Emergencies
If the emergency requires immediate action, always call 112, who can dispatch police, ambulance or firefighters.
For medical issues that are urgent but not life-threatening your first point of contact is your general practitioner (huisarts). Outside office hours you can contact the huisartsenpost (HAP). It is smart to contact them even before visiting the emergency room at a hospital, because ER care is only covered by insurance if a general practitioner or the HAP refers you.
Medical care
Your first point of contact is your general practitioner (huisarts), and you need their referral for specialist care to be covered by your insurance. If you have only just moved to Leiden it is important to register with a GP near your home. This can be difficult as there are often waiting lists for these, so don’t waste any time before finding one.
Mental health
If you’re having a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts you can always call or message 113.
Studying is often hard and can result in a lot of stress; if you’re struggling or overwhelmed, reach out for help. Leiden University has a webpage with resources for mental health support.
If you’re having trouble specifically with your Leiden University study, you can contact the student counsellors. The student counsellors can provide advice, but are also the first step towards requesting special provisions at university or with regard to student finance.
For information specific to your study programme, you can find your Study Advisor and Coordinator on the University Website.
If you’re having broader mental health issues, you can talk to Leiden University Student Psychologists , who offer a maximum of three sessions: psychologen@sea.leidenuniv.nl / +31 (0)715278026.
The first step towards professional help is a referral from your general practitioner, who often also provide limited mental health support through their practice.
Ease Leiden is a Non-Profit, which can be a good first point of contact if you’re not sure who to talk to.
Health Insurance
Under some circumstances international students might be required to register for Dutch health insurance. In this case you might also be entitled to health insurance benefits.
The LSVb along with Interstedelijk Studenten Overleg (ISO) have an agreement with Menzis to provide cheap and beneficial health insurance to students. A basic level of health insurance is required by law in the Netherlands and although basic care is covered by all insurance packages, dentistry and more specialist treatments can require additional coverage.