The short answer
A huisarts is usually your first contact for non-emergency health concerns and can refer you to specialist care. Look for practices serving your residential area and ask whether they accept new patients.
Find a practice near your home
Registration with the municipality or a health insurer does not automatically register you with a GP. If nearby practices are full, ask your insurer for help finding care.
Prepare a useful first conversation
Have identification, contact details and your insurance or RMO information available. Tell the practice about regular medication, allergies and records that may need transferring. Ask about appointment booking and language support. Keep medical details between you and the healthcare provider; an agency coordinator does not need to be the keeper of your medical file.
What to do next
- Contact a local practice and check its registration procedure.
- Prepare identity, coverage and medication details.
- Save the practice’s appointment and out-of-hours instructions.
You have moved to another town for a new assignment. Ask your new local practice about registration and record transfer before cancelling arrangements with the old one. A new employer does not organise this automatically.
Questions people ask
Do I need a BSN to start looking for a GP?
You can contact a practice to discuss registration and care while sorting out documents. Explain missing details; do not postpone urgent medical care because paperwork is incomplete.
Can a practice be full?
Yes. Ask another nearby practice and contact your insurer for assistance if you cannot find one accepting patients.
Does the GP visit use my deductible?
The GP consultation itself is exempt from the compulsory deductible. Medicines and investigations ordered afterward can be charged differently.
Will my employer receive my diagnosis?
Medical care and employment administration are separate. Discuss medical information with the healthcare professional, not a recruiter or accommodation manager.
Can I go directly to a hospital specialist?
For most non-emergency specialist care, contact your GP first and check referral and reimbursement requirements with your insurer.
Sources
Last verified: 4 October 2026. Sources are in Dutch or English.