Chiropractors in the Netherlands

A chiropractor (also known as a chiropractor in Dutch) is a healthcare professional who focuses on diagnosing, treating and helping to prevent disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine, joints and nervous system. 

Chiropractic care uses manual, non-surgical treatments to treat conditions like: 

 - Back pain

- Neck pain

- Headaches

- Shoulder complaints

- Hip complaints

- Hernias

- Sciatica 

- Osteoarthritis

- Sports injuries

- Pain during pregnancy

Chiropractic care is increasingly popular in the Netherlands. One survey found that as many as 23% of people have been treated by a chiropractor. 

A chiropractor is a clinical profession, and practitioners typically complete undergraduate pre-medical studies and a bachelor’s degree before attending a postgraduate chiropractic college. Graduates must then complete a year of practical training before becoming fully qualified. 

However, there are no universities or colleges in the Netherlands that offer such certifications, so chiropractors typically train abroad before opening their practices here. 

The Dutch Chiropractic Foundation (SCN) provides recognition for chiropractic qualifications in the Netherlands, certifying only those who can speak Dutch at an A2 level and have graduated from a college accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). This typically only includes qualifications obtained in Australasia, Canada, Europe and the US. 

Chiropractors can also register with the Dutch Chiropractors’ Association (NCA). The NCA ensures that its members are university-trained healthcare professionals and requires them to pursue ongoing professional development. All practitioners therefore meet high quality and expertise standards. 

The costs associated with chiropractic care vary significantly according to the clinic, treatment type, and consultation type: 

- Initial consultation and assessment: Usually between €60 and €120

- Follow-up sessions: Usually between €45 and €90 per treatment

Many chiropractors also offer packages of treatments at a discounted rate. 

Chiropractic care is not covered by basic health insurance in the Netherlands. 

However, your treatments may be (partially) covered if you have additional health insurance. The exact reimbursement rate depends on your health insurance provider and the details of your individual policy. Chiropractic treatments do not count towards your eigen risco (mandatory excess). 

Health insurers typically treat chiropractic treatments as “alternative medicine” (alternatieve beweegzorg). You can see how much your health insurer might reimburse on the NCA website.

Choosing the right chiropractor is important to ensure your treatment is safe and effective. When selecting a chiropractor in the Netherlands, consider the following:

- Qualifications: Ensure that your chiropractor is registered with a recognised professional organisation such as the SCN or NCA. Registration indicates they adhere to professional standards and education requirements. 

- Location and appointment availability: Especially if you are going to require ongoing care, it’s important that you can attend your appointments easily and conveniently, so a chiropractor with a closeby location and a fairly flexible calendar is a must. 

- Experience and treatment specialisation: Some chiropractors specialise in certain problems, such as sports injuries, back pain during pregnancy, or chronic pain management. Ensure your chosen practitioner has experience with your condition. 

- Transparent pricing: Ensure that you understand exactly how much you have to pay, when, and how much is covered by your health insurance. 

- Patient reviews: Check online reviews and testimonials, or seek recommendations from friends and family.