Newcomer registering with a GP in the Netherlands, with DigiD and insurance card on the table

Registering with a GP as a newcomer: how to find a GP and get it sorted

You have just moved to the Netherlands and you are wondering: how do I find a GP and how do I register? In the Netherlands, the GP is your first point of contact for almost all health complaints. You cannot just go to any GP; you first need to register with a practice in your place of residence. This article explains exactly how that works, what steps you take and what to say when you call.

In the Netherlands you do not have direct access to a specialist in the hospital. The GP refers you if that is necessary. That is why it is important to find a GP quickly, even if you are not ill yet. Without registration you can go to the GP out-of-hours service for emergencies, but for ordinary complaints such as a cold, skin problems or a referral to a physiotherapist you need a regular GP. Many newcomers wait too long and only discover when they are ill that they are not registered. That can cause delays in care.

In this guide you will read how to find a GP in your region, how to register, which documents you need and what you can say on the phone. You get a step-by-step plan, example sentences, a checklist and answers to frequently asked questions. You do not have to do all of this today, but it is sensible to arrange it within a few weeks. That way you know for sure that you will get help when you need it.

Why registering with a GP as a newcomer is so important

In the Netherlands, the GP is the gatekeeper of care. Almost everything starts with the GP: blood tests, referral to a specialist, medicines, mental health help. Without registration you can only go to the emergency department or the GP out-of-hours service for acute problems. For chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you need a regular GP who knows your history. Also for prevention, such as vaccinations or a smear test, you must be registered.

Many newcomers think they can only register once they have a BSN. That is not always true. You need a BSN to take out health insurance, but some GPs will already register you with proof of registration in the BRP (Personal Records Database). Still, it is sensible to arrange your BSN first, because without a BSN you cannot take out insurance and without insurance many GPs will not register you. So arrange your registration with the municipality first, then your BSN, then your health insurance, and then the GP. In practice you can sometimes already make an appointment with a GP while you are waiting for your BSN, but the final registration follows afterwards.

Registering with a GP is also important for your children. In the Netherlands children go to the child health clinic, but for ordinary illnesses you need a GP. If your child has a fever or an ear infection, you do not want to go to the emergency department. A regular GP for the whole family saves a lot of stress. Some practices have a waiting list, so start looking in time.

How do you find a GP in your area?

The easiest way is to search on the internet. Go to Google and type 'GP [name of your town]'. You will get a list of practices. Do not just look at the nearest one, but also check whether the practice is accepting new patients. Many practices have a website with the text 'We are currently not accepting new patients' or 'Registration is possible'. Sometimes there is a registration form you can fill in directly.

Another way is to ask neighbours, friends or colleagues. They can tell you whether they are happy with their GP and whether there is room. The municipality can also help you: some municipalities have a care desk or a list of GPs who are accepting new patients. You can also call the GP out-of-hours service in your region; they often know which practices are open to new patients. But the GP out-of-hours service is not intended for registrations, so only use that if you really cannot get any further.

Note: you cannot just register with a GP outside your place of residence, unless you have a good reason. GPs often work with a postcode area. If you live too far away, the GP may refuse because home visits would take too long. So choose a practice in your own neighbourhood or district. If you move, you must register again with a GP in your new area.

What do you need to register?

Before you contact a GP practice, make sure you have the following things at hand. You need your BSN (Citizen Service Number). That is on your residence document or on a letter from the municipality. You need a valid identity document (passport, ID card or residence permit). You need your health insurance card or proof of registration with a health insurer. Without health insurance a GP may register you, but often they ask for proof. If you do not yet have insurance, you can often still register and pass on the insurance details later.

Some GPs also ask for a medication overview or a medical file from your previous country. That is not compulsory, but it can help. If you use medicines, ask your old doctor for a list with the names and dosages. The GP can then prescribe those medicines. Without that list you may have to start investigations again. So keep those papers safe, also digitally.

You do not need DigiD to register, but some practices use an online form for which you need DigiD. So make sure you have applied for DigiD. That takes a few days. If you do not yet have DigiD, you can often come by or call to make an appointment for registration.

Step-by-step plan: how to register as a newcomer

The registration itself is usually simple, but it can take a while before you have a place. Follow these steps to make it go smoothly. Start by searching, then call, and make sure you have the right documents ready. If a practice is full, ask whether there is a waiting list or whether they can refer you to a colleague in the area.

Some GPs work with a telephone intake. You call, make an appointment and come by to check your details. Other practices let you fill in a form on the website. You will then hear within a few days whether you are registered. Once you are registered, you will receive a patient card or a confirmation letter. Keep that safe. You are then officially a patient with that GP.

Step 1: Search online for 'GP [your town]' and make a list of 3 to 5 practices near you.
Step 2: Check the website or call the practice and ask: 'Are you accepting new patients?'
Step 3: Gather your documents: BSN, identity document, health insurance card (or proof of insurance).
Step 4: Fill in the registration form or make an appointment for registration. Bring your documents.
Step 5: Hand in a medication overview or medical file from your previous country if applicable.
Step 6: Ask for a confirmation of registration and note the phone number of the practice and the GP out-of-hours service for emergencies.

What do you say on the phone? Example sentences

When you call a GP practice, it is handy to have a few sentences ready. The assistant on the phone is often the first person you speak to. She is not a doctor, but she schedules appointments and arranges a lot. Be friendly and clear. Say who you are, that you are new in the Netherlands and that you want to register. Ask whether that is possible and what you need to do.

Some newcomers find calling in Dutch nerve-racking. You can certainly say: 'I do not speak Dutch very well yet. Could you speak slowly?' or 'May I continue in English?' Many practices will then help you in English or refer you. But practise the sentences below so that you feel more confident. You can also write them down and keep them by the phone.

Practical example sentences / situations

Good morning, you are speaking with [name]. I am new in the Netherlands and I would like to register with your GP practice. Is that possible?
I live in [postcode] and I have a BSN and health insurance. What do you need from me?
Can you tell me whether you are accepting new patients? If not, can you refer me to another GP in the area?
I use medicines for [condition]. I have an overview from my old doctor. Can I bring that to the registration?
My child is 4 years old. Can he/she also be registered with this practice?
I have a question: if I am ill, how do I make an appointment? Do I need to call or can I do it online?
What is the phone number of the GP out-of-hours service for emergencies at the weekend?
I do not speak Dutch very well yet. Could you speak slowly or may I continue in English?

Registering with a GP: step by step this week

You do not have to do everything in one day. But if you arrange a few things this week, you will be done quickly. Start by searching and calling. If you find a practice that is accepting new patients, make an appointment for registration straight away. Make sure your documents are complete. Ask for a confirmation. And note down the important phone numbers.

If you cannot find a GP in your own place of residence, contact the municipality or the GP out-of-hours service. They can help you. Do not wait until you are ill. The sooner you are registered, the better. You will find that it is not difficult, but that it takes a little time.

Step 1: Make a list of GPs in your postcode area. Use Google or ask neighbours.
Step 2: Call or email the practices. Ask whether they are accepting new patients and what the procedure is.
Step 3: Gather your BSN, identity document and health insurance card. Make copies if necessary.
Step 4: Fill in the registration form or make an appointment. Bring everything.
Step 5: Ask for a confirmation and note the phone number of the practice and the GP out-of-hours service.
Step 6: Hand in your medication overview and ask how to request repeat prescriptions.

Common mistakes (and what does work)

Newcomers sometimes make mistakes that cost them time. Below are the most common ones. Read through them and avoid them. That way you know for sure that you will be registered quickly.

Remember: the GP is there for you. You do not need to be embarrassed if your language is not perfect yet. Most practices are used to new patients from other countries. Be clear and friendly, and it will be fine.

Mistake: Only going to the GP when you are ill. Fix: Register straight away, even if you are healthy.
Mistake: Thinking you cannot register without a BSN. Fix: Ask whether it is possible with proof of BRP registration; often it is.
Mistake: Choosing a GP outside your place of residence just like that. Fix: Choose a practice in your own postcode area, otherwise you will be refused.
Mistake: Not bringing a medication overview. Fix: Ask your old doctor for a list and hand it in at registration.
Mistake: Not asking about the GP out-of-hours service. Fix: Note the number for emergencies so you know what to do at the weekend.

Mini checklist

Use this checklist to check whether you have done everything. Tick off what is done. That way you know for sure that you have not forgotten anything.

If you have ticked everything off, you are officially registered with a GP. Keep the confirmation and the phone numbers in a safe place. You can then use Dutch healthcare with peace of mind.

I have found a GP who is accepting new patients.
I have made an appointment for registration.
I have my BSN, identity document and health insurance card at hand.
I have a medication overview or medical file (if applicable).
I have received a confirmation of registration.
I have saved the phone number of the GP out-of-hours service for emergencies.

How to practise this (Dutch Fluency + more)

Registering with a GP is a practical task, but you can also use it to practise your Dutch. Write down the sentences from this article and practise them out loud. Then actually call a practice. That is nerve-racking, but it is the best practice. You will notice that it gets easier and easier. You can also ask a friend to call together or to come along to the registration.

On Dutch Fluency NT2 you will find more material to improve your Dutch, from reading to speaking. You can for example practise conversations at the GP, the municipality or the Albert Heijn. Use the app to expand your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation. That way you feel more confident in everyday situations. And remember: practising is allowed, making mistakes is part of it. The more often you do it, the easier it becomes.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I register with a GP as a newcomer without a BSN?

Sometimes you can. Many GPs ask for a BSN, but some practices will already register you with proof of registration in the BRP. You do need health insurance to cover the costs. So arrange your BSN and insurance first, but ask the GP whether it can be done in the meantime.

How long does it take before I am registered?

That differs per practice. Sometimes you are registered the same day if you come by with your documents. Sometimes it takes a few days because the practice processes the form. If there is a waiting list, it can take longer. Always ask about the expected waiting time.

What if no GP in my area is accepting new patients?

Contact the municipality or the GP out-of-hours service in your region. They can help you look for a practice that has room. Sometimes you can go to a GP a bit further away if you have a good reason. Do not wait; keep calling and asking.

Do I also need to register with a GP out-of-hours service?

No, the GP out-of-hours service is for emergencies outside office hours. You do not need to register there. You only call the GP out-of-hours service if you need urgent help and your own GP is closed. Do note down the phone number so you can find it quickly.

Can I change GP if I am not satisfied?

Yes, you may. You then register with another GP and cancel your old registration. Some GPs ask why you want to switch. You do not have to give a reason, but it is polite to mention it. Make sure your new GP accepts you before you cancel the old one.

What does registering with a GP cost?

Registering itself costs nothing. The costs of GP care are covered by your health insurance, but you do pay your own risk if you use care. The own risk does not apply to GP visits, but it does apply to for example medicines or blood tests. Ask your insurer about the exact rules.

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