112 vs Huisarts: Dutch Healthcare Emergency Rules for KNM

The Dutch healthcare system is built around the principle that your huisarts (general practitioner) is the first point of contact for almost everything. Understanding this system is essential for both the KNM exam and daily life in the Netherlands.

The Huisarts System

Every resident in the Netherlands should register with a huisarts in their area. You choose a practice, call to register, and they become your vaste huisarts (regular GP). When you have any non-emergency health problem, from a persistent cough to back pain to feelings of anxiety, your first step is always to contact your huisarts.

The huisarts acts as a gatekeeper. If you need specialist care (a cardiologist, dermatologist, surgeon, etc.), your huisarts writes a verwijsbrief (referral letter). Without this referral, most specialists will not see you, and your insurance will not cover the visit. Huisarts consultations are covered by your basisverzekering (basic health insurance) and do not count toward your eigen risico (deductible).

Huisartsenpost: Urgent But Not Life-Threatening

Outside office hours (evenings, weekends, and holidays), the huisartsenpost provides urgent care for problems that cannot wait until the next business day. Examples: a high fever in a young child, sudden severe pain, or a wound that may need stitches. Always call the huisartsenpost first before going there. They will assess your situation by phone and tell you whether to come in.

When to Call 112

Call 112 only in life-threatening emergencies. This includes: heart attack symptoms, severe uncontrolled bleeding, someone who is unconscious or not breathing, a serious traffic accident, or a fire. The 112 operator connects you to the ambulance (ambulance), fire department (brandweer), or police (politie) depending on the situation. Calling 112 for non-emergencies wastes critical resources and can result in fines.

When to Call 0900-8844

For non-emergency police matters, such as reporting a theft that already happened, noise complaints, or minor vandalism, call 0900-8844 instead of 112.

Apotheek (Pharmacy)

Prescription medicines require a recept (prescription) from your huisarts or specialist. You take the prescription to an apotheek to collect your medicine. Some common medicines like paracetamol and ibuprofen are available without a prescription at the apotheek or drogisterij (drugstore). Prescription medicine costs count toward your eigen risico.

Tandarts (Dentist)

Dental care is separate from the huisarts system. You register with a tandarts independently. For adults (18+), basic dental care is NOT covered by basisverzekering. You need aanvullende verzekering (supplementary insurance) to get dental coverage, or you pay out of pocket. For children under 18, basic dental care is included in the basisverzekering.

GGD (Public Health Service)

The GGD handles public health matters: vaccination programs (including the Rijksvaccinatieprogramma for children), sexual health clinics, infectious disease control, and health checks for specific populations.

Mental Health

If you are experiencing mental health issues, your huisarts is again the starting point. The huisarts can provide basic support and, if needed, refer you to a psychologist (basis-GGZ) or psychiatrist (specialistische GGZ) with a verwijsbrief.

Decision Tree: Who Do I Contact?

• Is someone’s life in immediate danger? Call 112.
• Is it urgent but not life-threatening, and outside office hours? Call the huisartsenpost.
• Is it a non-emergency health issue during office hours? Call your huisarts.
• Do you need medicine? Get a recept from your huisarts, then go to the apotheek.
• Is it a dental problem? Contact your tandarts directly.
• Is it a non-emergency police matter? Call 0900-8844.