Health and well-being services
Get help for both your mental and physical health
Health
Registering with a General Practitioner
In the Netherlands, registering with a General Practitioner (GP) is essential, as your GP is the first point of contact for any medical treatment. They can answer many of your health-related questions and treat a wide range of conditions. By way of writing a referral, they play a key role in getting you access to more specialized medical care, such as psychological aid or (non-urgent) care that has to be provided in the hospital. That’s why it’s vital to register with a GP early—so you won’t face unnecessary delays when medical help is needed. Whether you're feeling unwell, experiencing mental health concerns, or have general health concerns, your GP is your first point of contact. You can also turn to them for prescriptions, lab tests, and vaccinations.
There are multiple GP’s in Amsterdam with whom you can register. We recommend looking into recommendations from peers. You can also email the Student Life Officers if you have any questions about suitable options.
One option is to register with UvA’s (University of Amsterdam) General Practitioners Practice, where student doctors are available who have specific knowledge of student life. Even if you do not have a citizen service number (BSN) yet, you can already register at their practice.
The General Practitioners Practice UvA (also called: 'Huisartsen Oude Turfmarkt') is located on Oude Turfmarkt 151, 1012 GC Amsterdam.
- Telephone: 020-525 2878
- Emergencies during office hours: 020-525 2889
- Emergencies outside of office hours and at the weekend: 088 00 30 600 (Huisartsenpost Amsterdam)
- Directly to the General Practitioners Practice UvA
Hospitals with emergency departments (ER /A&E):
- Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Oosterpark 9, telephone: 020-599 9111
- VU Medisch Centrum, De Boelelaan 1117, telephone: 020-444 4444
- Academisch Medisch Centrum (AMC), Meibergdreef 9, telephone: 020-566 9111
In the Netherlands, the General Practitioner ('Huisarts') is the gatekeeper to specialised medical care (in hospitals). It is customary to first visit a GP who can then refer you to a relevant medical specialist in the hospital. Visiting the E.R./ A&E is mostly meant for serious situations requiring immediate specialist medical treatment. Often a patient would arrive by ambulance. If you can visit your GP independently then this is recommended first, or contact the GP after-hours first.
For students with Dutch health insurance or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), GP visits are covered by their basic (Dutch) health insurance. Going to the ER / A&E department for treatment that in normal cases would be done by a GP will probably lead to having to pay out of the deductible (eigen risico) from the health insurance.
Dental
In the Netherlands, prices for oral care (with the exception of cosmetic treatments) are controlled by the government and determined at the national level, therefore any dentist will charge you the same price for the same treatment. As a student, you therefore have the freedom to choose any dentist that suits your needs. However, the UvA and VU's joint Academic Dentistry Centre (ACTA) offers excellent patient care, in English, and welcomes students as they can offer dental care at a discount of 65% of the national price level. Treatment is in that case provided by university dental students who are supervised by qualified dentists. Treatments can take slightly more time because they may be carried out by several students, but the cost is lower (65% of the normal fee, on average).
Student Health Check survey
More generally, if you are interested in learning more about your health and finding out how you score on health, lifestyle and quality of life compared to your fellow university students, you can take part in the UvA Student Health Check.
Mental health
Student Life Officers
If you need support with your mental health or well-being, you can always contact the AUC Student Life Officers (SLOs). The SLOs are mental health professionals specialised in supporting AUC students. If need be, they can help refer you on to further support resources both inside and outside the university.
Psychologists
As both a University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit student, you have access to both of these universities’ psychological services. Should you experience a lack of motivation or concentration, or any other personal problems, such as depression, anxiety or culture shock, you may wish to consult the UvA psychologists or VU student psychological counsellors.
- Visit this link for information on the UvA psychological services (also offers a stress-relief walk-in hour)
- Visit this link for information on the VU psychological services
The UvA also offers workshops on various psychological guidance topics to its students.
If you require longer-term or more specialised help, these services can help you to find the appropriate mental health professional.
Moodlift
Moodlift is an e-help resource offering free, evidence-based mental health programmes for students on topics such as stress, mood and procrastination. All AUC students can make use of these resources. Online coaches are also available to provide personal support as you follow the programmes.