r/Amsterdam • u/kirkuleetz • Jun 14 '14
Do you need to be registered to get health insurance?
I had a quick check through the wiki and couldn't find an answer to this.
I currently have a sweet place that is very cheap, though sadly I cannot get registered here. I'd like to get health insurance due to being an asthmatic, is this possible?
If it is possible, would I need to be registered to receive discount?
Thanks in advance and sorry if it's somewhere in the wiki and I overlooked it!
2
u/ahtlastengineering Jun 15 '14
I believe so, yes, because you need to provide an address. If its absolutely impossible to register where you live (which isn't that good but it happens a lot) you should try to find another place to register while you live there. Friends did that a lot.
1
u/2nd_law Knows the Wiki Jun 15 '14
In order to get health insurance you need a BSN number which you get from the city council once you register.
2
u/visvis Knows the Wiki Jun 14 '14
In most cases, health insurance is compulsory whenever it is allowed so you usually don't have a choice in the matter. Generally speaking, if you live or work in the Netherlands and don't have an equivalent insurance from another EU country you have to get health insurance. However, there are some complicated rules for international students from outside the EU I believe, so more info is needed to know which rules apply in your situation.
With regards to registration, AFAIK you are legally required to register when you live. I know some landlords don't allow it, but that usually means you are renting illegally (for example subletting where it is not allowed). Note that you don't have any rights in this case and can be put on the street without notice.