- Dear Patient,
We’re very happy to welcome you as a patient in our practice! Please read this additional information.
About StudentArts
StudentArts is a general healthcare practice for:
- Expats
- Families
- Foreign students
- Residents of Groningen
At StudentArts, we can directly send invoices to the following insurances:
- Dutch health insurance
- AON health insurance
- European health insurances which provide the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Any other insurance is considered private health insurance. You can still register with us, but you would have to pay for any consultation (whether via email, phone, or in person) yourself and then claim reimbursement from your insurance.
Our staff speaks English and has many years of experience working with international patients from all over the world.
Depending on your health issue, you can receive in-house care from our general practitioners, physician assistants, and psychologists. There is always the possibility of referral to other healthcare providers. In the Netherlands, referrals are only possible after consultation with a GP who may then provide a referral.
Understanding Dutch Healthcare
We realize that your home country may have a different healthcare system. Here are some things international patients often notice about Dutch healthcare:
- The general practitioner (GP), called a huisarts, is unknown in many other health systems. The GP in the Netherlands has a central role in your care.
- The GP is your first point of contact, even if you would prefer to see a specialist. They assess your symptoms and provide referrals when necessary.
- Life-threatening emergency? Call 112. For other emergencies, contact your GP. If after hours, call the after hours GP (huisartsenpost). They will assess your situation and provide guidance, house calls, or treatment at home.
- Dutch doctors are generally less likely to prescribe antibiotics or other medications. You may receive a diagnosis but no prescription. Painkillers like paracetamol may be recommended.
- Yearly health checks are not routine in the Netherlands.
- Pregnancy and childbirth are considered natural events; home births are common, and pain medication is not generally given. Midwives provide specialized care; GPs do not usually provide perinatal care.
- Dutch GPs may seem blunt or direct, which is a cultural trait. Prepare your questions in advance.
- Privacy norms during examinations may differ from what you are used to. You can express your cultural or religious concerns, and bring someone with you to the visit if desired.
Your GP is the First Point of Contact
In the Netherlands, the GP is the central point for almost all medical concerns. You should always contact your GP first.
- The GP assesses symptoms, makes diagnoses, and provides treatment.
- About 80% of cases can be managed independently without referral.
What We Can Do In-House
Our GPs are broadly trained and can perform many procedures, including:
- Gynecological exams and cervical smear tests (PAP smears)
- Minor surgical procedures such as removal of moles and skin tags
- Asthma and COPD management
- Eye and ear examinations
- Wound care and injections
- Preventive checks and screenings
BIG-registered Physician Assistants (PA) and Nurse Practitioners (NP/VS) work fully independently and can handle many consultations and treatments.
Telephone and Online Consultations
Many complaints can be assessed by phone or online. About 95% of complaints can likely be handled remotely. This contributes to efficiency but also to pressure on GPs due to the aging population and GP shortage.
Out-of-Hours Care
GPs provide care from 08:00 to 17:00. Outside these hours, urgent care is available at GP posts, usually near hospitals.
Referrals
All referrals to specialists are made through your GP, PA, or NP/VS:
- Ensures the right specialist
- Transfers relevant medical information
- Avoids unnecessary tests and costs
- Provides faster, coordinated care
What to Expect at Our Practice:
- Initial appointment with a GP, PA, or NP/VS
- Assessment of your complaint
- Advice, treatment, or referral if necessary
If you have any questions, please contact us by phone at 050-2110911 (StudentArts) or 050-3124052 (Huisartsen Noorderhaven), or by email at info@studentarts.nl or info@huisartsennoorderhaven.nl. We are happy to assist you!
In general: you should not be afraid to ask for the information or service that you need or feel comfortable with.