Travel insurance for the Netherlands

Why do I need travel insurance for the Netherlands?

Like most travel destinations, there are a fair few risks involved in travelling to the Netherlands, which is why you'll want travel insurance for your trip. There is a reciprocal health care agreement in place between the Netherlands and Australia, but this does have its limitations. Keep reading to find out more.

Isn't the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement enough?

Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RCHA) with a number of European countries including the Netherlands. This allows Australian visitors to access the local public health system for emergency medical treatment. But while the Dutch health system is of a high standard, it would not be wise to rely on the RHCA alone. It only covers certain things and does not cover;

For this reason, you should not rely on the RCHA and should ensure you have travel insurance with overseas medical and hospital cover before visiting the Netherlands.

5 steps to selecting travel insurance for the Netherlands

Choosing the right level of travel insurance for the Netherlands is as simple as asking yourself 5 questions:

• Where am I going?Understand the different risks that come with travelling to a city like Amsterdam in comparison to the coast of Friesland.
• How long am I going for?Decide if you will need long-stay cover if you intend to stay more than just a few weeks.
• What will I be doing? Not all policies automatically cover activities that are considered high-risk. This could include horseriding, surfing or bungee jumping.
• What am I taking? Get extra cover for expensive items such as cameras and other electronics.
• What medical conditions do I have? You'll need to tell your insurer about any pre-existing medical conditions before they agree to cover you for your trip.

Ready to compare travel insurance for the Netherlands?

While the Netherlands is generally a safe country to visit, there are plenty of good reasons to have comprehensive travel insurance in case the unexpected should happen. With cover for medical emergencies, lost belongings and trip cancellations and delays, you can rest easy and enjoy all this beautiful country has to offer.

What will travel insurance cover and not cover me for?

A normal comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide the following benefits and exclusions:

Benefits

Exclusions

Organising money for the Netherlands

What currency do I need?

As part of the EU, the Netherlands uses the Euro as its currency. It's always a good idea to have some cash to hand, as well as a travel card to avoid hefty charges from ATMs.

Money for tips for the Netherlands

Using a card for your transactions is a better way to go in the Netherlands, as there are ATMs everywhere and cards are accepted in most establishments. If you choose to use a credit card, be aware that you will be charged a conversion fee every time you use it and also a withdrawal fee. The main advantage of using a credit card is that it provides security through its zero-liability guarantee, which reimburses you if you fall victim to fraud.

A better alternative is a travel card, which allows you to load and spend Euros without incurring a currency conversion fee, although you will still pay reloading and ATM fees.

Compare travel insurance quotes for the Netherlands from top providers

Finally, some good news! Domestic travel is picking up, so some insurers have started offering cover again 🦘
Just remember, you won't be covered for any pandemic related claims if you do take out domestic travel insurance.
International travel insurance is limited and sometimes unavailable at this point.

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Questions you still might have about Netherlands travel insurance

• If something goes wrong, how do I make a claim?

  If something goes wrong in the Netherlands and you have to claim on your travel insurance, you will need to follow the correct procedure to ensure a successful outcome. The steps involved include;

  • If it is a criminal matter. You will need to obtain a report from local police within 24 hours of the crime and contact your insurer as soon as possible
  • If it is a minor medical claim. You may have to pay for treatment upfront and claim the cost back later
  • If it is something requiring hospitalisation. You will need to contact your insurer immediately to guarantee payment to the hospital, otherwise you may not be admitted
  • In all cases. You will need to fill out a claim form and send it to your insurer along with all requested documentation

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• Who do I contact in an emergency?

  It's always good to have a list of emergency numbers in your wallet to call in case of an emergency. The following details will assist you if something goes wrong in the Netherlands:

  • Minor matters. Contact friends and family if it is a minor issue such as needing money urgently
  • Criminal matters. Contact the local police and obtain a police report if making a claim
  • Emergencies. Contact your insurer's emergency assistance provider or the Netherlands emergency services number 112
  • Consular matter. Contact details are shown below.

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• What are the specific entry requirements for the Netherlands?

  To enter the Netherlands, Australian travellers need to have: a passport valid for 3 months beyond the length of their stay. You also need a return ticket to Australia before your visa expired. You also need proof of funds to show how you'd support yourself in the Netherlands. Finally, be aware that Australians can usually stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days, after which they must leave or apply for a residency permit.

• What are some of the travel concerns to be aware of in the Netherlands?

  Travelling anywhere overseas can be risky, so it always pays to have travel insurance and to know something about your destination before arriving. Some key travel concerns of the Netherlands are:

  • Terrorism. The Netherlands Co-ordinator for Security and Terrorism warns that the national terrorism threat level in the Netherlands is rated as 'substantial' and that travellers should be vigilant in public places at all times.
  • Asylum seekers. Smartraveller says there has been a large influx of asylum seekers which has led to localised public transport disruptions and this should be factored into your travel plans.
  • Theft and pickpocketing. Bag snatching and pickpocketing has been reported as a common occurrence, particularly in Amsterdam, so always keep passports and valuables on your person rather than in a bag.
  • Airport delays. Schiphol Airport has been reported to have long delays, due to the their security check's process and airport layout. This could potentially cause missed connections
  • Drugs and spiking. While the Netherlands is known for its liberal view towards some drugs, spiking drinks isn't uncommon in busy bars.

• Am I covered if I participate in marijuana tourism?

  Weed, or marijuana tourism is travelling for the purpose of obtaining or using marijuana. The Netherland's relaxed attitude to some types of drugs means it has become somewhat of an epicentre for weed tourism.

  In recent times, the Netherlands has become divided on whether its drug laws should be tightened, with the north and south having different opinions on the matter. Local governments in districts that rely on such tourism are defying federal bans on supplying marijuana to tourists and the practice still continues in pockets of the country.

  Here's what travel insurers think

  While the Netherlands has a relaxed view on drugs, the same cannot be said for travel insurance brands. Most travel policies have an exclusion to the effect that cover is voided if the insured is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, unless prescribed by a medical practitioner.

• If I participate in escort services in the Red Light District, am I covered by insurance?

  Amsterdam's Red Light District

  Just as the Netherlands has a relaxed attitude to drug use, it also views prostitution in a more liberal light. Amsterdam's Red Light District is a classic example, where tourists flock to see prostitutes touting their wares in the famous shop front windows.

  Here's what travel insurers think

  If a tourist were to do more than look, they could find themselves in the same position as a marijuana tourist. Insurers have an exclusion in their policies which state that claims arising from reckless or irresponsible behaviour are not covered. If you were assaulted or had your valuables stolen while consorting with prostitutes, you would not be covered, just as you would not be covered if you contracted a sexually transmitted disease (another automatic exclusion in most policies).