The following websites will guide you in finding a search engine for healthcare providers (e.g., a hospital, a doctor or a dentist) in the Netherlands:

• kiesBeter (only in Dutch);
• Zorgkaart Nederland (Health Care Map Netherlands) (only in Dutch); and
• Find a dentist (only in Dutch).

Independent treatment centres

In the Netherlands, apart from hospitals, there are also what are known as independent treatment centres (zelfstandige behandelcentra, ZBCs). These are independent (private) clinics that provide medical specialist care. This could be care that is not reimbursed under the Dutch statutory health insurance (such as certain cosmetic procedures). Independent treatment centres tend to work on a smaller scale than hospitals, so they often have no waiting lists or only short ones. The quality of independent treatment centres that are affiliated with Independent Clinics of the Netherlands (Zelfstandige Klinieken Nederland, ZKN) is guaranteed by the ZKN. More information can be found on the website of More information can be found on the website of ZKN (only in Dutch).

Centres of expertise for rare diseases

There are a number of centres of expertise in the Netherlands for the treatment of rare diseases. Using a search engine on the on the Orphanet website, you can find designated centres of expertise not only in the Netherlands, but also in other countries.

European Reference Networks

European Reference Networks (ERNs) are virtual networks involving healthcare providers across Europe. They aim to facilitate discussion on complex or rare diseases and conditions that require highly specialised treatment, and concentrated knowledge and resources.  ERNs have already been launched on a range of thematic issues like bone disorders, haematological diseases and skin disorders. More ERNs will be established in the course of time. On the website of the European Commission you'll find extensive information about ERN's and an up-to-date overview.

The European Commission has issued a flyer that explains what ERN’s are and how they can help you. You’ll find this flyer on the right-hand side of this page under “Documents”.

In the Netherlands, there is a central register of all individual care-providers (such as doctors, dentists, nurses) who are competent to provide care: it is known as the BIG-register. The data are public; you can check for yourself whether the healthcare provider you have chosen is allowed to work in the Netherlands.
 
If you want to know whether an institution (such as a hospital or treatment centre) is allowed to provide medical care in the Netherlands, consult the website of Toelating Zorginstellingen (TZi - only in Dutch).

What treatments is a healthcare provider allowed to perform?

Patients could be at risk if medical interventions were carried out by unauthorised healthcare providers. For this reason, Dutch law regulates which medical interventions can be carried out by the various medical professional groups (doctors, dentists, nurses, etc.). More information can be found on the website of the Rijksoverheid (only in Dutch).