Emergencies

What to do in an emergency

In case of a situation or accident requiring emergency help, there are various options:

• Telephone the emergency number 112. This number is intended for serious situations when somebody’s life is in danger. This number will connect you to the fire services, police and ambulance.

• Take the victim to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department (eerstehulpafdeling) of a nearby hospital.

• In all other cases requiring immediate help, contact your general practitioner (huisarts). In the evening or at night, ring the GP switchboard (huisartsencentrale) at 088 0030600. Visit the website for details.

Determining when to go to the GP or hospital

The A&E department of a hospital is meant for serious situations requiring immediate specialist medical treatment. The GP after hours surgery (huisartsenpost) is for emergencies, which you would normally ring your GP for during surgery hours. Such emergencies might include, for instance, tightness of the chest, symptoms of paralysis, severe abdominal pain, a very sick child or an accident in the home. GP after hours surgeries are run by normal doctors who take turns working night shifts.    

Please note: Going to the A&E department for treatment that in normal cases would be done by a GP will probably lead to having to pay out of the deductible (eigen risico) from the health insurance.

Things to bring to the A&E department

Bring identification and insurance pass if possible when going to the A&E department.

Costs of visiting the A&E department

Because everyone in the Netherlands is legally obliged to take out health insurance, standard coverage will normally cover hospital treatment. In some situations, paying the deductible of €150 may be necessary.