Zorgtoeslag: How to Get Your Healthcare Allowance

What Is Zorgtoeslag?

The Dutch government helps pay for your health insurance through a monthly subsidy called zorgtoeslag. If you qualify, money goes straight into your bank account every month to offset your premium.

In 2025, that's up to €127/month if you're single, or €254/month for couples. That's potentially half your insurance cost — or more.

Do You Qualify?

You probably do if all of these apply:

You're 18 or older
You have Dutch health insurance (the mandatory basisverzekering)
Your annual gross income is below ~€38,520 (single) or ~€48,224 (couple, combined)
Your savings are below the asset threshold
You're legally registered in the Netherlands

Just arrived? You're often more likely to qualify in your first year, since your Dutch income for the year is lower. Don't assume you need to wait — apply as soon as you're insured.

How to Apply

1. Get a DigiD

DigiD is the Dutch government login — you need one for almost everything official. Apply at digid.nl. You'll get an activation code by post in about 5–7 days.

Don't wait on this. Apply for DigiD the same week you register at your municipality. You'll need it for zorgtoeslag and a dozen other things.

2. Apply at Toeslagen.nl

Go to toeslagen.nl, log in with DigiD, and choose zorgtoeslag. You'll need:

Your BSN (citizen service number)
Your health insurance policy number
Your income details
Your partner's details, if applicable

3. Wait for Confirmation

A decision letter arrives in 4–8 weeks. If approved, you may get back-payments for the months you missed — so applying late doesn't mean losing out entirely.

When Does the Money Come?

Around the 20th of each month, directly to your bank account. It's paid retroactively, so once approved you'll get any months owed.

No DigiD Yet? You Can Still Apply

If your DigiD is still in the mail:

Call the Belastingdienst/Toeslagen at 0800 0543 (free, Dutch-language)
Ask about applying by phone or paper form
Your municipality service desk (gemeente) can sometimes help
Some expat-focused tax advisors can assist for a fee

Don't let the DigiD wait stop you — there are workarounds.

One Big Warning: Report Changes

If your situation changes, you must tell the tax office. If you get overpaid, you'll have to pay it back — and those letters are not fun.

Report when:

Your income changes (new job, raise, bonus)
You move in with a partner (your combined income counts)
You cancel your insurance or leave the Netherlands

This catches a lot of expats off guard. Got a big raise six months in? Update your zorgtoeslag right away, or you'll owe money at the end of the year.

Your First-Week Checklist

✅ Register at your municipality (gemeente)
✅ Get your BSN
✅ Apply for DigiD at digid.nl — do this immediately
✅ Get health insurance
✅ Apply for zorgtoeslag at toeslagen.nl
✅ Set a reminder to report income changes