Acquiring Health Insurance as a DAFT Residence Permit Holder in the Netherlands

Darien Wilson
May 25
3 min read

By Darien Wilson May 25, 2026

woman thinking about timeline of acquiring health insurance

Many Americans moving to the Netherlands on the DAFT residence permit wonder:

"How soon can I get health insurance?"

In the Netherlands, residents are required by law to purchase health insurance within four months of arrival. Having insurance from another country does not exempt one from this requirement. However, it takes some time to complete the required steps in order to secure health insurance.

I have been living in the Netherlands on the DAFT residence permit, often called the DAFT visa, since 2021. I moved here in my 50s, so ensuring continuity of health insurance coverage was one of my top concerns. I offer coaching to Americans moving abroad, so if you'd like personalized support with your move, please reach out.

The Nitty-Gritty

To take out health insurance, you will need:

A valid address
A BSN (citizen service number), acquired after registering with the gemeente, or municipality
A Dutch bank account (for automatic payment)

You may also need:

A DigiD (to login to the insurer's website)

The timing of when you can obtain Dutch health insurance varies by insurer—and by individual situation, it seems.

Most DAFTers are able to acquire insurance after registering with the gemeente, getting a BSN, and opening a Dutch bank account (a DigID may also be needed). For others, the insurer also requires a letter from IND saying a residence permit will be issued. And in my case, my insurance company required a copy of my actual residence permit before they would issue coverage.

Backdating (and why your first bill may be high)

Once your insurance is approved, it will be backdated, meaning:

You’ll be considered insured from an earlier date
You will need to pay premiums retroactively

As a result, your first Dutch health insurance bill will likely be high, as it will cover several months.

What date is used for backdating?

This varies, and there doesn’t seem to be a single consistent rule. Based on personal experience and what I’ve heard from others, insurers may backdate coverage to:

Your registration date with the gemeente, or municipality (this seems to be the most common)
The date your DAFT application was received by the IND (this was my case)

What About the Gap in Coverage?

You have a few options during this transition period:

1. Pay Out of Pocket

You can simply go without insurance and pay in cash if you need care before your insurance kicks in.

I was surprised to find that cash prices for healthcare in the Netherlands are often lower than U.S. co-pays. As an example, in 2021, a visit to the GP was €30, and a trip to the emergency room for stitches was €300.

2. Purchase Travel Insurance

Some people opt for temporary coverage through travel insurance providers.

For example, SafetyWing, which is designed for digital nomads, may be an option during this interim period. My understanding is that you must sign up for travel insurance before leaving the United States. Contact the insurer directly to confirm eligibility based on your residency status.

3. Keep Your U.S. Insurance

If your U.S. health insurance covers care abroad, you might choose to keep it temporarily.

This is the route my family took, because we were older and I am cautious. In our case, I was able to backdate the cancellation of my U.S. insurance by about 6 weeks once I knew our DAFT application was approved.

In Summary

Navigating the transition to Dutch health insurance as a DAFT permit holder can feel uncertain, mainly due to the variability in timing between insurers. However, once coverage is in place, you will likely find the Dutch insurance system much easier to navigate than the U.S. "system" (or lack thereof).

The key is to plan for the interim period—whether that means budgeting for out-of-pocket care, securing temporary coverage, or maintaining your existing American insurance policy temporarily.

Disclaimer

The information in this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only and is based in part on personal experience. It should not be considered legal, immigration, insurance, financial, tax, or medical advice.

Rules, timelines, and requirements for Dutch health insurance—particularly under the DAFT residence permit—can vary and change over time. You are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Before making any decisions, consult with qualified professionals such as an insurance provider, legal advisor, or immigration specialist. The author makes no guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of this information and accepts no liability for any actions taken based on it.