Why this matters for international students
Moving to a new country means learning new systems — especially when it comes to safety, healthcare, and emergencies. In the Netherlands, emergency services are efficient and well‑organised, but they may work differently from what you’re used to at home.
Many international students only look up emergency numbers after something has gone wrong. Knowing them in advance helps you act quickly, stay calm, and get the right help when it matters most.
1. Emergency numbers you should save immediately
112 – General emergency number
Call 112 if there is:
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Immediate danger to life or safety
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A serious accident
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A fire
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A crime happening right now
112 connects you to police, ambulance, or fire services. Operators can speak English, so don’t worry if you don’t speak Dutch.
Tip: You can call 112 for any urgent emergency — you don’t need to decide which service you need.
Police (non‑emergency): 0900‑8844
Use this number for situations that are urgent but not life‑threatening, such as:
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Theft without immediate danger
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Noise complaints
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Reporting vandalism
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Asking police advice
For online reports (e.g. stolen bike), you can also use the Dutch police website.
Fire brigade (non‑emergency)
For fire‑related risks without immediate danger (for example, unsafe situations in buildings), contact your local municipality or the police non‑emergency number.
2. Medical help and healthcare services
GP (Huisarts)
In the Netherlands, the GP is always your first point of contact for medical issues.
You should:
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Register with a GP as soon as you have housing
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Contact your GP for illness, mental health concerns, or referrals
Most GP practices have English‑speaking staff.
GP out of hours (Huisartsenpost)
If you need urgent medical help at night, on weekends, or on public holidays, contact the huisartsenpost.
They handle:
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Sudden illness
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Worsening symptoms
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Medical issues that can’t wait until the next working day
You usually need to call first before visiting.
Ambulance
For life‑threatening medical emergencies, always call 112. Do not go directly to the emergency room unless instructed.
Emergency room (Spoedeisende Hulp – SEH)
Hospitals only admit patients to the ER if they:
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Are referred by a GP or huisartsenpost
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Arrive by ambulance
This system avoids long waiting times and ensures you get the right care.
