An Amsterdam canal cruise just hit #4 on TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best list — and if you haven’t done it yet, consider this your sign.
The ranking comes from TripAdvisor, which awards its Best of the Best title to experiences that rack up an exceptional volume of glowing reviews over a 12-month period. Out of more than 8 million listings on the platform, fewer than 1% make the cut.
This year’s list spans four continents and covers everything from a Porto city walking tour to an overnight cruise through Lan Ha Bay.
Europe dominates, claiming six of the ten spots. And sitting quietly at number four, sandwiched between a Barcelona day tour and the Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour, is Captain Jack’s 90-minute all-inclusive canal cruise.
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History, served with an ice-cold glass of Heineken
The 90-minute route weaves through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal ring, taking in the Prinsengracht, Herengracht, and Keizersgracht, as well as landmarks like the Rijksmuseum, the Magere Brug, the Red Light District (De Wallen), and Centraal Station.
Each cruise runs on open electric boats with a maximum of 24 people, which keeps things intimate enough that you can actually hear your guide without the aid of a headset.
The cruise passes the Rijksmuseum, among other historic locations. Image: Dreamstime
Hoping to book the cruise yourself? Departures are available from two points: the Museumbrug near the Rijksmuseum, or tram stop B4 outside Centraal Station.
Tickets are priced from €21 per person, with the option to book ahead (plus free cancellations up to 24 hours before your departure).
However, let op: the open boats run from April 1 to November 1 only. Outside that window, the operator switches to enclosed heated vessels, so year-round visits are still possible.
These were the world’s top ten attractions
Get your bucket lists handy, because TripAdvisor’s top picks span three continents and a varied mix of activities.
Amanda Cruise — Ha Long, Lan Ha Bay — All Inclusive (Hanoi, Vietnam)
Three of the top ten are walking tours, suggesting that what travellers actually want is someone interesting to follow through a city rather than an audio guide and a laminated map.
Meanwhile, the Amsterdam cruise is also the only experience under two hours — and the only one where unlimited Heineken is involved, which may or may not be a coincidence.
Have you done the Captain Jack cruise, or have you got a better recommendation? Let us know in the comments below.
Sitting at home on Remembrance Day or Liberation Day in the Netherlands? It sounds like the perfect occasion to catch up on some Dutch war flicks.
We have done the legwork and found the top Dutch war movies you won’t want to miss. They’re available on major (Dutch) streaming platforms, and most of them are in English or offer English subtitles.
However, this could also be a good opportunity to brush up on your Nederlands.
Although there are countless great films about the war in the Netherlands, our list would be too long if we mentioned all of them. So here are our suggestions.
1. A Bridge Too Far
This is perhaps one of the most famous WWII movies to date. Released in 1977 and directed by Richard Attenborough, this movie features an all-star cast, including Sean Connery, Michael Caine, and Ryan O’Neale.
The plot is based on the true story of Operation Market Garden: the Allies’ failed operation to speed up the end of World War II.
Thousands of paratroopers were dropped over the Netherlands in an attempt to claim the towns of Eindhoven, Nijmegen, and Arnhem before British forces arrived by land. The movie itself is gigantic and mostly shot in the Netherlands.
Why we love this film: Stunning cinematography and a cast to admire, making this a WWII epic for the ages. Moreover, you get to watch James Bond taking down Nazis. Who could want more? Where to watch it: Pathé Thuis Language: English
2. Oorlogsgeheimen
Translated as “War Secrets,” this is the perfect movie to watch if your Dutch is up to scratch (or you have a very patient Dutch speaker in your house).
Oorlogsgeheimen follows the story of Tuur and Lambert, two best friends in Limburg in 1943. A new girl, Maartje, joins their class and makes friends with Tuur.
Maartje shares a terrible secret with Tuur, which Tuur cannot reveal to anyone — not even his best friend Lambert, whose father has just become mayor.
Tuur’s family joins the resistance, but as the situation heats up, Tuur and his family are forced to flee.
Why we love this film: Packed with a riveting storyline and vintage Dutch vibes, this film perfectly encapsulates the sometimes slow but often abrupt changes to village life during WWII. Where to watch it: Pathé Thuis, Videoland Language: Dutch
3. Anne Frank: The Whole Story
We can’t write an article about Dutch WWII movies without including arguably the most famous victim of the Holocaust: Anne Frank.
While there are a huge number of movies about the Jewish teenager who hid out with her family in a secret room in Amsterdam (before ending up in Auschwitz), “Anne Frank: The Whole Story” captures this incredibly well.
The movie starts in 1939, while Anne writes in her diary about typical teenage life, pre-war fears, the invasion of the Netherlands, her hideout in Amsterdam, deportation to Auschwitz, and the eventual survival and return of Anne’s father.
The major downside to this film is that, for some reason, all the Dutch people unexplainably have British accents.
Why we love this film: Anne Frank’s story has captivated the world, and this film is a perfect visual window into her life. Where to watch it: YouTube Language: English
4. Memories of Anne Frank (Anne Frank: Mijn Beste Vriendin)
Another Anne Frank movie? Naturally. This one is a little different, though, because it’s told through the eyes of her close school friend, Hanneli Goslar.
Hanneli was also Jewish and was eventually deported to the Westerbork transit camp, but was briefly reunited with Anne at Bergen-Belsen, where she passed her some bread and socks.
One particularly special thing about Hanneli’s story is that she survived the war. Hanneli has appeared in multiple documentaries about her experience and knowledge of Anne.
It’s worth noting that this movie was inexplicably produced by Italians, with Italian actors, but it’s ridiculously well dubbed in English. Bonus: it has Dutch subtitles, so you can practice some Dutch along the way.
Why we love this film: This movie is a tearjerker that simultaneously offers an insider and outsider look into Anne Frank’s life. Where to watch it: Videoland Language: English
5. Riphagen
A film not so much about remembering the victims of the Holocaust as revealing the crimes of a Dutchman, Riphagen (The Untouchable). It is based on the true story of a man who apparently profited from the war.
Dries Riphagen was a Dutch gangster who collaborated with the Nazis to locate Dutch Jews and deliver them to concentration camps — or was he playing the Germans and actually helping the innocent?
Why we love this film: There’s something about watching bad people that makes us just unable to look away. Plus, from the looks of it, this guy is really bad. Where to watch it: Netflix Language: Dutch with English subtitles
6. Band of Brothers
It’s not a movie but a series, and only about 2.5 episodes play out in the Netherlands. However, Band of Brothers is undeniably an unmissable piece about the war.
Episodes four and five, about the boys from the 101st landing in the Netherlands, are as good as it gets. The Spielberg & Hanks production is also already nearly 20 years old, meaning that many young people still need to see it.
Why we love this: Hands down the best series about WWII that also shows the Netherlands. Where to watch it:HBO Language: English
7. Soldier of Orange
There’s no other movie that shaped the Dutch collective memory of WWII as much as Soldaat van Oranje.
Directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring the late Rutger Hauer, it’s a movie about a group of students from Leiden joining the resistance and their journey through the war.
It’s an iconic movie for the Dutch with scenes that make you understand the Netherlands (Scheveningen!).
It birthed a musical and is a riveting watch for everybody. Need we say more?
Why we love this: It’s a must-watch and a classic. If you watch it, you’ll know why. Where to watch it: YouTube and on the telly pretty much every year. Language: Dutch and a bit of English
8. The Forgotten Battle (De Slag om de Schelde)
We can’t end this list without mentioning one of the most expensive Dutch films ever produced.
The Forgotten Battle is a film about the Battle of Scheldt in 1944, which took place in German-occupied Zeeland.
It follows the tense story of a British glider pilot, a Nazi soldier, and a Dutch resistance fighter whose stories intertwine under extreme circumstances in one of the longest and most violent battles in the Netherlands.
Why we love this: It shows multiple perspectives on the war in one battle. Where to watch it: Netflix Language: Dutch and a bit of English
Honourable mentions
As we said before, this list of movies about WWII in the Netherlands could have been much longer. So here are some that definitely could have made the list.
Oorlogswinter (2008)
De Aanslag (1986)
Zwartboek (2006)
De Tweeling (2002)
Bankier van het Verzet (2018)
What other WWII movies about the Netherlands would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments below!
With a whopping 756,316 payments processed, King’s Day 2026 is yet more proof that even on Koningsdag, going Dutch on the bill is a necessity.
Tikkie, ABN AMRO’s payment request app, is used constantly to settle costs here in the Netherlands, with an enthusiasm that borders on religious.
And that fervour only gets stronger on holidays, it seems! According to ABN AMRO, this past Monday, the app saw a 9% jump from last year’s usage on King’s Day, with 45 tikkies per second.
The numbers behind the orange chaos
To put these digits in perspective, the daily Tikkie norm in 2026 is roughly 482,338 payments.
King’s Day nearly doubled that, coming in at 57% above average. Transactions peaked at 45 per second, hitting 1,268 in a single minute.
The typical transaction came to 33.18 euros, well short of the 51.51 euro annual norm. That’s due to countless small purchases, many under 10 euros, and plenty under a single euro.
Tikkie’s continued success
QR code payments also ticked upward, accounting for 37.3% of all King’s Day Tikkies. On an average day, that figure sits at just 5%.
It’s a record that fits a broader pattern: Tikkie volumes have been climbing steadily year on year, and King’s Day has become one of its biggest annual stress tests.
As for this year’s most common payment descriptions? “King’s Day,” “food,” “toilet,” “pizza,” “drinks,” and “beer.” Essentially a bullet-point summary of the holiday.
Did you send or receive any particularly memorable Tikkies this King’s Day? Tell us in the comments.
National Remembrance Day in the Netherlands is dedicated to remembering those who lost their lives in World War II and other war situations or peacekeeping missions since.
Dodenherdenking is held on May 4 each year, when the Dutch commemorate soldiers and civilians who died in WWII and other wars (Japanese Occupation, Indonesian National Revolution) with a two-minute silence at 8 PM.
What does May 4 look like in the Netherlands?
A lot of Dutch people participate in the commemorations on National Remembrance Day.
Apart from the silence, many people hoist their flags at half-mast from 6 PM until the sun sets.
While this signifies a mourning period, the flags are hoisted as usual the next day. On May 5, the Netherlands celebrates Liberation Day.
Official memorial in Amsterdam
An official service is held at the National Monument in Amsterdam’s Dam Square. The King and Queen attend and deliver speeches as people lay wreaths and observe the two-minute silence.
Today on Remembrance Day 🕯️, the Netherlands reflects on how the country was liberated and thanks the liberators for their courage and the sacrifices they have made 🎖️.
— Netherlands Embassy in Kenya (@NLinKenya) May 4, 2025
Dam Square is where the first-ever commemoration took place in 1945.
During the two-minute silence, TV and radio stations broadcast the ceremony, public transport stops, and life in the Netherlands comes to a complete halt.
Important to know: Remembrance Day is not considered a publicholiday.
Why are there two separate celebrations on May 4 and May 5?
Well, there is a good reason for that. After WWII ended, some people deemed it inappropriate to both celebrate their liberation and mourn victims on the same day.
It's National Remembrance Day in the Netherlands for victims of war (WWII initially). Tomorrow we will celebrate our freedom, but for now my thoughts are with all those people who have passed away in defence of our freedom and liberties 🤍☮️
Since these events do not go hand in hand, it was decided that there should be a day dedicated to mourning and a separate day dedicated to celebrating freedom.
Let op: Liberation Day (May 5) is actually a public holiday.
Remembrance Day in the Netherlands: How can I get involved?
On May 4, commemorations are held all over the Netherlands.
Residents also organise a memorial at the war cemetery in Grebbeberg, Utrecht, and Waalsdorpervlakte, The Hague.
The latter is where many Dutch resistance fighters were executed during WWII.
In most cities, commemorations take place in either the city square or outside the city hall. People in small towns place flowers on gravestones and fly their flags at half-mast.
Dokwerker Statue After Memorial Day in Amsterdam. Image: Depositphotos
Do not worry if you are unable to attend a commemoration in person. Most people choose to pay tribute by holding their own two-minute silence.
Sensitivity surrounding Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day in the Netherlands hasn’t been without controversy.
Every year, there’s usually some form of debate over whether the Dutch are mourning the correct victims, whether they should be mourning more victims, or whether they should be mourning at all.
These discussions range from opinions such as “Young people are too disconnected from their history” or “Why don’t we mourn the victims of ongoing wars?”
The discussion on whether Remembrance Day should be dedicated to the past as well as the present continues annually.
Wreaths at the National Monument in Amsterdam for Remembrance Day. Image: Depositphotos
Some people also argue that Remembrance Day focuses too much on White victims and has little consideration for the other victims of the war.
However, the Netherlands does commemorate victims of the Dutch East Indies on August 15. It also has a separate day to remember victims of the Holocaust on the last Sunday of January.
How will you be paying your respects this year on National Remembrance Day in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below.
The Dutch tax authority (the Belastingdienst) is swapping its main bank from ING to Rabobank from May 1, 2026, which means new account numbers for tax payments and refunds.
If you pay taxes in the Netherlands, it’s worth knowing what’s changing and the steps you need to take.
What’s actually changing?
From May 1, the Belastingdienst will process payments through Rabobank instead of ING, which means the IBAN you send money to will soon be different.
However, if you have a provisional or final income tax assessment to pay, the switch will come even earlier: as of April 20, you can already pay to the new Rabobank IBAN.
The good news is, you needn’t worry about scouring the net for the Belastingdienst’s new IBAN. Every tax notification you receive — whether by letter or email — will include the correct account number to use.
And if you’d like to be doubly sure where your payments are going, the Belastingdienst has now published a list of their new IBANs.
Do I need to update anything?
That depends on how you pay.
If you pay via direct debit (automatische incasso), you don’t need to lift a finger — the switch happens automatically.
Using direct debits for your taxes? You won’t need to change a thing. Image: Freepik
If you’ve set up a recurring bank transfer yourself (a periodieke overboeking through your own bank), you’ll need to update the account number manually once you receive a notification with the new details.
What if I accidentally use their old IBAN?
The Belastingdienst has made arrangements with ING to handle any misdirected payments, so your money will still reach the tax office and be processed correctly.
That said, updating once you receive your new payment details will save you the hassle of needing to communicate with the Dutch tax office.
Keep an eye out for extra phishing attempts
With a bank switch like this comes a great opportunity for scammers.
However, the Belastingdienst will never send payment requests via email, SMS, WhatsApp, or phone.
The Wilhelmus — the Dutch national anthem (and pride), is a hymn you’ve probably seen the Dutch men’s football team (Oranje) sing out loud during international football matches.
The Dutch national anthem is, in fact, unlike any other hymn. Let’s get into it!
So, what’s up with the Dutch national anthem?
Regarded by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest national anthem, the Wilhelmus became the official anthem of the Netherlands only in 1932. While reciting the anthem, it’s understandable if you start to ask yourself a few questions.
What inspired someone to write this hymn that would later become the identity of a nation? Was it written only as a “rebellion song” during the Eighty Years’ War? Who wrote it? And what is the hidden meaning behind the lyrics?
Before we dive into the history, here’s the song as most of you know it:
The origins of the Dutch national anthem and the identity of the writer
As we all know, the Dutch fought the Spanish for their independence under the leadership of Willem van Oranje.
While the author of the Wilhelmus is unknown, it is quite clear that the lyrics were written at the beginning of the Eighty Years’ War.
Some Dutch folks have always believed that the hymn was written by Philip of Marnix of Sint-Aldegonde, an important adviser to Willem van Oranje.
There is, alas, no evidence to support this claim, and until this very day, the author’s identity remains a hot topic of debate.
While some historians continue to mention the names of poets (from the time of the rebellion), such as Dirck Coornhert and Philips of Marnix, neither man ever claimed to have written the hymn, even though it was quite popular at the time.
Recently, due to similarities between the writing style of the Dutch Calvinist theologian Petrus Dathenus and the style of The Wilhelmus, many have begun to believe that he may be its author.
It’s all a bit nebulous, in the end. Perhaps we will never know for sure who the true author is…
Wilhelmus van Nassouwe, the hymn
The origins of the Wilhelmus can be traced back to a very popular Roman Catholic French song called “Autre chanson de la Ville de Chartres assiégée par le prince de Condé.”
How’s your old (ancient, even) Dutch? Image: Adrianus Valerius/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
Originally, Catholics wrote this song to make fun of the failed Siege of Chartres in 1568 by the Protestant Prince de Condé during the French Wars of Religion.
Of course, the question would then be, why would a Protestant nation like the Netherlands adopt an originally Roman Catholic melody as its national anthem? It makes sense eventually, just keep reading!
Wilhelmus as a national anthem
At the beginning of the 19th century, the Wilhelmus was still considered “unworthy” of being the national anthem of the Netherlands. This was because it was regarded as a song solely for “Oranje Royalists”,and not everyone was a huge fan of the royal family then.
Many people from the southern part of the country (then part of the Netherlands) didn’t like the hymn because it was seen as a symbol of Protestantism. It’s a little ironic: after all, the melody came from a Catholic French song.
But the Wilhelmus had become so associated with the Protestant Dutch Revolt and the House of Orange that, in the end, Catholics in the south wanted nothing to do with it.
The Dutch found meaning in the Wilhelmus during WWII. Image: Unknown author/Wikimedia Commons/Public domain
In fact, there were widespread protests when the Wilhelmus officially made the national anthem in 1932. Notably, a large portion of the protesters were socialists — largely antimonarchist — who wanted nothing to do with a hymn so closely tied to the royal House of Orange.
However, during the Nazi occupation of World War II, when cities like Rotterdam were completely bombed, and Jewish people were being sent to concentration camps, the Dutch found meaning in their old symbols of national pride as a way to unite and show love for their country.
This period of oppression led to a general acceptance of the Wilhelmus. Eventually, a proud Protestant nation embraced a Roman Catholic hymn. This hymn has withstood the test of time to become both a call to serve the motherland and a song of victory.
Deciphering the lyrics of the Dutch national anthem
When the Wilhelmus was first played, it was done without text. It was mainly played on a trumpet and carillon, as the song turned into a kind of marching melody, later known as the Prinsenmars.
While very few people knew the text back then, the Wilhelmus was one of the most popular hymns amongst the populace.
The man himself, Willem van Oranje. Image: Adriaen Thomasz. Key/Wikimedia Commons/Public domain
The hymn consists of fifteen couplets, the first letters of which form the name Willem van Nassou. It’s written from the perspective of Willem van Oranje as if he sang it. Although it’s worth noting that there is no actual evidence that he ever sang the song.
In the hymn, Willem van Oranje’s conflicted mind comes to light. On the one hand, he wants to remain loyal to the Spanish King, Philip II, but on the other hand, he wants to serve God and lead his people in the fight against tyranny and oppression. The first and second stanzas read:
William of Nassau am I of German blood. Loyal to the fatherland I will remain until I die. A prince of Oranje am I, free and fearless. The king of Spain I have always honoured.
To live in fear of God I have always attempted. Because of this, I was ousted bereft of my land and my people. But God will direct me like a good instrument. So that I may return to my domain. The heart of the hymn still remains:
Like David, who was forced to flee from Saul, the tyrant. I had to sigh, as did many other nobles. But God raised him, relieving him of despair, and gave him a kingdom very great in Israel.
Here, a reference is made to the biblical King David, comparing him to Willem van Oranje as a merciful and just leader of the Dutch Revolt, and another reference is made to the Biblical King Saul’s tyranny, comparing it to the Spanish crown.
There is also a comparison between the promised land of Israel, granted to David by God, and the kingdom granted to Willem van Oranje by God.
You might also notice the term “German.” This is because the original term, Duytschen, didn’t mean “German” in the way we’d use it today. Germany as a country simply didn’t exist yet. It referred to the broader Germanic lowlands, and was basically the anthem’s way of saying: this guy is one of us, not that Spanish king over there.
The Wilhelmus is now played every time the Dutch men’s and women’s national teams play at an international football tournament. It’s also played when the Netherlands hosts a foreign head of state or, you know, other solemn Dutch national moments (they have a few).
A closer look at the Wilhelmus shows it isn’t just an anthem! It has a rich history and a hymn that’s both a rallying cry and a song of victory for the Netherlands. It’s a hymn that holds the Netherlands together and tells a tale of how she came to be.
To understand the Wilhelmus is to understand the history of the Netherlands. What do you think about the Dutch national anthem, and how do you feel about your own?
This year marks 80 years since the end of World War II. Although it has been almost a century, the war left an indelible impact on the Netherlands.
In honour of Remembrance Day (tomorrow), we’ve put together a photo report looking at the war through a Dutch lens. The images are a reminder that history this heavy doesn’t stay in the past: it lives in streets, faces, and stories that still echo today.
Dutch soldiers on guard shortly after the war started, around 1939
Whether you’ve recently moved to the Netherlands or are considering a move in the near future, it’s only natural to have some questions about Dutch health insurance.
Between terms like eigen risico and zorgtoeslag, understanding the ins and outs of Dutch health insurance isn’t as simple as taking a stroll around Amsterdam’s Vondelpark.
We know the struggle, so we’ve compiled a list of things you need to know if you’re an international taking out Dutch health insurance.
This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.
1. You guessed it, health insurance is mandatory
Finding Dutch health insurance should be one of your top priorities if you’re planning on moving to the Netherlands.
Whether you need Dutch health insurance or not will likely depend on whether you’re an EU student. As such, it’s always best to refer to communication from your university or the IND. Image: Freepik
In addition to definitely making your life easier (and cheaper!), health insurance is obligatory if you’re living, working, or (in certain cases) studying in the Netherlands.
Let op! Some international students may need specific health insurance for their residence permits, whilst others may be able to use their home country’s travel insurance. Do remember to check your individual requirements before shelling out for Dutch health insurance.
There are two main types of Dutch health insurance: basisvezekering (basic health insurance) and aanvullende verzekering (additional health insurance).
Only the former is compulsory, but sometimes additional health insurance may be necessary to cover your specific needs (such as repatriation).
Good to know: Various providers offer comprehensive basisvezekering and aanvullende verzekering plans, such as Anderzorg. Others, like Univé, also allow you to compile “insurance packages” that cover more than just healthcare.
2. Got a European Health Insurance Card? Hoera, you don’t need Dutch health insurance (for now)
A European Health Insurance Card is a form of insurance coverage issued by the national health insurance providers of EU and EEA member states.
Anyone can apply for a card from their state insurance providers, as long as they are fully insured in their EU/EEA home countries.
If you have an EHIC, you needn’t shell out for basic Dutch health insurance while you study in or visit the Netherlands. Image: Freepik
This means that EHIC holders don’t need Dutch health insurance whilst they’re studying in or visiting the Netherlands as long as they remain insured in their home countries.
However, it’s important to note that an EHIC won’t cover all your medical needs — it will only cover as much as basic Dutch health insurance does.
For any other medical treatments or specialists, you’ll need to take out additional health insurance.
Let op! EHIC is only intended to be a temporary measure. If you’re planning to live in the Netherlands for an indefinite period of time or start working here, then you will need to take out Dutch health insurance.
3. Dutch basic health insurance doesn’t cover dental, vision, and specialist care
While essential care like GP visits, hospital treatment, and specialist care (with a referral) are included, some things are not.
For example, adult dental care and routine vision costs like glasses or contact lenses aren’t covered by basic Dutch health insurance.
That appointment with an eye specialist? Yeah, that’s not going to be covered by basic Dutch health insurance. Image: Freepik
In addition to this, specialist care is only covered under basic insurance as long as you’ve been referred by your GP.
That means that you won’t have coverage for visits to a dermatologist, cardiologist, or ophthalmologist unless you’ve gone through your GP first.
If you’re anticipating regular dental or vision appointments, it’s always a good idea to take out additional healthcare insurance to have these services covered.
Good to know: Certain health insurance providers (such as Univé) also offer dedicated dental insurance packages.
4. Having no health insurance in the Netherlands may get you fined
With prices in the Netherlands increasing almost as fast as the rising sea levels around this flat, little country, it may seem like a savvy decision to do without healthcare insurance.
However, for every hundred euros you save in insurance fees, you draw ever closer to being handed a steep fine.
The CAK (Dutch Central Administration Office) is the national body that oversees healthcare costs — and they’ll come for you.
The easiest way to save money in the long run? Getting Dutch health insurance. Image: Depositphotos
If you’re a resident of the Netherlands and you’re believed to be uninsured, the CAK will send you a stern letter advising that you get Dutch healthcare insurance. They will give you a grace period of three months to do so.
If, after these three months, you still haven’t registered for insurance, you’ll have to pay a fine of several hundred euros.
Still no insurance? Well, then the fines will keep racking up, and the CAK will eventually assign insurance to you. 💸🥴
Let op! Dealing with the CAK tends to be incredibly slow and full of bureaucratic hurdles, so minimising your interactions with them is always a good idea. How can you do this? Get insurance!
5. Deductibles can lower your monthly insurance premiums
Also known as your eigen risico (or “own risk”), these deductibles are the amount that you are required to pay out of pocket when your health insurance provider pays for your treatment.
As of 2026, the lowest deductible that you’ll be required to pay before your insurance kicks in is €385.
However, you can voluntarily raise your deductible by an amount between €100 and €500 in return for a discount on your monthly insurance premium.
A higher eigen risico equals more money in your pocket… however, there’s a catch! Image: Freepik
While you’ll be saving money every month, it’s important to note that taking out a higher deductible increases the risk of paying a much larger sum of money further down the line.
A deductible of, say, €885 would entail that your insurance provider will ask you to pay €885 out of pocket after they’ve paid your bills. Pretty steep! 😳
6. Dutch health insurance will cover medical emergencies
If you’re picturing a steep medical bill after a sudden rush to the emergency room, we’re here to tell you not to worry.
Provided your emergency is, in fact, an emergency, your Dutch health insurance provider will be happy to foot most of the bill for whatever medical treatment you need.
Don’t worry about being left high and dry by insurance companies if a sudden emergency happens, as Dutch health insurance providers will be happy to foot most of the bill. Image: Depositphotos
This includes ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgery, and more — though you will need to pay the eigen risico (own risk) of the bill yourself.
Tip: Maybe it’s nearing your due date, and you’re worried if your insurance will cover the costs associated with birth. Maak je geen zorgen (don’t worry), because those costs will be fully covered.
7. If you’re travelling within the EU, you’re still covered
Are you dreaming of a spontaneous city break or a sunny escape somewhere in Europe, but slightly worried about what happens if things go wrong? Fair enough.
The good news is that basic Dutch health insurance has you covered for medical care within the EU. So, if you end up needing treatment while abroad, you won’t be left footing the full bill.
Dying for a lovely weekend getaway but worried about something happening to you while you’re abroad? Dutch health insurance has your back, Jack! Image: Depositphotos
However, there’s a small catch: you’ll only be reimbursed up to the Dutch rate for that treatment.
If healthcare is more expensive in the country you’re visiting, you might have to pay the difference yourself.
8. Dutch healthcare allowance protects those who can’t afford insurance
With the price of healthcare rising across the Netherlands, even health insurance isn’t cheap.
Thankfully, the Dutch government provides some relief in the form of a healthcare allowance.
Healthcare allowance (or zorgtoeslag) in the Netherlands is a monthly allowance that the government pays to everyone who earns below a certain threshold to help them pay for Dutch health insurance.
If you’re stressing out about being able to afford your health insurance bills, there’s a very welcome silver lining. 👇 Image: Freepik
Anyone can apply for zorgtoeslag as long as they:
Earn a gross amount below €41,000 per year (or €51,500 with a partner)
Have Dutch health insurance
9. Basic insurance may not cover serious mental healthcare
Whilst many people in the Netherlands struggle with their mental health, expats who are new to the country and don’t have an existing support network are especially susceptible.
Even worse? They’ll need to contend with the maze that is the Dutch healthcare insurance bureaucracy to receive treatment from a psychologist, counsellor, or psychiatrist.
While the Dutch government states that health insurance providers are required to pay for a large chunk (if not all) of your mental health treatments, the reality is that coverage may vary wildly with your insurance provider and their policy.
For serious mental healthcare needs, you’re likely going to need to take out additional health insurance. Image: Depositphotos
It’s worth noting that most Dutch health insurance providers will only cover mental healthcare if you’ve been referred to a psychologist via your general practitioner (GP).
Some insurance providers may even have a cap on the number of sessions that they’ll cover.
However, there’s a light in the darkness: health insurance add-ons. These ensure that your mental healthcare needs are taken care of, even if your basic Dutch health insurance leaves you hanging.
Tip: Several mental healthcare websites have sections where you can include the name of your insurance provider and policy. This will let you know whether or not you’ll be covered under your insurance.
Even though health insurance in the Netherlands can be a complex beast to wrap your head around, being fully insured will protect you from both bodily and financial harm.
Let’s just say that there’s definitely a reason why the Netherlands has some of the best healthcare in the world! 😉
How does Dutch health insurance differ from health insurance in your country? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
bunq has replaced its points-based rewards with something far more entertaining — a Wheel of Fortune that could see you win rewards of up to €2,000 per spin.
Thanks to its easy setup and expat-friendly features, bunq has long been a go-to for internationals in the Netherlands.
Now, their latest app update kicks things up a notch: every time you pay with your bunq card, you earn a spin on a prize wheel. Land on the right slice, and bunq could be sending money straight back to your account.
Spin the wheel, win a prize
The Wheel of Fortune combines the best of bunq’s previous rewards features — bunq Points, cashback, and its grocery win-back promotion — into a single daily rewards system.
Every spin gives you a shot at winning up to 10 times the value of your payment back. If you drop €50 on a big supermarket run, you could theoretically walk away with a whopping €500 as a reward.
You have a chance of winning back ten times the value of your supermarket bill. Image: Freepik
Dying to give the wheel a spin? To access it, tap the Clover Icon 🍀 in the top-right corner of your Home Tab, then hit Spin the Wheel.
If you can’t see the wheel yet, make sure your bunq app is updated to version 30.5.0 or higher.
What can you actually win?
Each spin lands on one of several reward tiers. Cash rewards range from 0.01x all the way up to 10x the value of your payment, capped at a maximum of €2,000 per payment.
You can also win trees to grow your bunq forest, with options to get one, five, ten, or a hundred trees at a time — or a bonus spin to keep the momentum going.
And, best of all, there’s no cap on your total winnings. The more you use your card, the more spins you accumulate, and the more chances you have to win.
How do I qualify for a spin?
If you’re anticipating a lengthy sign-up process, we have good news, as there’s no opt-in required. Spins are earned automatically every time you make an eligible card payment.
Every tap could unlock a reward with bunq’s Wheel of Fortune 💚 Download the bunq app. Only Card payments. Win up to €2,000 EUR. Spins expire weekly. T&C’s apply.
However, let op: iDEAL payments aren’t eligible, and smaller independent shops may not earn spins either, depending on how they’re categorised in Mastercard’s system.
Your bunq plan determines which transactions you’ll earn spins on. The higher your tier, the more transactions qualify:
bunq Free: you earn spins from bar and restaurant payments
bunq Core and bunq Pro: you earn spins from bars, restaurants, and grocery payments
bunq Elite: you earn spins from bars, restaurants, groceries and travel-related payments
Spins expire at the end of each week, so make sure to head over to your bunq app and spin the Wheel of Fortune before 11:59 PM each Sunday.
A blinking red dot will appear on the Clover Icon when your spins are close to expiring — you can think of it as bunq’s polite way of saying “don’t forget about free money.”
And if you want to maximise your spins, referring a friend to bunq earns you 100 bonus spins per sign-up.
Oké, but what’ll happen to my existing bunq Points?
The transition is being handled in phases, so nobody gets left behind.
If you’re an existing bunq user, you kept earning bunq Points until April 13, 2026. After this date, the Wheel of Fortune took over as the only reward system.
And rest assured, any Points you’ve already collected won’t disappear overnight. You’ll have a full year to redeem your existing Points, so just make sure to use them before April 13, 2027.
Have you tried bunq’s new Wheel of Fortune yet? Let us know what you’ve won in the comments below!
If your calendar is looking a little empty, consider this a sign to find a terrasje. Weeronline forecasts a wonderfully sunny stretch, with temperatures potentially hitting 25 degrees by Friday.
While Tuesday starts a tad cloudy, clear skies are pushing in throughout the morning. Eventually, temperatures will reach 15 degrees in North Holland and up to 20 degrees across central and southern regions.
The Wadden Islands will be exempt from warmer temperatures, reaching a rather windy 13 degrees Celsius.
However, throughout the day, there will be strong winds. How strong, you ask? Between 29 and 38 kilometres per hour, so don’t ditch your jackets just yet.
Sunshine from Wednesday to Friday
From Wednesday through to Friday, Weeronline is promising a sunny bonanza with barely a cloud in sight. Blowing from the east to the southeast, the wind will be dry and warm.
Wednesday brings 16 degrees to the north and up to 21 degrees elsewhere. Thursday cranks up the heat further, up to 22 degrees across the country.
Although a bit gusty, Friday is D-day. Think highs of 21 to 25 degrees throughout the Netherlands.
As usual, don’t get too attached to the warm weather. The forecast becomes uncertain from Saturday on, with the stable weather likely giving way to a more uncertain picture.
Rain showers are possible, and temperatures will most likely drop by a few degrees.
So, make the most of the terrasje weather while it lasts.
How will you celebrate the sunny days ahead? Let us know in the comments below!
