Healthcare for Internationals

Healthcare and knowledge with an international perspective

Research has shown that many of the 1,000,000 people from an international background, living and working in the Netherlands, don’t feel comfortable with Dutch healthcare. Confidence in doctors is very low; only 32% trust the judgement of their doctor, compared to 85% amongst the Dutch. This is partly because internationals are used to other health systems that allow, for instance, direct access to medical specialists or where antibiotics or diagnostic tests are more readily prescribed. In addition there may be differences in culture and in most cases a language barrier. Being told that Dutch healthcare is amongst the best in the world does not automatically build confidence and often even is counterproductive.

Professionals at H4i qualified healthcare providers are proficient in English and have been educated to understand the healthcare needs of patients from different nationalities and cultures. When required they also spend extra time in consultation to understand their particular needs. The services of these practices are periodically reviewed by international patients.

H4i is calling on internationals living in the Netherlands to help healthcare providers in their city to close the gap between Dutch healthcare and their needs and expectations.