How to book and visit the huisarts in the Netherlands

Published May 16, 2026·Updated May 26, 2026

Transcript

Read along, German & English, side by side

Hey everyone, great to have you back. I've got my coffee here, and today we're talking about visiting the general practitioner, or the huisarts in the Netherlands. It's a topic that many people wonder about, especially when you're new here.

Absolutely. I've received so many questions, like how to make an appointment? What's different from Germany or other countries? So today, we'll figure that out in a relaxed way.

Just a quick note, huisarts simply means general practitioner in Dutch. There's also huisartspost, which is the service for evenings and weekends, kind of like an emergency service. It sounds complicated, but it really isn't once you know it.

Exactly. My first impression was honestly very positive. I felt heard, the doctor listened well and asked a lot of questions. And I even got a referral quickly, so a paper for an appointment with a specialist; for me, it was the dermatologist.

Ah yes, referral. That word is important. It's the document needed to see a specialist. Without it, you often can't go, since the huisarts is the first point of contact here, sort of the gatekeeper.

Some find it strict at first, right? Because you think, I want to go directly to the specialist. But I've realized it saves time and money, and often the huisarts is enough. They first check calmly if something simple can help.

I've read many reports on Reddit, and many say you’re taken seriously. One person had a skin issue, got a quick referral, and that was very reassuring. So, the fear was reduced right away.

Yeah, I know good stories too, but also a few frustrating moments. For example, waiting times. Sometimes you wait for an appointment, especially if it's not super urgent. It's helpful to book early.

Absolutely. Tip number one: book early. If you know you need a check-up or a prescription, call a week in advance. Or use, if possible, the practice's online portal. Many practices have such a patient portal.

And if it's urgent, then state clearly on the phone that it’s urgent, because… and then give the reason. The assistant often makes an initial assessment. So, they ask what's wrong and decide if you should come in today.

Exactly. That's normal here. Some are surprised and wonder why the assistant asks so many questions. But it helps so that the right people get seen quickly. If it can't be done, there's the huisartspost after 5 PM and on weekends.

I once called on a Sunday evening. I had severe stomach pain, really bad. The person on the phone was calm, asked questions, and I could come into the practice that same evening. It was really well organized.

Crazy, right. And importantly, the huisartspost is for real emergencies. If it's life-threatening, of course, you call 112. But for severe pain or fever at night, it's huisartspost; the system is pretty clear.

Language is another point. Many general practitioners speak English, really quite a few. If your German or Dutch isn't great yet, just say so. Or bring a friend who can translate. The main thing is to avoid misunderstandings.

Yeah, for sure. I like to say at the start, my Dutch is still a work in progress. Can we speak German or English? That usually works. It's about feeling secure.

And preparation helps. I briefly write a list beforehand, since when did I have the symptoms, how severe is the pain, is there a fever, and what have I already tried. Then I say it in simple sentences.

I do that too. And I say what I wish for, like to test an ointment or get a referral. Being proactive—taking action and asking clearly—really helps. Many on Reddit agree with that.

Yes, and if you want a referral, kindly explain why. Something like, I've had this three times, it keeps coming back, I’m worried. Could we talk about a referral? Often that works then.

But there are differences between countries, right? For example, in gynecology. Some were surprised that there's not an immediate physical exam.

In the Netherlands, they often check first if you really need it.

That was new to me as well. At first, I thought, hey, why no ultrasound right away? But the doctor explained that they proceed step by step. Not everything at once. And honestly, that was okay. I still felt well cared for.

Waiting times are definitely a topic. If you have to wait a long time, you can also ask other practices if they have an earlier appointment. That’s not rude; it’s smart. Just call briefly and stay friendly.

Exactly, being proactive also means looking for alternatives. Or asking the practice to put you on a waiting list. Sometimes an appointment becomes available. And if things get worse, say that immediately.

Then a word about sick notes, or AU, the certificate of incapacity for work. In the Netherlands, that's different. The huisarts usually doesn't issue AU. That’s often done by the company doctor.

Yes, that was a bit strange for me at first. I wanted an AU, and the practice said that's not our responsibility. I thought, oh, okay, so talk to your company; they usually have arrangements with the company doctor.

If you're unsure, just ask, how does it work here with sick notes? It's really not a stupid question. Many professionals are confused about that; it’s normal. And practices usually explain it kindly.

I've also read that many go to the huisarts because of stress. Work is often relaxed here, many say. But burnouts still exist. That's when you are totally exhausted, mentally and physically. Talking helps.

Yes, and then the huisarts can send you, if necessary, to a psychologist. Or in some practices, there’s a type of counselor, some support for mental health. It often has a different name here. But well, the principle is clear.

The style here is generally more dialogue, deciding together. It's often said, let’s wait for a while, let’s observe. Many call that observation. Only when necessary, there are antibiotics. I actually find that sensible.

One. The. I actually find that sensible. That can be in biotics. That means from my places.

Jedi, who give the 40, on-call. Therefore, one can then counteract. And on-call.

Sometimes you just want a quick solution. I get it. Then I just say honestly. I’m worried. I’m sleeping poorly. I need clarity.

And often the huisarts then says, okay, we’ll do this test or I’ll write the referral.

One more tip. Take your ID and insurance card with you.

In the Netherlands, you actually always need them at the practice. And feel free to ask about costs if you don’t know something. Better to ask once too many times.

A little word that often comes up here is eigenrisico. That’s the deductible with insurance per year. It can incur costs if you have examinations.

If that word is new to you, ask in the practice for a simple explanation.

And if you’re nervous before the appointment, take a breath and write down your two most important questions.

For example, what is it likely? What can I do concretely now? That way you leave with a plan.

I also like to say at the end, could you write that down for me briefly? Then I have the steps on paper or in the portal.

That helps because sometimes you forget half of it once you're outside.

True. And if the language gets shaky, please ask for simple language. Say, could you please explain that simply? It's no shame. Doctors are used to that.

One more thing from the Reddit experiences. Many praise the efficiency. You don't always get everything right away, but it’s often well organized.

Once someone said, the doctor even called the next day to check how it was going. I found that impressive.

Yes, I had such callbacks too. Or e-prescriptions sent directly to the pharmacy, very practical. And for skin issues, as you mentioned, you're taken seriously.

I quickly got an ointment and a referral. That was super clear.

Of course, there’s also bureaucracy. Many complain about that. Sometimes you have to fill out this form first and then that portal. We all know that.

My tip is to ask if there's a step-by-step email. That saves nerves.

If an answer isn’t sufficient, stay friendly while following up. Like, I understand. Thank you. And could we also look at option B, in case that doesn’t help?

That’s polite and shows you’re thinking along.

And hey, get some support. There are groups of experts in many cities who have experience with practical parts.

Ask for recommendations. Which general practitioner speaks good English or German? That makes starting easier.

I’d also say, learn two or three Dutch words that can help. For example, Afspraak for appointment, Pijn for pain, Koorts for fever.

When you say that, everyone nods and you feel more confident.

Exactly. And just tell the receptionist, I have an appointment. That breaks the ice. Then you can comfortably continue in German or English, depending.

For really acute issues, clearly say a number from 1 to 10 for how strong the pain is. And say if you can’t walk or hardly sleep, for example. That shows how urgent it is.

One more point, if you’re taking medication. Bring a list. Name, dosage, how often. Or bring the packaging. It makes everything easier and faster.

I once felt like I wasn’t being taken seriously. I was unsure and directly said I was worried because my mom has it too. After that, the doctor reacted differently and explained things to me. Being honest helps.

Yes, totally. I once had a stuffy nose, nothing serious, and wanted antibiotics right away. The doctor said no, it's viral, so a virus. For now, rest, tea, nasal spray.

Two days later it was better. That’s when I learned not to jump to conclusions too quickly.

If it doesn’t get better at all, go back. That’s totally fine. Just say, it’s not helping yet. Can we take the next step? That’s the idea, step by step.

And say if you’re afraid of an examination. Then everything goes slower with explanations. Many doctors here take their time, I’ve noticed.

What I find nice is that you often feel respected. No pressure, no stress. You can talk calmly. That’s very valuable, especially when you’re unsure because you're in a new system.

At the same time, sure, the waiting time can be annoying sometimes. But I think it’s better to wait 10 more minutes and then talk calmly than to rush in and out. Quality over speed, roughly speaking.

And if you’ve just moved, register with a practice early.

Sometimes practices don’t take new people anymore. Then just try the next one. Searching by postal code often helps.

Exactly. And once you’re registered, ask about the patient portal. Often, lab values, prescriptions, and messages are listed there. Then you don’t have to call for every little thing.

I recently had an online check-in. Very practical. Just click on symptoms, then I received a message from the practice. That saves time and I felt well prepared for the appointment.

Regarding culture. In the Netherlands, doctors and patients often talk as equals. So, no big hierarchy, more of a team feeling. If you like that, clearly state what you need. It’ll be taken seriously.

And if you’re ever dissatisfied, you can politely ask for another doctor in the same practice. Or you can switch practices if it really doesn’t work.

Better to switch than to be quietly frustrated.

I’d like to mention the three most important tips again. Book early, communicate clearly, and be proactive. So really say what’s going on and what you need. Then it usually goes well.

And don't forget, out-of-hours care for evenings and weekends, 112 for real emergencies. Address the language barrier, no shame. And a small list of symptoms is worth its weight in gold.

If you have experiences, good or difficult, feel free to share them with us. It helps others a lot. And maybe we’ll learn something new too.

Happy to. And if this episode helped you, give us a like and subscribe to our channel. That way, you won’t miss the next tips. Thanks for being with us.

So we'll say, stay healthy. And if something’s bothering you, now you know how a visit to the general practitioner works. Until next time and have a nice day!