{"id":7144,"date":"2026-06-04T10:48:45","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T10:48:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grupoxandra.eu\/?p=7144"},"modified":"2026-06-04T14:01:06","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T14:01:06","slug":"zorgverzekering-in-spanje-nederlanders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/grupoxandra.eu\/en\/zorgverzekering-in-spanje-nederlanders\/","title":{"rendered":"From the Netherlands to Spain: what exactly changes for your health insurance?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cMy health insurance will just continue if I move to Spain, right?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It's a common assumption, but in practice this is not true. Anyone who settles in Spain automatically enters a different healthcare system. This has direct consequences for your coverage, your rights, and your obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/grupoxandra.eu\/en\/ziektekostenverzekering\/\">Health insurance in Spain<\/a> works differently from the Dutch basic insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good preparation prevents you from being temporarily without coverage or facing unexpected limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">How does health insurance work in the Netherlands?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the Netherlands, there is a system of <strong>Mandatory basic insurance<\/strong>. Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands is obliged to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>to take out basic health insurance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pay a monthly premium for this<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The government largely determines what is included in this insurance. As a result, the basic coverage is comparable among all insurers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">What is covered?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The basic insurance includes, among other things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>General practice care<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>hospitalizations and treatments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>specialty care<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>(partial) reimbursement of medication<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, many people opt for supplementary insurance for additional coverage such as dental care or physical therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Temporary stay in Spain: what is arranged?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As long as you officially reside in the Netherlands, your health insurance will remain active, even when you are temporarily staying in Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seg-social.es\/wps\/portal\/wss\/internet\/Trabajadores\/PrestacionesPensionesTrabajadores\/10938\/11566\/1761\/1761_resumen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">European Health Insurance Card<\/a><\/strong> Do you have a right to necessary medical care during a temporary stay?.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Important distinction:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>this regulation applies only to <strong>temporary situations<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>not for a permanent move<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and only for medically necessary care<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a permanent move, your situation fundamentally changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">What changes for your health insurance in Spain when you move?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you deregister from the Netherlands and become a resident of Spain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cancel your Dutch health insurance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are you losing access to the Dutch healthcare system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is legally mandated and therefore not a choice. You must join the system that corresponds to your new country of residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The overview below shows the important difference between temporary residence in Spain and a permanent move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Your situation determines your healthcare in Spain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">Are you retired?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you receive a Dutch pension, you can use the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hetcak.nl\/zorgverzekering-buitenland\/spanje\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">S1 form (via CAK)<\/a><\/strong> accessing Spanish public healthcare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enrollment in the Spanish healthcare system<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>right to healthcare through the public sector<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important to know:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>this only gives access to the <strong>public care<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>private care is not included<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">Are you not retired yet?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then there are two possibilities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You work in Spain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You build rights through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seg-social.es\/wps\/portal\/wss\/internet\/Inicio?changeLanguage=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Social Security (Spanish social security)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You do not work in Spain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You must demonstrate that you have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>sufficient financial resources<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and one <strong>private health insurance<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice, private insurance is often necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Public vs. Private Healthcare in Spain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sanidad.gob.es\/en\/home.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Spanish public healthcare <\/a>is of good quality, but differs on a few points from what you are used to in the Netherlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">Public health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Advantages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>broad coverage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>direct costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>quality medical care<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Points of attention:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wait times can get very long.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>limited choice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often, a referral from the family doctor is required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">Private care<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>private health insurance<\/strong> In Spain, it generally offers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>direct access to specialists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>shorter waiting times<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>more freedom of choice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>access to a network of private clinics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many Dutch-speaking residents, this is a conscious choice to have more control and speed within their healthcare journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The overview below visually clarifies the differences between public and private healthcare in Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Subject<\/th><th>Public health<\/th><th>Private care<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Access to specialists<\/td><td>Often through a referral from the general practitioner<\/td><td>Direct access to specialists<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Waiting times<\/td><td>Can range, depending on region and specialization<\/td><td>Usually shorter waiting times<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Freedom of choice<\/td><td>Limited choice within the public system<\/td><td>More choice of doctors and clinics<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hospitals and clinics<\/td><td>Public hospitals and health centers<\/td><td>Network of private clinics and private hospitals<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Appointment scheduling<\/td><td>Depending on availability within the public system<\/td><td>Often an appointment is possible sooner<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cost per consultation<\/td><td>Usually included within the public system<\/td><td>Covered under the terms of the policy<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Comfort and service<\/td><td>Depending on public provision<\/td><td>Often more comfort and personal freedom of choice<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Why you should restart in Spain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Dutch health insurance policy cannot be transferred to Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When moving:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>stop your existing insurance automatically<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you need to take out new insurance?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You are being reassessed, which may affect your coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">The importance of timely connection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Private health insurance in Spain works with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>medical acceptance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>possible pre-existing condition exclusions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>waiting times<em>shortage<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">What does this mean in concrete terms?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Not everyone is automatically accepted<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pre-existing medical conditions can be excluded<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For certain treatments, there is a waiting period.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The longer you wait to get insurance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the greater the risk of restrictions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The smaller the chance of full coverage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Practical example<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Suppose you move to Spain and only take out private insurance a few months later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The example below illustrates why timely enrollment in health insurance in Spain is so important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This can have a significant impact on your medical options and costs in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your Dutch health insurance will end when you move to Spain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The EHIC is only valid for temporary stays, not for residency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your situation (retired, working, or not) determines your rights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public healthcare is sound, but has waiting times and limitations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Private healthcare offers more speed and freedom of choice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must always take out new insurance in Spain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medical acceptance, exclusions, and waiting periods play an important role<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connecting on time helps to avoid risks and limitations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">In conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moving to Spain also means switching to a different healthcare system. While the Netherlands is highly structured and uniform, Spain requires more insight into your personal situation and choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By carefully reviewing your health insurance in Spain in advance, you can prevent unexpected situations and maintain control over your healthcare. Thoughtful preparation will allow you to begin your life in Spain with greater confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good preparation makes moving to Spain much more manageable, also from a medical perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Frequently asked questions about health insurance in Spain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-container-core-details-is-layout-7e6ef1b6 wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Should I cancel my Dutch health insurance if I move to Spain?<\/strong><br><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Once you officially deregister from the Netherlands and become a resident of Spain, your Dutch health insurance will typically cease. You will then fall under the healthcare system of your new country of residence and will need to arrange your situation according to Spanish rules.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-container-core-details-is-layout-7e6ef1b6 wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Am I entitled to Spanish healthcare if I live in Spain?<\/strong><br><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That depends on your situation. Retirees can usually access Spanish public healthcare via form S1. People working in Spain build up rights through Social Security. If you live in Spain without working, private health insurance is often necessary.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-container-core-details-is-layout-7e6ef1b6 wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>What is the difference between public and private healthcare in Spain?<\/strong><br><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Public healthcare offers broad medical coverage, but it can sometimes come with longer waiting times and less freedom of choice. With private health insurance, you usually get faster access to specialists, more choice of doctors, and access to a network of private clinics.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-container-core-details-is-layout-7e6ef1b6 wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Why is it important to take out health insurance in Spain in a timely manner?<\/strong><br><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Private health insurance in Spain often works with medical underwriting, exclusions for pre-existing conditions, and waiting periods.<em>shortage<\/em>Those who wait until after moving or until health problems arise run a greater risk of coverage limitations or exclusions.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Are you unsure which health insurance in Spain best suits your situation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We help Dutch people and other expats daily in choosing a suitable health insurance in Spain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This way, you'll know exactly what your options are in advance and won't be caught by surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/grupoxandra.eu\/en\/ziektekostenverzekering\/\">Fill out the form at your convenience.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">or send an email to <a href=\"mailto:salud@grupoxandra.eu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">salud@grupoxandra.eu<\/a> for personal advice and more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cMijn zorgverzekering loopt toch gewoon door als ik naar Spanje verhuis?\u201d Het is een veelvoorkomende veronderstelling, maar in de praktijk klopt dit niet. Wie zich in Spanje vestigt, komt automatisch in een ander zorgsysteem terecht. Dat heeft directe gevolgen voor uw dekking, uw rechten en uw verplichtingen. Een zorgverzekering in Spanje werkt namelijk anders dan [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7154,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[46],"class_list":["post-7144","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gezondheid-ziektekosten","tag-hoofdartikel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/grupoxandra.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7144","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/grupoxandra.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/grupoxandra.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/grupoxandra.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/grupoxandra.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7144"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"http:\/\/grupoxandra.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7144\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7183,"href":"http:\/\/grupoxandra.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7144\/revisions\/7183"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/grupoxandra.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7154"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/grupoxandra.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7144"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/grupoxandra.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7144"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/grupoxandra.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7144"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}