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Thousands without insurance in the Netherlands struggle to access essential care
A growing number of people living in the Netherlands without health insurance are experiencing significant gaps in access to essential medical care, according to a report released by the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ). The agency estimates that as many as 100,000 individuals—among them homeless people, migrant workers, and undocumented residents—may be affected, though the precise number remains uncertain.
In its written statement, the IGJ noted that many uninsured individuals are unaware that they are legally entitled to necessary medical services. This lack of information, combined with unfamiliarity about where to seek assistance, often leaves them without timely care.
The inspectorate also highlighted that some healthcare providers do not fully understand their obligations toward uninsured patients or are unsure how to process billing in such cases. The IGJ urged clinics and hospitals to educate all staff, including administrative workers, to ensure that uninsured individuals are not turned away when seeking medically required treatment.
The findings point to a widening structural issue in the Dutch healthcare system, raising concerns about equal access to care and the protection of vulnerable groups.