Compare travel insurance for the Netherlands
Whether you’re off for a romantic city break in Amsterdam or looking for a tour of the tulip fields, a good travel insurance policy will give you peace of mind, wherever your Dutch adventures take you.
Whether you’re off for a romantic city break in Amsterdam or looking for a tour of the tulip fields, a good travel insurance policy will give you peace of mind, wherever your Dutch adventures take you.
Do I need travel insurance for the Netherlands?
Although it’s only a short hop across the North Sea to the Netherlands, it’s still highly recommended you have travel insurance for your trip. Thankfully, most holidays go off without a hitch, but it’s best to be prepared in case anything goes wrong.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. However, you should always declare any medical conditions and tell your insurance provider the truth, because if you give false information your claim could be rejected. When you declare medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover them with no exclusions.
If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers that may be able to offer quotes.
How much is travel insurance for the Netherlands?
You’ll need European travel cover if you’re buying insurance for the Netherlands.
A travel policy can cost from as little as £2.20 for a two-night break in Europe.[1]
Bear in mind though that the exact cost of your travel insurance will depend on several things, including:
- Your age
- The amount of cover you need for your trip
- How long you’re going for
- What activities you’re planning
- Whether you’re travelling on business
- Whether you’re visiting any other countries
- Any pre-existing health conditions.
If you travel regularly, you might find that an annual travel insurance policy could save you money overall.
[1] Based on Compare the Market data for a single trip travel policy for a 20 year old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling in Europe for 2 nights. Prices correct as of October 2024.
What will travel insurance for the Netherlands cover?
A travel insurance policy for the Netherlands will typically include:
- Medical expenses cover – this could pay for your treatment if you have an accident or are injured on your trip.
- Cancellation cover and compensation for delayed departure – if an emergency prevents you going on your trip. But cover for a missed connection isn’t included in all policies, so if you want cover for this, make sure you check the policy T&Cs.
- Damage, loss or theft of your belongings – your travel insurance should offer cover if your luggage is damaged, lost or stolen. Before you buy, check the excess you’d need to pay towards a claim, as well as the single-item limit – the maximum your insurance provider will pay out for one item.
What isn’t included in Netherlands travel insurance?
Before you buy your Netherlands holiday insurance, there’s a number of exclusions to watch out for:
- Non-declared medical conditions – if you’ve been diagnosed with a condition that could require specialist care while you’re in the Netherlands, it’s vital you declare it. If you don’t, your policy is likely to be void and you’ll have to pay for your treatment yourself.
- Injuries or accidents resulting from high-risk activities – you’ll typically have to pay extra to cover sports like rock climbing, abseiling and zip-lining.
- Incidents related to alcohol and drug use – the Netherlands is popular with friends looking for lively nightlife. In Amsterdam in particular, you’ll find a range of bars and nightclubs. But if you’re injured or lose something because you’re under the influence, your claim will likely be rejected.
- Terrorism, natural disasters and civil unrest – some policies offer limited cover for terrorism-related incidents and natural disasters, but you’ll need to clarify this with your insurance provider. Make sure at the very least that you’re covered for emergency medical expenses resulting from a terror attack.
What else should I consider when I choose my Netherlands travel insurance?
Think about any activities you’ll be doing while in the Netherlands and make sure your travel insurance covers them. You may need to pay more to cover:
- Extreme sports – this can cover you for adrenaline-filled activities like skydiving over Rotterdam and bungee jumping from Scheveningen Pier.
- Water sports – with lakes and canals galore, the Netherlands is a popular place for water sports holidays. Make sure you’re covered for activities such as kite surfing and sailing.
- Golf – the countryside around Amsterdam, Utrecht and The Hague provides some serene spots for a round of golf. You can add golf insurance to single trip or annual cover if it’s not already included in your standard policy.
If you’re driving to the Netherlands, you may want to consider European breakdown cover.
Do I need a visa to go to the Netherlands?
If you hold a valid UK or European passport, you won’t need a visa to visit the Netherlands. You can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You’ll also need to make sure your passport is less than 10 years old and has at least three months left on it before you leave to return to the UK.
More details about the entry requirements for the Netherlands can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Do I need travel insurance for the Netherlands if I have a GHIC or EHIC card?
A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will give you access to healthcare in the Netherlands at the same cost as a local resident. But it isn’t a replacement for travel insurance. It won’t cover getting you back to the UK for medical treatment or pay out if your baggage is stolen, for example.
The GHIC has replaced the EHIC, although you can use your EHIC until it expires. You can apply for a GHIC for free on the NHS website.
Any other tips for trips to the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is a popular destination for British tourists with hundreds of thousands visiting each year for city breaks and longer trips. Here’s a few travel tips to help you get the most out of your visit:
- Transport – bicycles have right of way. Be sure to stay out of cycle lanes and listen out for bicycle bells if you decide to hire a car during your trip.
- Tipping – service charges are usually included in bills at hotels, restaurants and for taxi services. But tips of 10% are appreciated for good service.
- History and culture – don’t miss out on a visit to the Anne Frank House, the Netherlands’ national museum – the Rijksmuseum – and the Van Gogh Museum when visiting Amsterdam.
- Climate – the weather in the Netherlands can be unpredictable, so remember to take a raincoat with you.
As when visiting any city, keep your wits about you in Amsterdam. Pickpockets and bag snatchers target the Central Station area, so keep an eye on your possessions.
Where can I compare travel insurance quotes?
Whether you’re looking for cover for a single trip or you’re buying for multiple destinations, comparing travel insurance is the best way to find a policy that’s right for you.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between Holland and the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is made up of 12 provinces, and Holland is made up of only two of them, Zuid-Holland and Noord-Holland.
Does my travel insurance cover cycling?
The Netherlands is a fabulous destination for cycling, thanks to its flat terrain and more than 20,000 miles of cycle paths. If you’re taking your bike on a cycling holiday, make sure you’re properly insured. Some standard travel policies will cover leisure cycling but not off-road and event cycling, so always check your policy documents before setting off.
What insurance do I need for a hen or stag do in Amsterdam?
Since most hen and stag parties held abroad involve several friends travelling together, it can be a good idea to take out group travel insurance. As well as often being cheaper and simpler, it also means everyone could be covered if the trip has to be cancelled.
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