From cuisine to fashion, and art to architecture, the Netherlands is a fascinating destination you have to visit at least once. However, before you set off on your Dutch holiday, be sure to first purchase travel medical insurance.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers in the Netherlands – FAQs
The public healthcare system in the Netherlands is excellent. However, as a tourist, some medical treatment may require admission to a private facility, which can be expensive. It is for this reason you should always have travel medical insurance.
Why buy travel medical insurance before traveling to the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is a part of the Schengen Area, made up of 26 European countries. Visitors from many countries will require a Schengen visa to travel to the Netherlands, and thus require compliant health insurance.
If you are exempt from these requirements, then there is no Netherlands travel insurance requirement for you, but insurance is recommended. It's important to keep in mind that your domestic health insurance may not be accepted in the Netherlands, so you will need a way to pay for treatment at a private facility. Travel medical insurance can provide coverage during these instances.
What should I look for in my Netherlands travel medical insurance?
The Netherlands is an extraordinary place to visit. However, this does not reduce your risk of catching the flu or becoming injured. To have appropriate coverage, all holders of Schengen visas are required to purchase insurance providing at least €30,000 in medical benefits, coverage for emergency medical evacuation, and coverage for repatriation of remains.
There are no such requirements if you are able to travel to the Netherlands visa-free, but you should make sure your travel medical insurance will provide coverage for the entire duration of your stay, as well as any adventurous activities you plan to participate in.
Netherlands' Most Popular Cities for Travel
The Netherlands is a charming country with picturesque windmills, beautiful scenery, and a vibrant lifestyle. A third of the nation is below sea level, and massive dikes hold back the water. It is a technological marvel that much of the agriculture happens on land reclaimed from the sea. Discover some of the best cities to visit in the Netherlands to experience all of the art, culture, and attractions the country offers.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a quintessential spirit that's long been loved by travelers. It is an old business town, and you can find stunning 17th-century architecture all around. Well-maintained baroque mansions speak of a grand past. In the middle of the 20th century, Amsterdam did an about-face and rediscovered itself as a center for the counterculture movement.
Visit the Stedelijk Museum to find the best modern European art collection. Take a boat trip along the many canals and soak in the prim atmosphere while sipping on a glass of fine wine.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is a thoroughly modern city and a stark contrast to the classical architecture of Amsterdam. An important port, it faced the brunt of bombing during World War II and had to be rebuilt almost entirely. There is a collection of 18 windmills at Kinderdijk that look out of this world. They demonstrate how in the Netherlands, windmills were once used to pump water back to the sea. It is easy to move around the city due to the numerous cycling paths.
The district of Delfshaven is the only part of Rotterdam to have survived the war intact. The area is quaint, and you must take a leisurely stroll while enjoying some Kapsalon, a dish consisting of shawarma and melted gouda cheese.
Utrecht
Utrecht is not well known outside the Netherlands, but is a charming city all the same. Take time out to visit Rietveld Schröder House. Built in 1924, this home has moving walls that change the number of rooms. You have to also visit De Haar Castle, the nation's largest fort. With towers and moats, this neo-Gothic structure seems straight out a Harry Potter book. Adjoining it is a rose garden with 1,200 shrubs belonging to 70 species of roses.
Maastricht
Maastricht is close to the southern border with Germany and Belgium. A university town, it is cosmopolitan and quite bohemian compared to the rest of the Netherlands. The central square is known as Vrijthof. There are two large churches with high vaulted ceilings. Near the city, you can find ruins of the Lichtenberg Castle dating back to the 10th century. The flea market near the train station also deserves attention. There are a lot of treasures to be found here, from old vinyl LPs to a large number of out-of-print books.
Delft
An enchanting town in the west of the country, Delft is surrounded by a circular canal. Most tourists visit Delft for a day trip from Amsterdam. Drop in at Oude Kerk, or the Old Church. It dates back to the 13th century; the paintings inside are impressive and remind you of Vermeer and other Dutch masters. If you are hungry after your walk through the city, visit Stadsbakkerij de Diamanten Ring, a lovely old bakery known for delicious pastries.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is considered quite safe for tourists, and ranks as one of the happiest countries on earth according to the World Happiness Report. However, there are always a few tips you should keep in mind to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.
Don't call it Holland
Holland is only one of the 12 districts in the Netherlands. Outside of Amsterdam it is not advised to refer to the country as Holland.
Rent a bicycle
Dutch bicycle infrastructure is legendary. In some cities, up to 50% of the population uses a bicycle as their primary mode of transport. Renting a bicycle is a safe and easy way to explore many areas of the Netherlands.
Don't burn your mouth
Many Dutch dishes are served piping hot. Keep this in mind before digging into your delicious meal immediately.
Don't walk in bike lanes
Bicycle lanes and cycle paths are everywhere in the Netherlands, as cycling is a common mode of transport. Do not walk in bicycle lanes or use them to jaywalk, as doing so could result in a warning or fine.
Cards with PINs needed
Dutch point-of-sale swipe machines need a PIN. Ensure your card has a chip and a PIN number for a smooth transaction.
Before You Travel to the Netherlands - Do This
- Do not leave baggage unattended at the airport or in the hotel lobby.
- Maintain copies of your travel documents separately in case the originals go missing.
- Buy travel medical insurance so you can vacation with additional peace of mind.