What are reciprocal healthcare agreements?
Reciprocal healthcare agreements are agreements between the Netherlands and other countries about medical care and the reimbursement of medical expenses. They apply to people who live abroad and receive a Dutch pension or benefit. They can also apply to family members of people who live abroad and work in the Netherlands.
The CAK is responsible for implementing these agreements.
People who fall under reciprocal healthcare agreements
Reciprocal healthcare agreements apply in the following situations:
- You live in a country with which the Netherlands has a reciprocal healthcare agreement and you receive a Dutch pension or benefit. And you no longer work in the Netherlands and you do not have your own company.
- You are a family member of someone who falls under the reciprocal healthcare agreement.
They can also apply to family members of people who live abroad and work in the Netherlands (cross-border commuters). The rules for this vary by country.
Countries with which the Netherlands has a reciprocal healthcare agreement
The Netherlands has reciprocal healthcare agreements with a number of countries.
A
- Austria
B
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
C
- Cabo Verde
- Croatia
- Cyprus (Greek part only)
- Czech Republic
D
- Denmark
E
- Estonia
F
- Finland
- France (including Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, St Martin and Réunion)
G
- Germany
- Greece
H
- Hungary
I
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
L
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
M
- Malta
- Montenegro
- Morocco
N
- The Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
P
- Poland
- Portugal (including Madeira and the Azores)
R
- Romania
S
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain (including Ceuta, Melilla and the Canary Islands)
- Sweden
- Switzerland
T
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
U
- United Kingdom (including Gibraltar)
Pension and benefit schemes that fall under reciprocal healthcare agreement
Reciprocal healthcare agreements apply to people who receive a Dutch pension or benefit under at least 1 of the following:
- General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW pension)
- Surviving Dependants Act (ANW)
- Flexible pension (early retirement) or KeuzePensioen scheme
- Bridging scheme (OBR)
- Invalidity Insurance Act (WAO), Work and Income (Capacity for Work) Act (WIA) or Incapacity Insurance (Self-employed Persons) Act (WAZ)
- Work and Employment Support (Young Disabled Persons) Act (Wajong)
- Redundancy pay scheme (WW+) for military personnel and civil servants
Family members
Who exactly is considered to be a family member varies by country. For example, in some countries you must be married to your partner to fall under a reciprocal healthcare agreement. In other countries that is not necessary. Ask your local health insurer for information on who exactly is considered a family member.
Why do I have to pay a premium?
If the reciprocal healthcare agreement applies to your situation, you are legally obliged to register with the CAK to arrange your health insurance abroad.
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).
Read more about CAK premiums for people who receive a Dutch pension or benefit
Read more about CAK premiums for family members of cross-border commuters
What is the coverage of the health insurance?
The coverage of the health insurance through the CAK differs per country. You can inquire about this with your health insurer in your country of residence.
Contact
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.