Medical & dental emergencies in the Netherlands

What do you do if you are experiencing a medical or dental emergency in the Netherlands? Depending on the seriousness of your emergency, there are several different numbers you can call. 

What to do in case of a serious medical emergency

If you are in a life-threatening situation, it is best to call the emergency number 112 immediately. At the hospital, the accident and emergency department is known in Dutch as SEH (Spoedeisende Hulp), or you can go to first aid EHBO (Eerste Hulp Bij Ongelukken).

If your medical emergency is less urgent and not life-threatening, contact your GP before going to the emergency room at the hospital, as they can alert the hospital that you are coming and what treatment you may need. If your GP is not available, you can call the Huisartsenpost (family doctor post) or the Central Doctor’s Service (see below). 

Out-of-hours medical care

If you require out-of-hours medical care - that is, you are unwell but not in a life-threatening situation - you should try to contact your doctor (GP) in the first instance. If they are not available, however, you do have other options. 

Huisartsenpost

If your GP is closed, you can call the Huisartsenpost. They will tell you if you should come by or if you should make an appointment with your own GP within working hours. They can also refer you to the emergency department of the hospital. Contact details vary in each region. To check yours, search the internet for "huisartsenpost" with your city name.

Please note that care at the Huisartsenpost is generally fully reimbursed by your health insurance, but when it comes to emergency care at the hospital, the compulsory deductible (eigen risico) applies.

Central Doctor’s Service

Alternatively, you can call the Central Doctors’ Service on +31 (0) 20 592 34 34 if you do not need an ambulance, but are in urgent need of medical advice and you are not registered with a GP, you cannot reach your GP, or you require care out-of-hours. The helpline is open on evenings, weekends and public holidays.

What to do in case of dental emergency

Routine dental work can usually be scheduled in advance, but you may find yourself needing emergency dental care when you have a knocked-out tooth, a loose or out-of-alignment tooth, a cracked or fractured tooth, severe dental pain, ongoing tissue bleeding, or a severe infection.

Emergency dental care

If you are having a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is call your dentist. They will be able to assess the situation and give you emergency care.

However, if you don’t have a dentist or if you can’t reach your dentist, you can call an emergency dentist (spoed tandarts). There are dental emergency clinics in every major city in the Netherlands that are open 24/7 and accessible to expats and tourists.

Emergency pharmacies in the Netherlands

Most towns and cities in the Netherlands will have at least one, if not more, emergency pharmacies that offer out-of-hours services. They should only be used to pick up emergency medication that is needed immediately. Note that they will charge higher prices than your regular pharmacy. 

You can find your nearest emergency pharmacy by inputting your postcode into the Apotheek.nl search tool.