Cash is used less and less in the Netherlands these days. However, it is still useful to have some money in your pocket. 

The euro (symbol: €; Dutch plural: euro) is the currency of the Netherlands as one of the 20 Member States of the European Economic and Monetary Union. The official ISO code for the currency is EUR. 

On Wisselkoers.nl you will find the most up-to-date exchange rates for the euro and other currencies. 

Daily expenses
It is important to consider all of your expenses when studying in the Netherlands. On StudyinNL you can find how much a student on average spends each month. On StudyinNL you can also find tips about saving money from an international students. 

Nibud
If you require more information about budgeting, you could take a look at the website of Nibud. The National Institute for Budget Information (Nibud) is an independent Dutch organisation that informs and advises on financial matters. Please note that the information on this website is only available in Dutch. 

AHK discount
When you are a CvA student you can get discounts at many cultural institutions with your student card, but the AHK also made special agreements with institutions in the fields of sports and software & hardware. You can get a discounts at SURFspot and the sport centre USC. 

CJP Cultuurkaart
The CJP Cultuurkaart is not specifically for students, but for all young people under 30 years old, and gives discounts on (film) festivals, concerts, theatres and museums, among other things. The card costs €17.50 per year.

Do you want even more discounts? Then take a look at this small selection of websites (information only available in Dutch): 

• iAmsterdam.com
• Knaek.nl
• Studentenkorting.nl – student discounts in Amsterdam

If you experience financial problems during your studies, please contact the CvA Student Counsellor, Mirjam Pol by email: mirjam.pol@ahk.nl.

The student counsellor will work together with you to find possible solutions, that will enable you to continue your studies as well as you can or guide you in deciding to defer or discontinue your studies for the time being. Discussions with the student counsellor are confidential and personal information is handled with great care. In general, the sooner you contact the student counsellor, the better advice you can expect to receive.

Do you have the Dutch nationality or are you an EU citizen and you want know more about student finance? Please go to Study. 

Want to more about rent benefit? Please go to Living.

1. If you don’t have a job here or you don’t pay income taxes in the Netherlands as a self-employed worker, you are obliged to either have a health insurance from your own country that covers medical costs in the Netherlands, or to buy a Dutch commercial health insurance. 
2. If you do have a paid job here, however small that job, or you pay taxes as a self-employed worker here, you are obliged to take out Dutch health care insurance. This is the insurance that all Dutch people have. There are many different providers with different additional options. The cheapest basic package is the same for everyone.

1. If you don’t have a job/pay taxes here as a self-employed worker, you should be covered for basic health care with your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It differs per country what medical costs are covered. In most cases emergency costs and the family doctor (also called general practitioner (GP)) are covered, but a referral by the GP to a psychologist or therapist, is not. So please double check the coverage, and double check the validity date on your card as well.
2. If you do have a paid job here, however small that job, or you pay taxes as a self-employed worker here, you are obliged to take out a Dutch health care insurance.

For non-EU students without a job and for EU-students who do not have a job and are looking for additional insurance: we highly recommend the Master + package from Insure to Study.  
Click here for their Extent of Cover in short. 
Click here for their more elaborated Terms and Conditions.

Insure to Studycovers pre-existing conditions. Apart from covering medical expenses, you are also insured for: 

• Accidents
• Luggage
• Household goods and valuables
• Emergencies
• Personal liability
• Legal assistant
• Travel

Commercial health insurance or Dutch Basic Health Insurance?

If you have a paid job, even if it is for one hour a month, you are obliged by law to purchase Dutch Basic Health Insurance. This goes for both EU-students and non-EU-students.

If there is no paid work in the next month or their contract gets is terminated, you have to switch back to a commercial insurer. 

However, the Dutch health insurance system is not designed for switching between two systems during a year.

Insure to Study offers the service to arrange the administration of switching from this private commercial health insurance to a Dutch basic health insurance called HollandZorg with a very attractive low rate. Also, HollandZorg does not charge own risk (‘deductible’) of €385,- per year, when you need medical or therapeutically care. 

With a Basic Health Insurance you can also apply for the healthcare benefit (called Zorgtoeslag), saving you quite some money (see the overview below for more information). 

Please note: In case you are referred by your GP to a specialist or psychologist or therapist, always check the Terms and Conditions of your insurance carefully to see what diagnosis are covered. This applies to all insurances. 

Have you received a letter from CAK?
When you receive a letter from CAK (Centraal Administratie Kantoor), please open it and take it to the student counsellor. It means you are being fined for not having the right health insurance according to their information. You can still arrange for a correct health insurance and avoid that fine.

Healthcare benefit, also known as "zorgtoeslag", is an allowance for people with a low income which will help pay for their (Dutch) health insurance. As a student you might also be elgible for healthcare benefit, if you meet the conditions. 

You can request healthcare benefit via Dienst Toeslagen (only available in Dutch). Here you can use the test calculator which will help determine if you might be eligible and how much healthcare benefit you might receive. 

Please note: Healthcare benefit is only an option for international students if you have the Dutch health insurance. If this is the case, please visit the Tax Administration website for more information.

If you are ill, you should first contact your general practitioner. It is useful to find a general practitioner in your area and to always see the same doctor, so that your health history is always known. The GP will refer you to a specialist if necessary. Without a referral, you cannot be helped by a specialist (in a hospital, for example). 

Finding a general practitioner 
Students who live in Amsterdam, can register (for free) with the Amsterdam Student General Practitioner.

Their main location is centrally located in the old center of Amsterdam, near Dam square and the Munt tower. The second location is on the University of Amsterdam Roeterseilandcampus (REC). At this new location there are also other health care providers present like psychologists, dieticians, physiotherapy and a dentist. Please double check the location when making an appointment.

Students who do not have GP yet in Amsterdam or need help fast, can also go to the Huisartsenpraktijk Reguliersgracht.

For students who do not live in Amsterdam: you will have to register with the GP in your postal code area. For more information on how to find one, please check this website.

More general information about general practitioners and Dutch healthcare can be found here. 

The GP is covered in all health insurances as a basic service. But it depends on your insurance company whether you will have to pay the bill first and ask for a refund with them, or that your company will pay it directly to the GP. Call the assistant from the GP in case of doubt.

If you have any trouble with these procedures or have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact the student counsellor (Mirjam Pol, mirjam.pol@ahk.nl).

Making appointments with a GP or medical specialists
You can call your GP directly to make an appointment, or many practices have a spreekuur (consultation hour), usually early in the morning, where you can speak to your doctor without an appointment. You may also be able to consult the doctor (or assistant) over the phone in the case of simple questions. Some GPs also make house calls, usually after hours or during a specifically allotted time.

If your doctor is away, they will leave an answering message with the number of another doctor and possibly the number of the emergency dokterdienst. This doctor may be different from one area to another, so the service will give you the name and number of a doctor on duty near you, or have the doctor call you.

The other option is to call your local huisartsenpost. For more information about  emergency numbers.

If you wish to see a medical specialist, you need a referral from a GP. You will also need to show this referral to your insurance company if you wish the costs to be covered (check before you go with your insurance company if they will cover theses costs!). Once you have a referral, you can make an appointment with the specialist directly. If you know the specialist you wish to see, you may request a referral to that particular person.

Amsterdam general practitioners’ outposts: for emergency doctors

Do you urgently need a GP in the evening, at night or at the weekend? 

• T: 088 00 30 600
  This is the number of the post office for GPs in Amsterdam, Badhoevedorp, Landsmeer, Diemen en Duivendrecht. See huisartsenpostenamsterdam.nl for addresses and opening hours.

If you seek professional mental health care, a psychiatrist or psychologist, the GP can guide you. They know the system best. Please note that, in order to get your money back from your insurance company, you will need a referral from the GP.

In case your issues are not severe, or in order to bridge a period before getting professional help, your GP can send you to their practice assistant (POH, Praktijkondersteuner Huisarts). You can see them several times and it is covered by health insurance, same as the GP.

You can also make an appointment with our student psychologist first, Lida Meijer (lida.meijer@ahk.nl). There are no costs attached to this. Lida does shorter mental health trajectories (approximately five sessions of one hour) but she can also advice you on how to navigate the Dutch mental health care system best in case of more serious depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, anxiety, phobias, eating disorders or addiction, to name some.

If you can afford it, or your health insurance allows for it, you can always find a psychologist or therapist yourself. There are quite a few expat mental health professionals in the Netherlands. 

Click here for more information on this topic.
 

If you require dental care, you can call any dentist (tandarts) and you will be referred to the dentist at service that day. Dentists in the Netherlands are listed in the telephone directory under tandartsen and it is also possible to find one through the this website(Dutch only).

To make an appointment with the dentist, you do not need a referral from your GP.

Emergency dental care (24/7)

• OLVG Locatie Oost Oosterpark 9, 0900-8602
• Dental365, Piet Heinkade 215, 1019 HM A’dam 020-555 8282

Emergencies: call 112
For accidents and sudden illnesses requiring immediate attention, you can go to or call the Emergency Service (Eerste Hulp Bij Ongelukken/EHBO) of one of the local hospitals. You do not need a referral to go to the emergency room. If an ambulance is needed, you can call the (free) number 112.

Please note: the General Emergency telephone number 112 applies to all types of emergencies: accidents, ambulance, fire brigade and police. After calling this number, you will immediately be connected with the department for emergency services in your city.

• Emergency number, T: 112 – concerning life-threatening situations
• Suicide prevention, T: 0800-0113 – help in all forms with thoughts of suicide, also for relatives: calling, chatting, therapy, coaching, training, courses. The website has a chat button – you can chat directly.
• Police, T: 0900-8844 – for non-urgent matters.
  On the website of the police you can file an online report (information only available in Dutch).
• GP Posts, T: 088 00 30 600 – If you need a GP in a hurry. In the evening, at night or during the weekend in Amsterdam, Badhoevedorp, Landsmeer, Diemen and Duivendrecht. 
• The Listening Line, T: 0900-0767 – if you want to talk to someone (anonymously). (information only available in Dutch)
• Emergency dental care (24/7):
  – OLVG Locatie Oost Oosterpark 9, 0900-8602
  – Dental365, Piet Heinkade 215, 1019 HM A’dam 020-555 8282
• Emergency psychiatry in Amsterdam 020–5235433 – emergency care for people with (very) severe acute psychological problems, whether or not in combination with addiction.
• Centre for Sexual Violence 0800-0188 – National specialised centre for victims of acute violence, sexual assault, rape: forensic, medical and psychological assistance. There are doctors, nurses, police and other social workers. The centre is a cooperation between hospitals, GGD, GGZ, police and Slachtofferhulp Nederland. Working method based on scientific research. On the website is a chat button – you can chat directly.
• Victim support: 0900-0101 – Help to victims and next of kin after a crime, traffic accident or other serious event: emotional support, guidance during the criminal process and help with compensation. The assistance is free of charge.

In case you don’t have a health insurance yet, or not the right one, or you are in doubt but you don’t want to spend too much time of figuring it out and you need help, you can always make an appointment with a GP as a non-registered patient. You then have to pay cash when you leave. You will pay the passantentarief. This will approximately be between €30 (5 min) and €50- €60 (20 min). 

The same goes for urgent visits to a psychiatrist without referral and without insurance. There passing by rates are higher than that, somewhere between €200-300 for one consultation. 

Do you need to collect a prescription in the Netherlands? Ask your doctor in your home country for an international prescription. A medicine from another country is not always available in the Netherlands. The medicine may also have a different name. An international prescription must always state:  

• your last name and first name;  
• your date of birth.

In addition, your doctor’s details must appear on the prescription:  

• last name and first name (in full);  
• professional qualification;  
• contact details and professional address (including the country);  
• signature (handwritten or digital).

The prescription must also state details about the medicine:  

• the generic name or substance name (not the brand name);  
• the type (e.g. tablets or a solution); 
• the quantity, concentration and dosage. 

Or register with a GP as soon as possible and ask them for advice on your medication availability in the Netherlands. They can check and write you the correct prescription or an alternative.

An apotheek (pharmacy) is the only outlet for prescription drugs. 
In the Netherlands, there are two types of stores where medications are available: 

• A drugstore (drogisterij or drogist) such as Kruidvat, DA, Etos, Holland & Barrett and Trekpleister, sells non-prescription medications as well as homeopathic products, basic toiletries, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, vitamins and baby items. 
• A pharmacy (apotheek) provides prescription and non-prescription drugs, as well as vitamins, homeopathic remedies, and hypoallergenic skin care products. Pharmacists are very knowledgeable and can give advice on over-the-counter medications, drug interactions, and side effects. 

Please note: you may need prescriptions for things you were able to buy over the counter at home.

After signing on with a doctor, it is a good idea to find a pharmacy in your area. A pharmacy will provide medicines by prescription. You can local pharmacies if you search for “Apotheken” near you. You do not have to register with a specific pharmacy, but your doctor will need to know where to send your prescriptions for you to pick up. You can also pick up medication with an international prescription by your doctor from abroad, so ask your doctor to provide a printed copy.

Most pharmacies are open between 8:30 and 17:00. There is a pharmacy on duty in your area on weekends, holidays, and overnight. You can find a list of on-duty pharmacies as well as their hours and phone numbers in the window of your pharmacy. If you call a pharmacy during off hours, you will get a message (in Dutch) giving you the name and number of the pharmacy on duty.

It is possible to fill prescriptions at other pharmacies, but registering with a regular pharmacy (by giving them your contact details and health insurance information) provides several benefits: your GP may be able to email your prescription directly to the pharmacy, so you can simply pick up your medicine when you are ready. As they have a record of your prescription history, it gives the pharmacist the ability to check that you haven’t been prescribed conflicting medicines.

If this pharmacy is registered with your particular insurance scheme, you generally won't have to pay directly for the medicine (although that depends on the particular prescription and your policy).

Some pharmacies can deliver medications to your home free of charge, while others also offer secured pick-up boxes accessible with a key, so you can retrieve prescriptions after hours. Many GPs also have a message service where you can order repeats of on-going prescription medicine, which you can collect from your pharmacy the next day.

The GGD is the municipality’s public health care service. The Amsterdam Public Health Service (GGD Amsterdam) protects, monitors and promotes the health of each resident living in and near the city of Amsterdam.

You can contact the GGD for, among other things: 

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – such as HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
• Scabies – information about the symptoms and treatment

Getting pregnant can be a very impactful situation. You might feel doubtful, shocked, confused, afraid, maybe even angry or desperate. 

Abortion, or termination of pregnancy might be an option you wish to consider. Abortion has been legal in the Netherlands since 1981. From the age of 16 you have the right to decide yourself (if you are between 16-18, you don’t need parental or guardian consent). Up to 22 weeks of pregnancy you can decide for yourself whether you want to continue or terminate your pregnancy. For pregnancies up to eight weeks you can decide to use an abortion pill. 

There are several abortion clinics you can visit. You can make appointment with a clinic yourself. A referral is no longer mandatory. Also, since January 1, 2023, there no longer is an obligatory reflection: you decide, hopefully with someone you trust or a doctor, how long you need to think it over. If you want an abortion without delay, that is also possible.

As for costs: only if you work in paid employment in the Netherlands alongside your studies and pay taxes here, the treatment will be free of charge. This means that all students with a Dutch basic health insurance do not have to pay. If you have an abortion in the hospital, payment will be settled through your health insurance. If you don’t have (the right) health insurance, you have to pay by yourself. The approximate prices are between €450,- (up to 8 or 9 weeks) and €1100,- (18-22 weeks).

In case your pregnancy is the result of rape, please contact the Sexual Assault Center. They are very approachable, can help for free and completely confidential with medical issues (including the possibility of an abortion for free), they will help you with the police (they have special police officers to connect to), with legal and mental health issues. Please do not hesitate to contact them!
#itsnotyourfault

Within the CvA you can also contact our student counsellor Mirjam Pol and our student psychologist Lida Meijer. They are there to help and advise you. They also have absolute confidentiality and have a lot of experience when it comes to impactful private situations. Please allow them to listen to you and to help you.

The student counsellor of the CvA informs and guides students on practical and personal matters that are related to the study. Are running into difficulties that can interfere with your studies such as fear of failure, illness, injuries, problems with concentrating etc? You can contact the student counsellor. She can try to help find a possible solution to your problems, which will allow you to continue your studies or to decide in time to interrupt or stop your studies. 

If you need certain facilities or adaptations to access and participate in education and/or taking exams as a result of a (learning) disability (for example dyslexia), you can contact the student counsellor of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. She can refer you to the contact person of your study programme with whom you can discuss which facilities or adjustments you need to be able to progress with your studies. The discussions are confidential. The student counsellor can also refer you to organisations outside the conservatoire.

Psychic tensions can affect your physical well-being and your ability to make music. When these tensions cause you to get stuck, you can turn to the student psychologist Lida Meijer. 

The psychological consultation hour offers students low-threshold help, support and advice with emotional and psychological problems (depression, low self-esteem, sleeping problems, stress).

The psychologist can refer to other care providers if necessary. 

For more information and contact details, see MyAHK (login is needed).

The Conservatorium van Amsterdam refers the specific need of music students for physiotherapy to Bleeksma physiotherapy. Physiotherapist Arjen Bleeksma specialises in the recognition, treatment and guidance of physical and mental problems resulting from the specific strain that the profession of a musician can entail. 

For more information and contact details, see MyAHK (login is needed).

Please note: appointments are made directly between you and the practice, not via the CvA. The first consultation is free. Afterwards the consultations are at your own expense, or at the expense of your health insurance if you have supplementary insurance. To be sure, check your insurance policy.

It is of the utmost importance that everyone at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam can study and work in a pleasant environment. Safety, mutual empathy and respect are conditions for a good working environment and a successful study period. To counter any undesirable sexual intimidation and/or aggression, the AHK offers support by means of a code of conduct, confidential advisers and a complaints procedure. On MyAHK you can find more information.