After a baby is born, several Dutch systems start quickly: birth registration, BSN, health insurance, youth healthcare and eventually benefits. Some steps have short deadlines.
Immediately after birth
- Register the birth within 3 working days with the municipality where the child was born.
- The registration places the child in the population register and results in a BSN.
- Add the baby to a Dutch health insurer within 4 months.
- Follow invitations/contact from youth healthcare (Jeugdgezondheidszorg / consultatiebureau).
- Check child-related benefits and leave that apply to your household.
Health insurance for children
Children also need a basic health-insurance policy. Register the baby within four months after birth. Children under 18 pay no basic-insurance premium and have no compulsory eigen risico. The child does not have to be insured with the same insurer as a parent.
At age 18
The rules change: a premium becomes payable and the compulsory eigen risico applies. The young adult may also qualify for zorgtoeslag based on their own situation.
Cross-links
Also see our guides to kindgebonden budget, childcare/kinderopvangtoeslag, municipal registration/BSN and Dutch health insurance.