Traveling to Amsterdam for a holiday offers a delightful mix of culture, history, and picturesque canals. However, health concerns can arise unexpectedly, making it crucial to know how to find medical assistance if needed. Whether you're dealing with a minor illness or require urgent medical attention, here's a comprehensive guide to finding a doctor in Amsterdam during your stay.
The Netherlands boasts a robust healthcare system with high-quality medical services. General practitioners (GPs) are the first point of contact for medical issues. They can handle a wide range of health problems and refer you to specialists if necessary. Emergency services and hospitals are well-equipped and efficient, ensuring prompt and effective care.
Preparing before your trip
Before you travel, it's wise to prepare for any medical needs:
- Travel Insurance: Ensure your travel insurance covers medical expenses abroad. Some policies also include emergency repatriation, which can be invaluable in serious cases.
- Medications: Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you take, along with a copy of the prescription.
Finding a GP in Amsterdam
Here are several ways to find a general practitioner in Amsterdam:
- Hotel Recommendations: Many hotels have a list of nearby GPs and can assist in making an appointment.
- Expat Websites and Forums: Websites like Expatica and IamExpat offer directories of English-speaking doctors.
- Local Health Services: The Dutch health service website, huisarts.nl, provides a comprehensive list of GPs. You can search by location and find doctors who speak English or other languages.
Huisartsenpost
The Huisartsenpost takes care of the health of all Amsterdam citizens (click here for the link).
- after 17.00 till 8.00 the next morning (Mon-Fri)
- the whole weekend (Fri 17.00 till Mon 8.00)
They can be contacted when you are in need of urgent medical care (a sick child, an accident, acute serious health problems). When in doubt, you can always give them a call, they also give medical advice by phone. If they consider your complaint to be urgent, they will ask you to come to the Huisartsenpost (you'll get an appointment) or the doctor will come to your place if your health doesn't enable you to travel to the Huisartsenpost.
Payment and Pricing Information at Huisartsenposten Amsterdam
**Payment Methods**
You must pay the bill for your consultation by debit card.
**Prices**
As of January 1, 2024, the rates below apply at Huisartsenposten Amsterdam. These rates are determined by the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa).
**Type of Consultation:**
- **Consultation**: €206.27
- **Visitors**: €309.41
- **Triage Consultation**: €35.00
Locations:
CentrumOost
OLVG (at the entrance of the ER across the police station)
Oosterpark 9
1091 AC Amsterdam
Terrein BovenIJ ziekenhuis (across the ER)
Statenjachtstraat 1
1034 CS Amsterdam
St. Lucas Andreas ziekenhuis (next to the ER)
Jan Tooropstraat 164
1061 AE Amsterdam
AMC ziekenhuis (next to the ER)
Meibergdreef 9
1105 AZ Amsterdam
De Boelelaan 1117 (under the main entrance of the hospital)
1081 HV Amsterdam"
Language consideration:
Most healthcare professionals in Amsterdam speak English fluently, which eases communication for international travelers. However, it's helpful to know some basic Dutch medical terms:
- Huisarts: General Practitioner
- Apotheek: Pharmacy
- Ziekenhuis: Hospital
- Spoedeisende Hulp: Emergency Room