intake appointment. In large cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht, GP practices fill up quickly and some neighborhoods have no practices accepting new patients at all. Start your search the same week you receive your BSN.
Finding an English-Speaking GP
Most Dutch GPs speak excellent English, especially in urban and expat-heavy areas. If English-speaking care is a priority, look for practices in international neighborhoods or ask on local expat forums. The Hague has a particularly high concentration of English-speaking practices around the international zone. See our The Hague international community guide for resources. You can also check with your municipality's expat desk for a list of recommended practices.
Day-to-Day Experience and After-Hours Care
Once registered, the day-to-day experience is different from many countries. Walk-in appointments are rare. Instead, you call your practice in the morning (typically between 8:00 and 10:00) to request a same-day or next-day phone consultation or visit. Many issues are resolved over the phone, and your GP may prescribe medication or refer you to a specialist only when truly necessary. After hours and on weekends, a central GP post (huisartsenpost) handles urgent but non-emergency care. Call the same number and you'll be redirected. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 112.
Insurance and Related Resources
Health insurance is mandatory and separate from GP registration, but your insurer will ask for your huisarts details. Read our Dutch healthcare guide for the full insurance picture, and check our culture section for more on navigating Dutch daily life as an expat.