Registering with a Huisarts: Finding Your Dutch GP

We put off registering with a huisarts for three weeks after arriving in the Netherlands. Then one of us got a sinus infection and realized we had no doctor, no idea how to find one, and no clue what to do.

Do not be us. Register with a GP in your first week.

Your huisarts (literally "house doctor") is your gateway to the entire Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) healthcare experience. Without one, you cannot see specialists, get prescriptions, or really use the system at all.

Here is how to find and register with a Dutch GP as an American.

What Is a Huisarts?

A huisarts is your primary care doctor. Think of them as your medical home base. In the Netherlands, the GP handles the vast majority of healthcare needs and refers you to specialists when necessary.

Unlike the US, you cannot skip the GP and go straight to a specialist. Your huisarts coordinates everything.

Reality Check: Some popular neighborhoods in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht have GPs with full patient lists. Start looking immediately after you arrive, not after you get sick.

How to Find a Huisarts

Search Options

Online directories:

• Zorgkaartnederland.nl (includes patient reviews)
• Your insurance company's website (find in-network GPs)
• Google Maps search for "huisarts" near your address

What to look for:

• Proximity to your home (ideally walking or biking distance)
• Accepting new patients (niet vol / accepting nieuwe patienten)
• English-speaking staff
• Good reviews from other expats

Ask around. Expat groups on Facebook and Reddit are full of GP recommendations. Other Americans in your neighborhood will know which practices are welcoming and speak good English. We have a list of English-speaking doctors to get you started.

What If No One Is Accepting Patients?

This happens, especially in Amsterdam and other busy cities. If you cannot find a GP:

• Call your insurance company. They are required to help you find a GP.
• Try practices slightly farther from your home.
• Check neighboring neighborhoods.
• Ask at your local apotheek (pharmacy) for recommendations.

What You Need to Register

Gather these before you call:

• BSN number (citizen service number from gemeente registration)
• Dutch health insurance policy number and card
• ID or residence permit
• Dutch address
• Phone number (Dutch mobile preferred)

Some practices also ask for a brief medical history or any current medications.

Pro Tip: If your Dutch health insurance card has not arrived yet, your policy number and insurer name are usually enough. Call first to confirm.

The Registration Process

Step 1: Call the Practice

Call during office hours (usually 8:00-17:00, Monday-Friday). Say: "I would like to register as a new patient."

Most receptionists speak English. If they do not, ask "Spreekt u Engels?" and you will usually get transferred to someone who does.

Step 2: Provide Your Information

They will ask for your BSN, insurance details, address, and phone number. Some practices handle this over the phone. Others ask you to come in or fill out an online form.

Step 3: Intake Appointment (Sometimes)

Some practices schedule a short intake appointment where you meet the doctor, discuss your medical history, and ask any questions. Others just add you to the patient list and you are done.

Step 4: Confirmation

You will get confirmation of your registration, sometimes by letter, sometimes by email. Save this. You are now registered and can make appointments.

Making Your First Appointment

When you need to see your doctor, here is how it works:

Call in the morning. Most practices take same-day appointment requests between 8:00 and 10:00 AM. Call early for the best availability.

Explain your issue to the assistant. The receptionist (doktersassistente) is trained to triage. They will ask what is wrong and decide whether you need a phone consultation or in-person visit.

Phone consultations are common. Do not be surprised if your first interaction is a callback from the doctor rather than an in-person appointment. Many issues get resolved by phone.

In-person appointments are short. Expect 10-15 minutes. Come prepared with your symptoms, questions, and any relevant history. The Dutch healthcare approach values efficiency.

Tips for a Good GP Relationship

Be direct about your concerns. Dutch doctors appreciate straightforward communication. Say exactly what worries you and why.

Mention your American background. Your GP should know you are new to the Dutch system. They can explain things that Dutch patients already know.

Ask about the plan. If your doctor says "wait and see," ask what specific signs should bring you back sooner. This gives you clear guidance.

Bring a list. If you have multiple concerns, write them down. Short appointments mean you need to be organized.

Transfer your medical records. If you have relevant medical history from the US, ask your American doctor to send records. Your Dutch GP can add them to your file.

What We Wish We Knew: You can switch GPs if the relationship is not working. It is not rude. Your healthcare matters more than avoiding an awkward conversation. Just register with a new practice and they handle the transfer.

After-Hours Care

Your huisarts is not available 24/7. For evenings, nights, and weekends:

Huisartsenpost (after-hours GP): Call your GP's number after hours and you will be redirected. Or call the local huisartsenpost directly. They handle non-emergency issues outside regular hours.

112 for emergencies: Chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or anything life-threatening. Call 112 immediately.

Spoedeisende hulp (ER): For urgent but non-life-threatening issues when the huisartsenpost is not available.

Your huisarts is the foundation of your healthcare in the Netherlands. Get registered early, build a good relationship, and the rest of the system opens up from there.

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We're not immigration lawyers—just Americans who did this. Requirements change, so verify with official sources.