Key Takeaways
What this piece is about
This article explains Dutch basic health insurance, the rules around ADHD medication (methylphenidate), and simple language you can use to speak up for your needs. It brings together practical guidance and beginner-friendly Dutch phrases.
Health insurance: required and standard
People who live or work in the Netherlands must hold a standard health insurance policy. The basic package covers general practitioner care, hospital treatment, and many prescription medicines. [1], [6], [12], [18]
ADHD medicines need local supervision
Methylphenidate is prescription-only in the Netherlands. Using it without a prescription is illegal and can lead to side effects; continued treatment should be guided by a Dutch doctor and a valid Dutch prescription. [2], [20]
Foreign prescriptions: limits and checks
A prescription from another European Union country can sometimes be used, but strict conditions apply. Prescriptions from outside the European Union are usually not accepted directly; a Dutch doctor should assess and prescribe. [1], [7], [13], [19]
Travel with medication: certificates may be needed
Certain medicines, including some ADHD medicines, fall under the Dutch Opium Act and may require official certificates for travel. Check rules before crossing borders. [3], [9], [15], [21]
Language that helps you self-advocate
Daily Dutch can support you in clinics, pharmacies, work, and with neighbours. A key expression is “voor jezelf opkomen” (to stand up for yourself).
Story & Details
A real-world starting point
A Dutch customer adviser answered questions in October 2024 about health insurance and ADHD medication. The reply pointed to three actions: confirm the insurer and policy, see a Dutch doctor for a valid prescription, and call nearby pharmacies (for example in a town such as Zwanenburg) to check availability and price differences. It also noted that a non-EU prescription is not valid here and that first appointments are typically in-person.
How Dutch basic insurance works
The Dutch system blends public rules with private insurers. By law, residents and workers must have a standard policy. The government defines the basic package; insurers deliver it and people can add optional extras. Clear, plain-language explainers and official pages walk newcomers through what the basic package covers, how to compare policies, and when switching is allowed. [1], [6], [12], [17], [18]
ADHD treatment under Dutch rules
Methylphenidate (brand names include Ritalin and Concerta) is widely used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Dutch public-health authorities warn against non-prescribed use because of risks such as palpitations, sleep problems, anxiety, and depression, and they urge careful monitoring. This means a Dutch prescription and follow-up are the safe way to continue treatment after moving. [2], [20]
Using or replacing a foreign prescription
Within the European Union, cross-border prescriptions are possible, but the exact medicine may have a different name or be unavailable. Pharmacists need key details (often the international non-proprietary name). Outside the European Union, a local Dutch prescription is usually required. Practical guides for internationals repeat this advice and suggest registering with a local general practitioner early. [7], [13], [19], [14], [15]
Travelling with controlled medicines
Before travelling, check whether your medicine falls under the Opium Act lists. If it does, get the right certificate (Schengen or other) so you can carry it legally. Official portals explain when certificates are required and how to apply. [3], [9], [15], [21]
Simple Dutch for daily life and self-advocacy
Language helps you act. Below are beginner patterns often used in homes, workplaces, and clinics:
- Home and habits: “I live with…/I live alone…/In my free time I like to read.”
- Feelings and boundaries: “I like this/I do not like this/I am happy when…/Sometimes I simply say no.”
- Work questions: “Can you help me with this?/When does this need to be finished?/Where can I find this document?”
- Core emotions: angry, happy, afraid, sad, surprised, tired, nervous, calm.
- Doubt: “I have doubts/I am not sure/Maybe…/On the one hand… on the other hand….”
- Neighbours and small talk: “Good morning!/Everything okay?/Have a nice day!”
- Friendship and identity: “I have a few good friends/Friendship is important for me/I like quiet moments and long walks.”
- Standing up for yourself: the Dutch expression is voor jezelf opkomen.
These patterns keep conversations clear and respectful in clinics, with employers, and with neighbours.
Conclusions
A structured system, a human path
Dutch health care is rule-based: insurance is mandatory; prescriptions are checked; controlled medicines need paperwork when crossing borders. That structure protects patients, but it can feel complex at first.
How people make it work
Most people who arrive and already use ADHD medication follow a simple path: confirm insurance, register with a general practitioner, secure a Dutch prescription, and check stock with local pharmacies. With a handful of plain Dutch phrases—and the confidence to stand up for yourself—the route from uncertainty to stable, supervised care becomes manageable.
Selected References
[1] Government of the Netherlands — Health insurance (overview): https://www.government.nl/topics/health-insurance
[2] RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) — Improper use of methylphenidate: https://www.rivm.nl/en/news/improper-use-of-methylphenidate
[3] Netherlands Worldwide — Taking medication into the Netherlands: https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/travel-netherlands/taking-medication-netherlands
[4] Government of the Netherlands — Standard health insurance: https://www.government.nl/topics/health-insurance/standard-health-insurance
[5] Government of the Netherlands — Healthcare benefit (zorgtoeslag): https://www.government.nl/topics/health-insurance/applying-for-healthcare-benefit
[6] National Health Care Institute (Zorginstituut Nederland) — The Dutch health care system: https://english.zorginstituutnederland.nl/about-us/healthcare-in-the-netherlands
[7] EU “Your Europe” — Presenting a prescription in another EU country: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/health/prescription-medicine-abroad/prescriptions/index_en.htm
[8] EU “Your Europe” — FAQs on cross-border prescriptions: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/health/prescription-medicine-abroad/prescriptions/faq/index_en.htm
[9] Netherlands Worldwide — Taking medicines abroad (certificates): https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/travel-abroad/medicines
[10] DUO (Dutch government agency) — Student health insurance explainer (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx-N3Z4dgNY
[11] IamExpat — Pharmacies and medicines in the Netherlands: https://www.iamexpat.nl/expat-info/dutch-healthcare-system/pharmacies-medicine-netherlands
[12] The CAK (public service agency) — Uninsured and basic rules: https://www.hetcak.nl/en/uninsured/
[13] Government of the Netherlands — Collecting prescription medicines in the EU: https://www.government.nl/topics/medicines/getting-prescription-medication-in-the-european-union-eu
[14] International Welcome Center North — Pharmacy and prescriptions: https://iwcn.nl/living/healthcare/pharmacy-and-prescriptions/
[15] Government of the Netherlands — Travelling with restricted medication (Schengen/medical certificate): https://www.government.nl/topics/medicines/question-and-answer/can-i-take-my-medication-abroad
[16] Government of the Netherlands — Health insurance videos (simple Dutch/other languages): https://www.government.nl/documents/publications/2024/11/12/videos-health-insurance
[17] Government of the Netherlands — Insurance topic page (Dutch): https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/zorgverzekering
[18] Study in NL (official platform) — Healthcare insurance basics for students: https://www.studyinnl.org/plan-your-stay/healthcare-insurance
[19] Hellenic National Contact Point (EU) — Cross-border prescriptions guidance: https://eu-healthcare.eopyy.gov.gr/en/medicines-and-medical-devices/cross-border-prescriptions/
[20] Euractiv (reputable outlet) — Non-prescribed ADHD drug use debate: https://www.euractiv.com/news/dutch-alarmed-by-students-getting-unprescribed-adhd-drugs-to-concentrate/
[21] Government of the Netherlands — Applying for certificates to travel with restricted medicines: https://www.government.nl/topics/medicines/medicines-and-travel/applying-for-a-schengenverklaring-or-a-medical-certificate-to-travel-outside-of-the-netherlands-with-restricted-medication
Appendix
1. ADHD medication
Medicines such as methylphenidate that help manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In the Netherlands they are prescription-only and monitored for safety.
2. Basic health insurance
The mandatory standard package residents and workers must hold. It covers core care (general practitioner, hospital, many prescriptions) and can be expanded with optional extras.
3. Cross-border prescription
A prescription written to be used in another European Union country. It must contain specific standard details. Even then, availability and brand names can differ.
4. General practitioner (huisarts)
The first medical contact for non-emergencies. This doctor treats common issues, writes many prescriptions, and refers patients to specialists when needed.
5. Opium Act certificate
Official paperwork that allows travellers to carry certain controlled medicines across borders legally.
6. Pharmacy (apotheek)
The licensed place that dispenses prescription medicines, checks prescriptions, and advises on safe use. It works closely with local doctors and insurers.
7. “Voor jezelf opkomen”
A common Dutch expression meaning “to stand up for yourself.” It covers setting boundaries, expressing needs clearly, and not letting others decide everything for you.
8. Zwanenburg
A Dutch town used here as a simple example of local life where people register with nearby doctors and call local pharmacies to check stock and collection details.
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 