Hospital
How healthcare is organized in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, we call healthcare “zorg”.
Health Insurance: Everyone must have health insurance. You pick a company and pay them every month. This helps pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, and medicines. This insurance is called “basisverzekering”.
Seeing a Doctor: If you’re sick, you see a general doctor first. This doctor is like your main health helper. If you need more help, this doctor tells you where to go next.
Paying for Healthcare: Your insurance pays for most things, but sometimes you pay a little too. How much you pay depends on how much money you make.
Medications: If a doctor gives you medicine, you get it from a store called a pharmacy. Insurance pays for some of it, but you might pay a little. The store only can give special medicines if your doctor describes these medicines.
Teeth Care: Going to the dentist is not fully paid by the main insurance. You might need to buy extra insurance or pay yourself.
Long-Term Care: If someone needs help for a long time, like staying in a special home, there’s a different system to help pay for it.
Basis insurance, more information
In the Netherlands, we call basic insurance “basisverzekering”.
In the Netherlands, everyone is required to have basic insurance, which is managed by private insurance companies. The basic insurance covers:
1. Going to the Doctor: Visiting a doctor when you are sick or need medical advice.
2. Hospital Care: Getting treatment and care in a hospital, including surgeries and emergency care.
3. Medications: Prescription medicines that are approved and listed by the insurance.
4. Maternity Care: Services related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care.
5. Mental Healthcare: Help and treatment for mental health issues.
6. Rehabilitation: Therapy and exercises to help recover from an injury or illness.
7. Specialist Care: Seeing specialized doctors for specific health conditions.
8. Medical Equipment: Certain devices and aids like wheelchairs or crutches when needed.
9. Preventive Care: Vaccinations and screenings to catch health problems early.
Remember that there might still be some costs involved, like deductibles or small payments for certain services.
Hospital care
Living healthy
Living healthy means making good choices for our body and mind. This helps us feel good and live longer.
How to Live Healthy
Eating Right:
Eat different foods like vegetables, fruits, grains, and meat.
Eat three times a day. Don’t skip breakfast.
Drink lots of water.
Don’t eat too much sugar, salt, or fat.
Check food dates and keep food clean.
Moving and Playing:
Do things like walking, cycling, or playing sports.
Try to move for 30 minutes every day.
Sleeping Well: Sleep enough every night to feel rested.
Relaxing: Do fun things or relax to feel calm.
No Bad Habits:
Don’t smoke. It’s bad for the lungs.
Don’t drink too much alcohol.
Doctor Visits: See a doctor sometimes to check if you’re healthy.
Feeling Good Inside: Talk to friends and family. Ask for help if you feel very sad.
Drinking Water: Drink water often. Don’t drink too many sweet drinks.
Being Safe with Others:
Girls can take a pill.
Boys can use something called a condom.
Be safe to not get sick.