GP Visits (Huisarts) in Netherlands

GP (huisarts) visits in the Netherlands are fully covered under the basic health insurance package and are exempt from the annual deductible, meaning patients pay nothing out of pocket for standard GP consultations. Every resident must register with a local GP who serves as the first point of contact for all non-emergency health concerns and acts as a gatekeeper for specialist referrals.

The GP system in the Netherlands is highly structured and efficient. Standard consultations last approximately 10 minutes, with GPs handling a wide range of conditions including minor surgeries, chronic disease management, and mental health screening. GPs are typically available during business hours, with after-hours care provided through regional GP cooperatives (huisartsenpost). Home visits are also available when medically necessary.

Finding a GP accepting new patients can be challenging in densely populated areas, particularly in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. GP practices have a maximum patient list size, and new residents may need to contact several practices before finding one accepting new registrations. The average GP in the Netherlands has approximately 2,200 registered patients, and the profession faces growing workforce shortages due to increasing demand and an aging population.