How can I arrange health insurance via the CAK?
If you live in a country with which the Netherlands has a reciprocal healthcare agreement and you will soon receive a Dutch pension or benefit or you are moving abroad and already receive a Dutch pension or benefit, you may be required to arrange health insurance via the CAK.
This is what is known as reciprocal healthcare.
Registering for reciprocal healthcare
You already live outside the Netherlands
Follow the steps below to arrange your health insurance via the CAK:
- Check whether a reciprocal healthcare agreement applies to you.
- Apply for an S1 form from the CAK, which will allow you to register for reciprocal healthcare.
You live in the Netherlands but are moving abroad
Follow the steps below to arrange your health insurance via the CAK:
- Notify the organisation that pays your benefit or pension that you are moving abroad. It is possible you may lose your entitlement to your benefit or pension. The organisation will be able to tell you more about this.
- Inform your health insurer when you will be moving. To avoid extra costs, it is best to do this 2 months before your departure.
- Apply for an S1 form from the CAK, which will allow you to register for reciprocal healthcare.
After submitting your application
On the basis of your application the CAK will determine whether a reciprocal healthcare agreement applies to you. If so, the CAK will send you an S1 form. This form will enable you to register with a health insurance provider in the country where you live. Registering with the CAK takes up to 4 weeks.
Paying your insurance premium
For health insurance via the CAK you must pay an insurance premium. In most cases, the organisation that pays your benefit or pension will automatically withhold this amount. You do not have to make a separate payment for this premium.
The amount of your premium depends on your income and where you live. You can fill in your information on the CAK website to see an estimate of what your premium may be (in Dutch).
Health insurance for family members moving abroad with you
If any family members moving with you receive a Dutch pension or benefit, they must also apply for an S1 form.
If none of your accompanying family members receives a pension or benefit, include their names on your application. The public health insurance system in the country in question will determine whether they can be insured on your plan.
If a family member lives abroad but works in the Netherlands, they must keep their Dutch health insurance. To register with the public health insurance system in the country in question they will need an S1 form. They can apply for one from their Dutch health insurer.
What is the coverage of the health insurance via the CAK?
The coverage of the health insurance via the CAK differs per country. You can check this with your health insurer in your country of residence.
No reciprocal healthcare agreement applies to you
If no reciprocal healthcare agreement applies to you, then take out health insurance in the country where you will be living.
How can I arrange health insurance abroad?
If you are moving abroad
Contact
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