Family doctor or general practitioner
The first point of contact in getting healthcare in the Netherlands is to register with a family doctor or general practitioner (GP) (huisarts in Dutch).
Find and register with a GP as soon as possible. Your GP is the first point of contact for non-urgent care for both children and adults. If you want to or have to consult a medical specialist, you will first need a letter of referral from your GP. In the event of an accident or emergency, you can go straight to the accident and emergency department of the nearest hospital. If your GP is unavailable, for example, during the weekend, there are special doctor’s surgeries, often at hospitals, that will be open (huisartsenpost in Dutch).
How does it work?
In order to locate a GP, visit one of the following sites. They include patient evaluations. When you have found a possible GP, call to make an intake appointment.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 (for police, ambulance, fire brigade).