How physiotherapy works in the Netherlands: A guide for expats

Physiotherapy can be a vital resource for managing injuries, chronic pain or maintaining your overall physical well-being. This guide covers how physiotherapy works in the Netherlands, including costs, insurance coverage, and how to book an appointment.

Do you need a referral for physiotherapy?

In the Netherlands, you do not need a referral from a doctor to see a physiotherapist. This system, called Direct Access to Physiotherapy (DTF), has been in place since 2006 and allows patients to book directly with a physiotherapist, who will screen for any underlying issues. This is particularly convenient for expats who may not be fully acquainted with the Dutch healthcare system.

The cost of physiotherapy in the Netherlands

The cost of physiotherapy in the Netherlands varies depending on the type of treatment and location. Since most physiotherapists operate privately, there is no set fee. Sessions typically range from 35 euros to 70 euros, with higher fees more common in major cities like Amsterdam and The Hague. The exact amount you pay will also depend on your health insurance. More on that below!

Is physiotherapy covered by health insurance?

There are two main types of health insurance that affect physiotherapy coverage in the Netherlands:

Basic Health Insurance (Basisverzekering)

Physiotherapy is generally not covered by the basic insurance unless you have specific long-term conditions such as Parkinson’s, had a stroke, suffer from chronic joint issues or after certain surgeries. In these cases, insurance often starts covering from the 21st session, meaning the first 20 sessions are typically paid out-of-pocket.

Supplementary Insurance (Aanvullende Verzekering)

Many expats opt for supplementary insurance to cover a certain number of physiotherapy sessions each year. It’s a good idea to check your policy to see what is included. Many physiotherapists conduct an insurance check during your first visit, ensuring transparency about coverage.

What to expect in a physiotherapy session

Your first physiotherapy session will usually involve an initial assessment. The physiotherapist will examine your symptoms, discuss your medical history, and evaluate your movement and pain levels. From there, they will create a personalised treatment plan, which may include:

• Manual therapy such as massage or joint mobilisation
• Exercise programmes to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility
• Posture correction to prevent future issues

Some physiotherapy practices are even located within gyms, allowing for low-stress rehabilitation in a familiar setting.

Types of physiotherapy in the Netherlands

Physiotherapy in the Netherlands is diverse, with different specialities tailored to various health conditions. Here are some common types:

• Manual therapy (Manueel therapie) focusses on manipulating muscles and joints.
• Cardiorespiratory therapy (Cardiorespiratoire therapie) addresses heart and lung health.
• Sports therapy (Sporttherapie) helps to prevent and treat sports-related injuries.
• Orofacial therapy (Orofaciale therapie) concentrates on face, neck and tongue muscles for improved breathing and facial posture.
• Paediatric physiotherapy (Pediatrische therapie) specialises in treating children.
• Geriatric physiotherapy (Geriatrische therapie) is for age-related conditions and mobility issues.
• Oncological physiotherapy (Oncologische therapie) supports recovery for cancer patients.

Preventive physiotherapy

Preventive physiotherapy, or prehabilitation, helps prepare your body for demanding activities such as running, cycling or CrossFit. This type of therapy has a focus on improving strength, endurance, mobility and flexibility, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

For older adults, physiotherapy can also reduce the risk of falls, which are a common cause of emergency room visits and injuries among seniors. By targeting weak muscles and balance problems, physiotherapy plays a critical role in maintaining independence and preventing accidents.

Quality and education of physiotherapy in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is internationally recognised for its high standards of physiotherapy education. Physiotherapists complete a four-year bachelor's degree and can specialise in fields like sports physiotherapy or manual therapy. This level of education is comparable to the United Kingdom and Australia, and exceeds that of some countries where physiotherapy training programmes are shorter.

Should I book an appointment with a physiotherapist?

If you are experiencing any kind of joint or muscle issues, are planning to take part in a sporting event such as a marathon or are having mobility issues, a physiotherapist may be able to help you. Booking an appointment directly means they can quickly assess the problems and give you the advice and help that you need.