Am I entitled to a second opinion in the Netherlands?

The short answer

You always have the right to a second opinion in the Netherlands, regardless of what your current healthcare provider thinks about it. This applies to all medical situations, from minor ailments to major operations. Your health insurer must cover this under the basic insurance (basisverzekering). You don't need to ask permission from your current doctor. The right to a second opinion is enshrined in Dutch law and helps you make the best healthcare choices.

What does Dutch law say?

The Medical Treatment Contracts Act (Wet op de geneeskundige behandelovereenkomst or WGBO) gives you the right to make your own choices about your healthcare. This also means you may always request a second opinion. The Health Insurance Act (Zorgverzekeringswet) ensures that your health insurer must cover this. Doctors are obliged to inform you about this right and may not prevent you from exercising it.

What should you watch out for?

First check with your health insurer which procedure you must follow and which healthcare providers are contracted. Request a referral or ensure that your medical records are transferred. Be mindful of waiting times, as with urgent treatments a second opinion can cost time. Some health insurers have special second opinion programmes with their own procedures.

Example from practice

Maria is told she needs knee surgery. She has doubts because it's a major procedure. She calls her health insurer and requests a second opinion. The insurer gives her the names of contracted orthopaedic surgeons. After two weeks, she gets an appointment with another specialist. This doctor gives the same advice, making Maria more confident about the surgery. The costs are fully covered by her basic insurance (basisverzekering).

What can you do?

Follow these concrete steps to exercise your right to a second opinion in the Netherlands.