What should I do in an emergency situation in the Netherlands?

  • Call 112: In life-threatening situations, call the emergency helpline by dialing 112. An ambulance, fire department or police will be dispatched to help you.

  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call a text equivalent via 0800 8112.

  • 112 is a Europe-wide emergency helpline, equivalent of 911 in the United States or 999 in the United Kingdom.

  • As well as Dutch, operators speak English and may also be able to offer services in French or German.

Should I go straight to a hospital if there is a healthcare emergency?

  • The accident and emergency (spoedeisende hulp or more commonly A&E) department of a hospital is meant for life-threatening situations requiring immediate specialist medical treatment.

  • In all non-life threatening situations, first contact your GP or the after-hours surgery (huisartsenpost). They will determine if you need treatment in A&E and inform you which location to visit.

  • Please note: attending the A&E department for treatment will usually lead to having to pay out of the deductible (eigen risico) from the health insurance. Treatment from your GP and after-hours surgery is free.

  • Bring identification and your health insurance pass if possible when attending the A&E department.

How can I get medical help or advice outside of opening hours?

  • The GP after-hours surgery (huisartsenpost) is for emergencies, which you would normally ring your GP for during surgery hours. Examples might include, for instance, tightness of the chest, 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, on weekends and during public holidays.

  • You will initially be assessed by phone. If necessary, a GP will visit your home for further examination. If the condition is serious, the GP will arrange an ambulance.

  • Only the 112 emergency line or a GP can call an ambulance for you.

Where can I find out more about coronavirus (Covid-19) and its impact in the Amsterdam Area?

How can I contact the police in the Netherlands?

  • In emergency situations always call 112.

  • For non-emergencies, call 0900 8844.

  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, for non-emergencies you can call a text equivalent via 0900 1844.

  • There is also an anonymous tip-line to report crimes via 0800 7000.

  • Learn more about contacting the police in the Netherlands.

How can I visit emergency dental services in the Amsterdam Area?

  • If you are registered with a dental practice in the Amsterdam Area, please first contact them. Even outside of office hours, they may work with partner organisations to provide 24-hour services.

  • For emergency dental help in Amsterdam and surrounding cities (including Haarlem), call 085 105 0757

  • For emergency dental help in the provinces of Noord-Holland and Flevoland, check the emergency helplines on tandarts.nl.