Netherlands Global Health Insurance / Travel Advice

Whilst traveling to the Netherlands, one must be aware of societal differences and the issues that might arise when you arrive. The following are some general points to keep in mind while making a visit to Netherlands.

Please be advised that the travel advice contained on this page is not fully comprehensive and may be liable to change without prior warning; as such you should consult a travel expert or your local embassy prior to departing on your journey.

Netherlands Travel Advice

• There are confirmed human cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) in the Netherlands. Enhancing personal hygiene and wearing a face-mask can help to protect against Swine Flu. If you have flu symptoms, you are advised to stay home and avoid any travel until fully recovered.

• There is a general threat from terrorism in the Netherlands. Please be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

• The Dutch Government introduced compulsory identification since January 2005. Everybody over the age of 14 is required to show a valid identity document to police officers and other law enforcement authorities on their request. You are advised to bring a valid identity document with you at all times.

• You are advised to beware of pickpockets when travelling on public transport and in crowded areas, especially in Central Amsterdam.

• The Dutch drive on the right and give priority to the right, unless otherwise indicated. You must have a valid driving licence, insurance, vehicle documents and identification should you wish to drive in the Netherlands.

• You are advised not to carry or use drugs outside of properly licensed establishments. The Netherlands has a reputation for being tolerant on the use of so-called ‘soft drugs’. In reality, drugs are prohibited and this tolerance exists only for designated premises in the major cities. Possession or purchase of prohibited substances outside these designated areas can carry a prison sentence.

• Since January 2006, the purchase or use of soft drugs in public places is an arrestable offence in Amsterdam. You are advised to smoke cannabis only in specifically designated cafés.

• The sale of wild mushrooms has increasingly become popular in the Netherlands. Travellers are advised to take extreme caution as combinations of alcohol, cannabis and wild mushrooms are a fatal cocktail, which has already caused several deaths.

• Please be advised that smoking tobacco has been banned in cafes, pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels since 1st July 2008. Separate, enclosed, smoking zones are possible but food and drink cannot be served in them. The rule applies to tobacco smoking only.

• You are recommended to obtain a comprehensive travel and medical insurance policy before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and ensure that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.

Netherlands Global Health Insurance

Whether you are an expat employee or a tourist in the Netherlands, global health insurance policies can provide you some of the most extensive insurance coverage available. To discuss more with our experienced consultants about your time in the Netherlands, global health insurance plans that we can offer, or for a free global health insurance quote, please contact us either by phone now or by filling in the simple form here.