Do I Need Travel Insurance For Netherlands?
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Discover the methodologyYou’re about to hit dutch roads for a business or a family trip?
But during one of your trips, have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to get emergency treatment, where you lost your baggage at the airport, or just about anything else unexpected?Hence, you’re probably wondering how to find the best travel insurance for visiting Netherlands.
In the below ultimate guide for travelling from the UK to Netherlands, we will tell you everything you need to know about travel insurance for your trip: is it compulsory, what key features should you pay attention to, how much does it cost, what are the driving requirements and what are the emergency contact details you need to know in Netherlands? Let’s get started.
Why do I need travel insurance for Netherlands?
Imagine you are hitting the Dutch roads on a scooter for a romantic trip with your partner. At a roundabout, someone runs into you. You need to call the emergency services. An ambulance comes and you need to make IRM checks to ensure everything is alright.
Unfortunately, it happens much more often than we think, and it could leave both you and your partner with significant medical costs to pay if you didn’t apply for travel insurance before leaving.
Here is a list of the most common unexpected costs arising during people’s trips:
| What if…. | How much does it cost on average? | How much will you have to pay without travel insurance (but with EHIC*)? | How much will you have to pay with travel insurance? |
|---|---|---|---|
| You need air rescue | £3,251 | £3,251 | £0 until medical expense limit is reached |
| You need an IRM | £245 | £0* | £0 until medical expense limit is reached |
| You need to have surgery and to stay at a hospital | £5,600 | £0 in public hospital only* | £0 until medical expense limit is reached |
| You need medical repatriation | £38,500 | £38,500 | £0 |
| You need dental care | £500 | £500 | £0 – if planned in policy |
| Your baggage has been lost at the airport | £780 | £780 | £0 |
| Someone stole your money | £200 | £200 | £0 until limit is reached |
| You need to cancel your trip | £200 | £2,200 | £0 until cancellation limit is reached |
* British people travelling to Netherlands can benefit from their EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) until 31/12/2020, which any European citizen can get for free. The EHIC should, as required in law, cover any medical procedures and treatments you may get while you are in Netherlands. The EHIC will not, however, cover any emergency or repatriation costs and any medical care considered as non urgent. This is where travel insurance comes in.
If you have a medical history, always take your EHIC with you as it will cover standard care for pre-existing medical conditions (unlike travel insurance if you didn’t tick the pre-existing medical condition box while applying).
For as cheap as £1/day, “Comprehensive Travel Insurance” is a contract which fully covers you for any trip to Netherlands or elsewhere abroad. Travel insurance is not mandatory for anyone holding a valid UK passport but is, however, absolutely necessary.
It is one of the highest value-for-money insurance products to consider as it gives you complete peace of mind for as cheap as £1 per day.
Comprehensive travel insurance is here to provide you with both financial compensation as well as assistance during your trip.
What are the best travel insurance policies for Netherlands?
How can you choose between the plethora of travel insurance policies on offer and find the least expensive policy? Many insurers, even some small ones, offer very good value for money deals.
We’ve come up with a selection of small and big actors offering tempting deals.
Among them you’ll find:
| Travel insurer | Travel insurance price | Our reviews | 100% online applying | Live chat feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | £6,54 |
| yes | yes |
 | £7,08 |
| yes | yes |
 | £9,48 |
| yes | yes |
*Quotes above are for a 30 years old person applying for a one week trip to Europe travel insurance.
Even better, use our comparison tool to find the best deal for you! At Safe, we’ve checked out hundreds of travel insurance providers and we are now able to allow you to compare dozens of holiday insurance deals in only a few seconds without giving any personal details.
Always remember to check limits and excess amounts, maximum number of days per trip and exclusions in an insurer’s policy terms and conditions booklet.
Which travel insurance type do I need for Netherlands?
You can apply for different insurance types depending on your type of trip, from frequent luxury or business travel to cheap holidays to Netherlands.
The most common ones are:
| Travel insurance type | Explanation | Main features |
|---|---|---|
| Single trip insurance | These travel insurance policies are for one-off holidays. You will be covered from the start of the journey until the end. You can decide the number of days you want to be covered for. | Covers for the period of the stay |
| Annual multi-trip insurance | These policies are made for frequent travellers going away for holidays, business trips or for any other reason several times a year. You would need to check whether it is more competitive to buy two or three single trip insurance policies or an annual multi-trip policy. You can choose between a worldwide, worldwide excluding the USA, Caribbean and Canada or a Europe travel plan. | Covers for a period of 12 monthLength of each trip usually limited to 31 days (but can vary from 10 days to 90)Sometimes there is an age limit (66 years old on average) |
| Long stay and gap year insurance | These plans are made for students or any british resident wanting to explore the world, including for backpacking, gap year trips or for any other long stay reason. | Usually covers periods between 90 days for up to 18 monthsFor gap year trips,, there might be some age restrictions (from 16 to 45 only, for example) |
What are the must-have features for travel insurance?
Each travel insurance policy is different, since it is the insurer who determines the content of the contracts it offers: guarantees, compensation limits, deductibles, travel insurance prices, etc.
However, all contracts on the market must include at least the following guarantees, applicable in Netherlands and elsewhere abroad:
- Medical expenses: compensation by the insurer for your health expenses during your stay (consultation, analysis, emergency treatment, longer hospital stay, etc.).
- Repatriation assistance to the UK: financial and logistical support by a dedicated 24/7 team for your early return to your country of residence if it proves necessary.
- Trip cancellation and cover for delayed or missed departure: compensation if you need to cancel your trip for whatever reason or if you missed your departure.
- Personal liability: compensation for any damage or injury made to a third-party (consider adding it as extra if not included in standard cover).
- Baggage: compensation for any lost or theft of baggage while travelling (consider adding it as extra if not included in standard cover).
Most of the time, travel insurers offer different formulas. Cover types involved are usually the same, but the compensation limits and deductibles vary.
| Main guarantees | Cover you should get for your travels to Netherlands | Min - max limit amount you should get for your trip to Netherlands | Good to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical travel insurance |
| Average £1 million limit |
|
| Trip cancellation / curtailment |
| Minimum £2,000 limit |
|
| Baggage |
| Minimum £1,500 limit |
|
| Missed departure, delay | Compensation if you miss your flight or train when it is beyond your control or if your journey is delayed | Minimum £500 limit (minimum £200 limit for delay) |
|
| Repatriation | Cost of repatriation before or after your original ticket | Real fees |
|
| Personal liability | Compensation for any damage or injury made to a third-party during your trip up to the limit known | Average £2 million limit |
|
| Legal expenses | Legal fees for claiming compensation to another person | Average £15,000 limit |
|
What are the nice-to-have features for travel insurance?
| Main guarantees | Cover you should get for your trip to Netherlands | Min - max limit amount you should get for your trip to Netherlands | Good to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Money and cash | Covers for loss or theft of money or equivalent such as cheques | Minimum £500 for money (pre-paid tickets, travelers cheque etc.) Minimum £200 for cash |
|
| Dental emergency | Covers for emergency dental care | Minimum £250 |
|
| Loss of passport or documentation | Covers additional fees such as accomodation or travel replacement as a result of loss of documentation | Minimum £250 |
|
Which upgrades could you add as extras for your travel insurance?
Additionally, you may tailor your policy for your trip to Netherlands with optional extras such as:
- Business trip cover
- Sport, winter sport, extreme sport cover
- Schedule Airline Failure (at least £1500 covered)
- Gadget insurance
- Cruise cover
- Etc.
What does your travel insurance to Netherlands not cover?
Most travel insurers will not give financial compensation for:
- Any claim made as a result of pre-medical condition or pending diagnosis undeclared at the time of purchase
- Any claim made as a result of you being under drugs or alcohol
- Difficulties due to natural disaster, war, civil unrest (watch out for strikes)
- Any claim made as a result of a terrorist attack (except if you took this cover as an option)
- Pregnancy and childbirth complications during travel.
We would advise you to thoroughly check your policy booklet for the main exclusions before leaving home.
What else should you pay attention to while shopping around for travel insurance for Netherlands?
While shopping around for travel insurance for your trip to Netherlands, always pay attention to:
- The compensation amounts you will get for a claim by consulting our up-to-date reviews on each insurer (especially for medical expenses, trip cancellation, personal liability, baggage and personal belongings)
- The deductible amounts you’ll have to pay in case of claim (don’t forget that you’ll need to pay the excess on each claim)
- The exclusions you may have in your policy (strike, cancellation trip due to the carrier defaulting etc.)
- Coverages included in policies or available as upgrades (winter sports, business trip etc.)
- The claim process (100% online? How many days do you have to make a claim?)
- The maximum duration of each trip included as standard (at least 31 days)
- The upper age limit (if you are a senior travelling)
How much is travel insurance to Netherlands?
For example, this is the cheapest price for a single trip policy of seven days (with an excess at £100):
| Age | Worldwide cover | European cover |
|---|---|---|
| 18 - 35 | From £17.81 | From £8.21 |
| 36 - 50 | From £21.76 | From £10.68 |
| 51 - 65 | From £24.44 | From £13.78 |
| 66 - 75 | From £29.11 | From £18.09 |
It is, however, quite difficult to give precise ranges of how much a travel insurance will cost you for Netherlands, as prices are based on a wide range of criteria. It will mainly depend on:
- If you’re going for a single or annual multi-trip as mentioned above
- If you’re subscribing to upgrades such as cruise, business or gadget cover
- If you have pre-existing medical conditions
- The length of your stay in Netherlands
- If you’re travelling alone, with your partner, a group or your family
- The financial limits you’d like to get in case of a claim
- The excess amount you’re willing to pay
- What will you be doing in Netherlands (e.g. winter or extreme sports)?
Is travel insurance for Netherlands mandatory?
Travel insurance for Netherlands is only mandatory if you need to apply for a Dutch Schengen visa as mentioned below. You are obliged, as required by law, to take out a Schengen visa travel insurance policy.
In this case, you will need to apply for healthcare travel insurance with a medical expense minimum limit of £30 000 and covering all member states of the Schengen area. You will need to show this insurance proof with your visa application.
Travel insurance for Netherlands is otherwise not mandatory but is highly recommended.
Check out travel insurance for your trip to the Schengen area here.
When do I need a Schengen visa to go to Netherlands?
If you’re a UK citizen with a valid UK passport, you do not need a visa to visit Netherlands.
However, from the 31/12/2020*, British citizens will need to apply online for a visa application for Netherlands called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) which is valid for a period of three years.
They will also have to pay a 7€ fee.
The whole process of getting this visa online may take only 15 minutes and the travel authorisation should be immediately available to the traveller applicant.
*The UK and EU are due to sign a visa-free reciprocal agreement to allow both British citizens and European citizens to freely travel between both countries. This is to prevent citizens from needing to obtain a Schengen visa. However, this is still conditional depending on what the UK decides for European travellers reaching the UK.
If you are a UK Resident but are a national of one of the countries listed here, then you’ll need a Dutch Schengen visa to travel to Netherlands.
If you need a Schengen visa to go to Netherlands, then healthcare travel insurance is mandatory and you’ll need to show insurance proof to get your visa.
Do I need a passport to go to Netherlands?
Yes, a valid passport or ID will be required at Netherlands airport customs.
What should I know before travelling to Netherlands?
Is Netherlands safe to visit?
This is what the Foreign Travel Office writes about Netherlands:
The Dutch authorities announced further precautionary measures on 15 March in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
On 5 March 2020, Flybe announced that it had ceased operations and all its flights have been cancelled. For more information, see the Flybe travel alert.
If you were due to travel with Flybe, read the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s advice to UK consumers for more information on how your travel plans may be affected and the steps you should take.
The rules on travel to EU countries will stay the same until 31 December 2020. This page will be updated with country-specific information for travellers to the Netherlands as things change.
Since 5 December 2019, Eurostar services have been affected by industrial action by railway workers in France. Cancellations and delays are expected. You should check services before travelling.
British nationals make more than 2 million visits to the Netherlands every year, half of whom are visiting Amsterdam. Most visits are trouble-free.
Since 5 December 2019, Eurostar services have been affected by industrial action by railway workers in France. Cancellations and delays are expected. You should check services before travelling.
The Amsterdam health authorities have launched a campaign to warn tourists about the danger of buying a substance which is sold as cocaine, but is actually white heroin. This has caused a number of deaths. For more information visit the website of the Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD).
Everyone over the age of 14 is required to show a valid identity document on request.
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the Netherlands. You should remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities.
Be alert to the existence of street crime in cities.
If you’re travelling via Calais. Check out travel advices for France.
If you need to contact the emergency services call 112.
If you’re travelling to the Netherlands to do business or provide services, see further guidance on providing services in the Netherlands after Brexit.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
How to drive a car in Netherlands?
Maybe you would like to rent a car in Netherlands, or maybe you’ve imagined a whole road trip driving from the UK to Netherlands. You may be wondering what exactly you need to do for driving on your holiday in Netherlands.
Before 31/12/2020: any UK resident with a full and valid UK licence is allowed to drive on Dutch roads.
As from 31/12/2020: any UK resident might need an international driving licence depending on what is decided.
If you want to go from the UK to Netherlands with your vehicle, you will also need:
- A green card
- A valid proof of insurance and ownership (called V5C form)
- A GB sticker
- A valid passport or ID
Find the best European car insurance here.
If you’re renting a car, make sure you’re covered for car hire excess.
The Dutch drink drive limit is 0,5 g/L (0,2 g/L for less than 3 years licence holders).
Healthcare in Netherlands for UK citizens
- Before 31/12/2020: your EHIC, as mentioned above, will cover any of your medical treatment just as for French people. However, it will not cover emergency dental treatment, etc. Your travel insurance will (the emergency landline linked to EHIC card is 0300 330 1350).
- As from the 31/12/2020: your EHIC will no longer be valid. Only your travel insurance will cover you for any medical cost you may have to face.
In any case, to be completely covered for any healthcare cost, you should apply for travel insurance.
How to contact the British Embassy in Netherlands?
Depending on where you are located, you can contact:
| British Embassy Amsterdam | |
|---|---|
| Address | British Embassy The Hague |
| Phone (if you’re in Netherlands) | +31 (0)70 4270 427 |
| Phone (if you’re in the UK) | 020 7008 1500 |
| [email protected] |
| British Consulate General Amsterdam | |
|---|---|
| Address | British Consulate General Amsterdam |
| Phone (if you’re in Netherlands) | +31 (0)70 4270 427 |
