Women's healthcare in the Netherlands
Between relocation and settling in, as women we tend to back-burner our health to deal with official matters that concern expatriates, especially those with families, like schooling, registration and childcare. Your health, however, is a top priority and it is important to familiarise yourself with the city’s health services.
Gynecologists (GYN)
With any move abroad come those invariable changes in lifestyle (new diet, climate. sleeping habits etc). These also include the intimacies of sexual health, which you may wish speak to a gynecologist (GYN) about in comfort and confidence. Where do you start?
In the Netherlands, everyone must have health insurance (ziektekostenverzekering) and be registered with a general practitioner (huisarts). There are very few private practices for gynecologists, so you will need to be properly registered for a referral from your GP.
If you have private insurance, you can change your gynecologist after your GP makes a referral. There are, however, no guarantees that same person will see you again for your next appointment but you can always ask. Finally, recommendations from family or friends are always worth noting down.
Check-ups
Routine check-ups are not the norm in the Netherlands. Women have pap smears every five years and those over 35 get a mammography every two years. There are no regular screenings for different types of cancer.
If you have a previous history with a gynecological condition (e.g. an ovarian cyst), it’s recommended that you pass your medical records on to your GP for a full assessment.
For specialist treatment or tests, you will need a referral note from your GP. Always be clear about your symptoms, your level of discomfort etc, as you cannot approach a specialist directly. GPs will only issue referrals in cases they cannot treat themselves, opting for the typically Dutch approach to medical care, that is more natural and non-interventionist. Also note that waiting times for specialist appointments vary greatly between types of surgery and treatments.
In the case of pregnancy it is not common that a gynecologist checks a Dutch woman after the age of 30, even if she’s pregnant with her first child. As an international resident, you can expect occasional check-ups during pregnancy, until the day of delivery, unless you request otherwise. This is common whether you choose a midwife or gynecologist as your primary caregiver.
You may also be invited for a national preventive health check for one of the following:
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Cervical cancer (once every five years for women aged 30-60)
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Breast cancer (every two years for women aged 50-75)
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Influenza puncture (for the elderly)
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Hereditary high cholesterol level
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Pregnancy screening, heel puncture, hearing test
Participation is voluntary. The screening is also free of charge.
Abortion
Compared to other countries, the Netherlands has a low abortion rate. Abortions are legal here and are performed as outpatient surgery at licensed clinics and hospitals until approximately 24 weeks into pregnancy. Though abortions are rarely performed after the 22-week mark. Your GP will refer you to a specialist for which your health insurance company will cover you. This being the case, you may be required to answer a series of questions, as per policy protocol.
Birth control
According to Randstad, it’s estimated that approximately 40% of Dutch women aged 15-30 use the pill. Another 5-10% of patients also use IUDs but diaphragms are the least popular choice of birth control methods. All forms of contraception are available by prescription from your GP.
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You can also reach us by phone:
+31 (0)20 254 79 99