Do I need travel insurance for the Netherlands?

Think of the Netherlands and your mind will immediately wander to Amsterdam, with its iconic canals, museums, famously seedy side, and nightlife. But there’s much more to the country, such as the cities of Rotterdam, Eindhoven, or Den Haag (The Hague) as well as its unusually flat countryside - a product of large parts of the country being drained and reclaimed from the sea - with its tulip fields and windmills. That said, you can’t really experience the Netherlands without a trip to Amsterdam - as there’s so much to see and its cosmopolitan freewheeling culture is perhaps unique in Northern Europe. While there, you can see the Anne Frank Huis, where the young Jewish diarist hid away during the Nazi occupation; the Rijksmuseum, home to several of Rembrandt’s finest works; and the Van Gogh Museum, which boasts the world’s largest collection of works by one of the most revered artists of all time.

AXA’s Schengen travel insurance offers extensive protection for those traveling to the Netherlands - as it can cover medical expenses up to €100,000 in the Netherlands and other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application. 

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for the Netherlands cover?

Our Europe Travel insurance covers:

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses 
• Medical repatriation & transport 
• 24/7 medical assistance in English or French in case of urgency
• Up to 180 days of coverage
• All Schengen, European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen insurance)
• Insurance certificate issued immediately and approved by the embassies
• No age limit
• Zero deductible - which will allow you to avoid some upfront and early costs with your claim

Is travel insurance required for the Netherlands?

Travel insurance is mandatory if you need a Schengen Visa for the Netherlands. If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended as medical costs can be high for foreigners, especially as you will need to pay for any prescriptions.

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to coronavirus?

We will cover your medical costs related to coronavirus provided you haven't traveled against World Health Organization advice, personal medical advice from your doctor, or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are traveling to. Emergency and additional travel costs are also covered providing you have stuck to this advice. 

All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”. This will satisfy any embassy rules that state you must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection. 

Will AXA Schengen travel insurance be accepted with my Netherlands visa application?

AXA has been delivering insurance certificates that meet Schengen countries’ requirements to obtain a visa for more than 10 years.  All you need to do is print the electronic form of the health insurance certificate and enclose it with your visa application. Each AXA Schengen insurance certificate is individualized and bears a number that is verifiable on our website.

What are the requirements for travel insurance for my Netherlands visa?

To obtain a Schengen Visa to the Netherlands your insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area
• It should cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons.

I don’t need a Schengen Visa to visit the Netherlands - can I still purchase your insurance to cover my possible health expenses?

Schengen travel insurance is not mandatory for some travelers, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be injured or get ill. A broken wrist or nasty infection can happen to anyone! We thus strongly recommend that you subscribe to our insurance for travelers visiting Europe to make sure your trip is as safe and peaceful as possible. 

What are the main advantages of AXA Schengen insurance?

1. Compliant with European requirements for Schengen Visa. 10 years of existence
2. Immediate coverage. Your insurance covers you from the first day you need it
3. No age restriction, zero deductible. 
4. No price variation because of nationality or age
5. Refund if your Schengen Visa application is denied.

Why should you trust us?

• Medical files processed by AXA Schengen in 2021: 2292
• Medical calls processed by our agents in 2021: 3845

Which insurance plans to consider?

What should I do if I am injured or ill while in the Netherlands?

Don’t worry - AXA’s Schengen insurance is here to guide, help, and protect you. In case of a medical emergency, you must contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7 to help you find the medical center best suited to your situation and the closest to your location.

The following information must be given to the call center:

• The number of your policy, which begins with “SCH”.
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached and the details of the people that can be contacted locally.
• The dossier number, which is communicated at the time of the first call.

IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep bills/invoices and enclose them with your file.

What should I know when preparing for my trip to the Netherlands?

Security: Take care particularly in central Amsterdam and around Central Station due to the risk of pickpocketing and bag-snatching. Thieves often operate in gangs on the trains to and from Schiphol airport and Central Station as well as on the trams. Keep your valuables safely with you at all times and don’t leave bags or jackets hanging on the back of a chair – and make sure you keep an eye on bags in restaurants. 

The Netherlands is famous for its liberal laws on marijuana but you should still avoid anyone offering drugs - as you risk arrest should you purchase on the street. Young women and those not in groups should be aware of the possibility of drinks being spiked. 

Public transport: The Netherlands has an excellent rail network that can be used to travel to or around the country. The Netherlands also has busses, trams, and metro services, with Amsterdam particularly well covered - meaning you can travel to most parts of the city quickly and easily. Bicycles and canal cruises are other popular modes of travel in Amsterdam.

Opening hours: Most shops are open every day from around 9 a.m. until 5.30 pm - although some will open earlier. On Monday mornings, some shops don’t open until around noon. Most towns and cities also have a shopping night when shops are open until 9 pm. Every Dutch city has its own rules for shopping on Sundays. Dates are available at the local tourist information (VVV). Supermarkets in cities are open every day until 10 pm, except on Sundays when they close around 5.30 pm.

Driving license: If you wish to drive in the Netherlands, you must carry a valid driving license, insurance, and vehicle documents with you in the car at all times. 

Restaurants: Most restaurants open from around 6 pm until 11 pm for evening meals, while many cafes and bars are open all day.

Visa: Although many countries have visa-free travel with the Netherlands and the Schengen Area, if you think you do need a visa to the Netherlands you can find out more, here.