Travel insurance for the Netherlands

From the thrilling cosmopolitan that is Amsterdam to the rural charm of the far north, the Netherlands is a beautiful country with much to offer. This extremely dense and urbanized nation is one of the most developed in the world and its distinct progressive identity, combined with the fact that most people speak English, makes it an extremely attractive place for many American travelers. Before you leave, pick up a comprehensive travel insurance policy so that you can relax and enjoy your vacation carefree.

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Name	Product	Trip Cancellation	Emergency Medical Expenses	Baggage Coverage	Trip Delay
Atlas Travel by Tokio Marine		0%	$2,000,000	$1,000	$100	Customizable policy that balances basic essentials with premium coverage.	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Atlas Group Insurance by Tokio Marine		0%	$2,000,000	$1,000	$100	Customizable policy designed for families, student organizations and groups of five or more people.	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
RoamRight Essential Travel Insurance Plan		100%	$15,000	$750	$500	Basic policy with coverage that includes trip cancellation insurance, tourist health insurance and baggage insurance.	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
RoamRight Multi-Trip Annual Insurance for Trip Cancellation		100%	$25,000	$1,000	$1,000	Bare-bones policy designed for those who want trip cancellation coverage and limited medical protection.	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
AXA Assistance Silver Plan		100%	$25,000	$750	$500	Basic travel protection with lower amounts of coverage. No option to cancel for any reason.	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Travel Guard Silver		100%	$15,000	$750	$500	Budget-friendly coverage with basic travel protections that include trip cancellation and trip interruption.	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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What does travel insurance cover?

Areas of coverage vary from policy to policy, but basic things to look for include:

• Emergency medical assistance. Even the most bare-bones policy needs to include coverage for any injuries or illnesses that occur while you’re overseas, including ambulance fees, hospital expenses and medications. Comprehensive policies will include coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation, which means your insurer will pay to fly you to a major hospital if needed or even back to the US.
• Travel delays. If you get stuck in the Netherlands longer than expected due to bad weather, an illness or injury or a canceled flight, your insurer can cover any costs.
• Lost or stolen belongings. If your luggage never makes it to the carousel at baggage claim or your wallet is snatched on the way to the hotel, your insurer can reimburse you. Comprehensive policies will also include coverage for delayed baggage so that you can pick up emergency toiletries and clothes to hold you over until your suitcase arrives.
• Cancellations. If your trip is canceled for reasons outside of your control, your insurer can reimburse you for nonrefundable costs.
• Personal liability. If you hurt someone or accidentally damage property while abroad, personal liability insurance can help cover any legal costs.
• Rental car deductibles. Some comprehensive plans will help cover the cost of the deductible if you damage a rental car. Keep in mind that this does not replace car insurance that you would get through the rental company.

What doesn’t travel insurance cover?

Exclusions can also vary from policy to policy, but certain things will almost always lead to a denied claim:

• Pre-existing medical conditions. If you get sick due to a pre-existing condition not included on your policy, your claim can be denied. Make sure to tell your insurer about any medical conditions before purchasing a policy and find out if you can get coverage.
• Traveling to an unsafe area. If you get sick or injured while in an area that the US Department of State has issued an advisory against, your insurer can deny your claim.
• Irresponsible behavior. This can range from leaving your luggage unattended in a public place to an injury you sustained in a bar fight. If an insurer can argue that you didn’t take sensible precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe, they can refuse to pay out.
• STDs. Related to the above point, most insurers won’t pay to treat a sexually transmitted disease.
• Inebriation. If you hurt yourself or someone else while drunk or on drugs not prescribed by your doctor, your insurer won’t foot the bill.

Am I covered if I get high?

While the Netherlands has a relaxed view on drugs, the same cannot be said for travel insurance brands. Most travel policies won’t cover accidents that occur while you’re drinking or on any drugs not prescribed by a doctor — legal or not.

If I participate in escort services in the Red Light District, am I covered?

The Netherlands tends to view prostitution in a pretty liberal light, too. Amsterdam’s Red Light District is a classic example, and tourists flock to see prostitutes touting in the famous shop windows.

If a tourist were to do more than look, they could find themselves in the same position as a marijuana tourist. Insurers usually have an exclusion in their policies that states that claims arising from reckless or irresponsible behavior are not covered. This means that if you’re assaulted or have your valuables stolen while consorting with prostitutes, you probably won’t be covered.

Travel risks in the Netherlands

While the Netherlands is generally pretty safe, no destination is without risks. Caution is always your best defense, but a good travel insurance policy can have your back when that’s not enough. Key concerns while you’re in the Netherlands include:

• Theft and pickpocketing. Bag snatching and pickpocketing have been reported as a common occurrence, particularly in Amsterdam, so always keep passports and valuables on your person rather than in a bag.
• Airport delays. Schipol Airport has been reported to have long delays due to their security process and layout. This could potentially cause missed connections, so make sure you get to the airport early.
• Drugs and spiking. There have been reports of tourists having their drinks spiked in bars. Always keep your drink in your line of sight, and get a new one if you lose track of yours even for a moment.
• Scams. Unfortunately, tourists are a target for scams in almost every country, and the Netherlands is no exception. Be aware of your surroundings and be suspicious of anyone who approaches you and asks for money.

If something goes wrong, how do I file a claim?

If something goes wrong in the Netherlands and you have to claim on your travel insurance, your first step should always be to contact your insurer’s helpline. After that:

• If it’s a criminal matter. You will need to obtain a report from local police within 24 hours of the crime and contact your insurer as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to take pictures of what you’re bringing before you leave so that you have evidence if something is stolen.
• If it is a minor medical claim. You may have to pay for treatment up front and claim the cost back later. Save any receipts or medical documents.
• If you’re hospitalized. Contact your insurer immediately to guarantee payment to the hospital, otherwise you may not be admitted.
• In all cases. You will need to fill out a claim form and send it to your insurer along with all requested documentation.

Who do I contact in an emergency?

In the event of an emergency, contact:

• Your insurer. Their 24/7 helpline can help you find a doctor, figure out what to do about a missed flight or file a claim.
• National emergency number. Dial 112 to reach police, fire or ambulance.
• US embassy or consulate. If you lose your passport, get into legal trouble or if there’s a countrywide emergency, contact the nearest US embassy or consulate.

5 steps to choosing an insurance policy

When picking a policy, ask yourself these questions:

1. Where am I going? If you’ll be in a remote area, it’s a good idea to get coverage for medical evacuation in case you need to be flown to a hospital.
2. How often do I travel? If you travel often, consider getting an annual multi-trip policy.
3. What will I be doing? Make sure you’ll be covered for any activities you want to do — some riskier activities, like horseback riding or mountain climbing, might not be covered on all policies.
4. What am I taking? Is the limit on the policy you’re looking at high enough to replace any expensive equipment you bring?
5. What health concerns do I have? If you have a pre-existing medical condition, find out if you can get covered for emergencies before purchasing a policy.

Bottom line

The Netherlands is a country full of beauty and excitement. With coverage for medical emergencies, lost belongings and trip cancellations and delays, you can rest easy and enjoy all this beautiful country has to offer.

Frequently asked questions

• When is the best time to travel to the Netherlands?

  The best time to travel depends on what you plan to do and what your budget is.

  • Summer. Go bike riding, take a boat down the canal and enjoy long days and warm weather.
  • Spring. If you’re going to see the famous Dutch tulip fields, this is when you’ll want to visit.
  • Fall. The weather is still warm enough to walk around downtown if you bundle up a bit, and the changing leaves makes for beautiful scenery.
  • Winter. The cheapest time to visit the Netherlands, winter offers ice skating on frozen canals and a less touristy experience.

• What currency do I need?

  As part of the EU, the Netherlands uses the euro as its currency. When traveling to any country, it’s always a good idea to have a little cash on hand for places that don’t accept cards, and you’ll get reasonable exchange rates from the larger money exchangers in places like Amsterdam.

  Using a card for your transactions is pretty easy in the Netherlands, as there are ATMs everywhere and cards are accepted in most establishments. If you choose to use a credit card, be aware that you will most likely be charged a conversion fee every time you use it.

  Another alternative is a travel money card, which allows you to load and spend euros without incurring a currency conversion fee, although you will still pay reloading and ATM fees.

  Read our complete guide to travel money for the Netherlands

• When should I purchase travel insurance?

  Buy your insurance policy when you buy your plane ticket. That way, your insurer can reimburse you if you have to cancel your trip.