As a retiree abroad, you have several options for healthcare: keeping your Dutch health insurance (limited possibilities), taking out local health insurance, or opting for international coverage. Your Dutch AOW and pension will continue to be paid out, but you need to account for tax and administrative obligations. Healthcare costs vary greatly by country, with countries like Spain often being more affordable than the Netherlands.

What health insurance do you need as a retiree abroad?

You have three main options: keeping your Dutch health insurance (only possible for temporary stays), taking out local health insurance in your new country, or choosing international health insurance. With permanent emigration, you usually need to switch to a local system.

You can only keep your Dutch health insurance if you are temporarily staying abroad or if a social security agreement exists between the Netherlands and your new country. For most retirees who permanently move to Spain, this does not apply. You are then required to deregister from your Dutch health insurer.

Local health insurance is often the most practical choice. In Spain, for example, you are automatically enrolled in the public healthcare system if you officially reside there and receive your pension. The care is generally good and often much more affordable than in the Netherlands.

International health insurance offers the most flexibility and coverage in multiple countries. This is useful if you travel frequently or are not yet sure where you want to settle permanently. Premiums are higher than with local insurance.

How does your Dutch AOW and pension work from abroad?

Your Dutch AOW and pension will continue to be paid directly to your foreign bank account. You do need to send a proof of life certificate annually and report any changes. Tax obligations may change depending on tax treaties between countries.

Payment usually occurs on the same date as in the Netherlands. There may be costs associated with international transfers, so check with your bank for the best options. Some retirees choose to maintain a Dutch bank account for their benefit payments.

Taxes become more complex. If you live in Spain, you are taxable there on your worldwide income, including your Dutch pension. Fortunately, the tax treaty between the Netherlands and Spain prevents double taxation. You then pay tax in Spain, often at lower rates than in the Netherlands.

It is important that you deregister from the Dutch Basic Registration of Persons (BRP) and register in your new country. This affects your tax liability and social security. Arrange this within five days before your departure from the Netherlands to avoid problems.

What are the healthcare costs in popular destinations for Dutch retirees?

Healthcare costs in Spain and Portugal are often 30–50% lower than in the Netherlands. France has comparable costs to the Netherlands, but the quality is excellent. Private health insurance in Spain costs between €50 and €150 per month, depending on your age and coverage.

In Spain, as a retiree you pay little in co-payments within the public system. A visit to a general practitioner is free; for specialists you pay a small co-payment. Medications are often cheaper than in the Netherlands. Private health insurance gives you access to faster care and more choice of hospitals.

Portugal has costs comparable to Spain. The public healthcare system is good, but waiting times can be longer. Many Dutch retirees combine public care with a supplementary private insurance policy for extra comfort.

France has excellent healthcare, but higher costs. As an EU citizen you are entitled to care, but you do pay co-payments. Supplementary insurance is almost essential. Dental care is often only partially reimbursed, so pay extra attention to this when choosing your insurance.

What documents and preparations are important for your health insurance?

You need at minimum: an extract from the BRP, a pension statement, a European Health Insurance Card, and your medical records from your general practitioner. Start these preparations at least three months before your move, so that everything is arranged in time.

Request a complete medical record from your general practitioner, including an overview of medications and treatments. Have this translated into the language of your new country. This saves a lot of time at your first visit to a new doctor.

Arrange a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for the transition period. This gives you temporary access to necessary care in EU countries. Note: this is only for emergency care, not for ongoing care.

Contact the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) about your situation and complete the appropriate forms. For Spain, you need the form “Relocation abroad.” You also need to deregister from your municipality and health insurer.

Contact the social services department of your new country. In Spain, this is the “Seguridad Social.” They can help you with registration and explain your rights and obligations in the new healthcare system.

How do you arrange a worry-free move abroad as a retiree?

A worry-free move starts with good planning and professional help. Begin preparations at least six months in advance. Make sure all administration regarding healthcare, taxes, and pensions is arranged before you leave.

Create a checklist of all the organisations you need to inform: your health insurer, the Tax Authority, your pension fund, your municipality, and your bank. Many retirees underestimate how much administration is involved in emigrating. Good preparation prevents stress and problems afterwards.

For the practical side of your move, professional help is indispensable. We have over 100 years of experience with international relocations and understand the specific needs of retirees. Our moves within Europe always proceed smoothly thanks to our own customs declarants and our own fleet of vehicles.

Many Dutch retirees choose Spain, especially the Andalusia region. From our branch in Málaga, we serve this area specifically. We not only handle the transport, but also assist with importing your car and other practical matters related to your move.

Our relocation services go beyond just moving. We help you with all aspects of your new life abroad: from finding a general practitioner to arranging internet connections. This way you can enjoy your retirement abroad from day one, without worrying about the practical side of your move.

Veelgestelde vragen

Wat gebeurt er als ik na mijn verhuizing naar het buitenland tijdelijk terug naar Nederland moet voor medische behandeling?

Als je bent uitgeschreven uit Nederland, heb je geen recht meer op Nederlandse zorg via je oude verzekering. Je kunt wel particulier behandeling krijgen tegen volledige kosten. Een internationale zorgverzekering of een goede lokale verzekering met wereldwijde dekking kan hiervoor bescherming bieden. Overleg vooraf met je nieuwe verzekeraar over de mogelijkheden.

Kan ik mijn Nederlandse huisarts en specialisten blijven bezoeken na mijn emigratie?

Nee, zodra je bent uitgeschreven uit Nederland verlies je toegang tot de Nederlandse zorg via je verzekering. Je kunt wel als particuliere patiënt behandeling krijgen, maar dit is zeer kostbaar. Het is verstandiger om in je nieuwe land een huisarts te zoeken en je medische geschiedenis over te dragen.

Hoe lang duurt het voordat ik toegang krijg tot het lokale zorgsysteem in mijn nieuwe land?

In Spanje krijg je meestal binnen 2-3 maanden na inschrijving bij de Seguridad Social toegang tot het publieke zorgsysteem. Voor de overgangsperiode is een tijdelijke particuliere verzekering of internationale dekking aan te raden. Begin de aanvraagprocedure direct na je aankomst om wachttijden te minimaliseren.

Wat als ik chronische medicatie gebruik die niet verkrijgbaar is in mijn nieuwe land?

Neem contact op met een lokale arts voordat je verhuist om alternatieven te bespreken. Vaak zijn er vergelijkbare medicijnen beschikbaar. Voor de overgangsperiode kun je een voorraad van 3 maanden meenemen (met doktersverklaring). Zorg dat je medisch dossier volledig is vertaald, inclusief alle medicatiegegevens.

Zijn er landen waar Nederlandse gepensioneerden beter af zijn qua zorgkosten dan anderen?

Ja, door EU-regelgeving en bilaterale verdragen hebben Nederlandse gepensioneerden in veel EU-landen recht op lokale zorg tegen dezelfde tarieven als inwoners. Spanje, Portugal en Frankrijk zijn populair omdat de zorgkwaliteit goed is en kosten lager dan Nederland. Landen buiten de EU bieden minder bescherming en hogere kosten.

Wat gebeurt er met mijn zorgverzekering als ik besluit terug te keren naar Nederland?

Bij terugkeer naar Nederland ben je weer verzekeringsplichtig en kun je je opnieuw aanmelden bij een Nederlandse zorgverzekeraar. Je hebt geen wachttijden voor de basisverzekering. Wel moet je je binnen vier maanden aanmelden om boetes te voorkomen. Eventuele lopende behandelingen in het buitenland worden meestal niet overgenomen door je nieuwe Nederlandse verzekering.

How is healthcare arranged for retirees living abroad?