From 1 September 2025, the regulations on the insurance of interns will change in the Netherlands. As a result of these changes, more students are likely to fall under the Dutch Wlz compulsory insurance scheme (Wet langdurige zorg, the Dutch act on long-term care). Anyone who is insured under the Wlz must take out compulsory Dutch health insurance.
Regulation up to and including 31 August 2025
Interns who receive remuneration equal to or higher than the Dutch minimum wage are currently covered by compulsory Dutch health insurance.
Changes from 1 September 2025
New rules will apply from September for interns from the EU, the EEA, Switzerland or a treaty state who complete an internship in the Netherlands and receive remuneration for it:
- Compulsory Dutch Wlz insurance only applies if the intern is also insured under at least one other employee insurance scheme, e.g. the Ziektewet.
- Whether such employee insurance exists depends on the specific circumstances in the internship company. Information on this can be obtained from the employer or the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen).
Interns from third countries
The previous rules remain unchanged for persons living outside the EU, the EEA, Switzerland or an agreement state.
Further information
Detailed information can be found on the website of the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB).
(This article was translated automatically)