What happens if you don’t have health insurance

The Central Administration Office (CAK) is responsible for verifying that everyone in the Netherlands has health insurance. If you're uninsured, you'll receive warning letters from CAK and a fine. If you remain uninsured, the CAK will take out insurance for you at your expense.

Have you received a letter from CAK? Respond within 3 months

If you've received a letter from the CAK stating that you're uninsured, it means that you do not have health insurance with a Dutch health insurer and CAK believes you should. 

Dutch health insurance is compulsory for people who work in the Netherlands, or who are regarded as being resident in the Netherlands. 

You must respond to this letter within 3 months or you’ll be fined about €425. Do so even if you believe the letter is a mistake.

If you don’t take action within 9 months of receiving the first CAK letter, CAK will arrange standard Dutch health insurance on your behalf and at your expense. 

Mistake? Get an assessment

If you’ve incorrectly received the letter from the CAK, contact the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) to ask for a free assessment of your insurance situationExternal link and send a copy of the SVB decision about your insurance situation to the CAK.

Questions

If have questions about your health insurance situation, please contact the Zorgverzekeringslijn.nlExternal link.