How to Apply for Zorgtoeslag in 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide for International Students)

Moving to the Netherlands is exciting… until your first health insurance bill arrives.

The good news: if your income is low, the Dutch government can help you pay that monthly premium through zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance). The less fun part: actually applying for it via Dutch government websites, DigiD, and income estimates.

If you are in the Netherlands only to study and do not work, you generally do not need Dutch basic health insurance and therefore cannot receive zorgtoeslag. If you have a paid job alongside your studies, you generally need Dutch basic health insurance and may qualify for zorgtoeslag if you meet the other requirements.

In this guide, we walk you through exactly how to apply for zorgtoeslag step by step, with a special focus on international students and starters.

Quick note: Rules change every year. This guide is based on the official information for 2026 from Dienst Toeslagen (Belastingdienst) and Rijksoverheid.

1. What is zorgtoeslag?

Zorgtoeslag is a monthly financial contribution from the Dutch government to help you pay for your Dutch basic health insurance. It’s handled by Dienst Toeslagen, part of the Belastingdienst (Tax and Customs Administration).Belastingdienst

You receive the money directly into your bank account, usually around the 20th of each month.Independer

2. Can international students get zorgtoeslag?

Yes, many international students can get zorgtoeslag, but only if they meet the Dutch rules. In short, you usually need to:Belastingdienst

• Have a Dutch basic health insurance (not just a private travel or expat insurance).

• Be 18 years or older.

• Have a lawful residence status in the Netherlands (for non-EU/EEA/Swiss students, think residence permit for study or work).

• Have an income and savings (vermogen) below certain limits.

• Be registered at a Dutch address in the BRP (municipal personal records database) in most cases.

There are special pages for non-Dutch nationals and foreign students on the Belastingdienst website.Belastingdienst

If you are unsure, use the official check:

• Belastingdienst – “Kan ik zorgtoeslag krijgen?” (Dutch, with clear conditions)Belastingdienst

• Rijksoverheid – “Zorgtoeslag aanvragen” (with English information)Rijksoverheid

3. Zorgtoeslag conditions in 2026 (in simple terms)

For 2026, the most important financial conditions are:Belastingdienst+2seniorenveiligwonen+2

Income limits (2026)

• If you live alone (no toeslagpartner):

  • Your yearly income may not be higher than €40,857 per year.

• If you have a toeslagpartner (for example, you live together and meet the partner criteria):

  • Your combined yearly income may not be higher than €51,142 combined per year

The government looks at your “toetsingsinkomen” (assessment income). This is roughly your gross annual income, plus some extras (like holiday allowance), but student finance (studiefinanciering) does not count as income.Belastingdienst

Savings / assets (vermogen) limits (2026)

Your savings and investments also can’t be too high:Belastingdienst

• Alone: maximum €146,011

• With toeslagpartner: maximum €184,633 combined

If your income or vermogen is higher than these amounts, you won’t receive zorgtoeslag.

4. Before you start: checklist

To make the application smoother, make sure you have:

1. DigiD (your digital ID to log in to Dutch government websites).zorgenzekerheid.nl

2. Your BSN (Burger Service Nummer – citizen service number).

3. Details of your Dutch basic health insurance:

   • Name of the insurer

   • Start date of your policy

4. Your estimated total income for the year (and that of your toeslagpartner, if you have one).

5. Your bank account number (IBAN) where you want to receive the allowance.

6. Access to MijnOverheid / Berichtenbox (handy to receive digital letters from the government).Belastingdienst

If you don’t have DigiD yet, you’ll need to apply for it first at digid.nl. This can take a few days because you receive an activation code by post.

5. Step-by-step: how to apply for zorgtoeslag

Here’s the core of this guide: a practical, student-friendly walkthrough.

You can apply in two main ways:

• Via the website Mijn Toeslagen (Belastingdienst)

• Via the Mijn Toeslagen app

The website is usually easiest for first-time users.

Step 1 – Check if you qualify

1. Go to the official zorgtoeslag page of Dienst Toeslagen.Belastingdienst

2. Use the tools there to:

   • Check the conditions (“Voorwaarden voor zorgtoeslag”).

   • Read the section for foreign students / non-Dutch nationals.

3. Optionally, make a proefberekening (test calculation) to see if you are likely to receive zorgtoeslag and how much.Belastingdienst

If the tool shows that you probably qualify, continue with the application.

Step 2 – Create or activate your DigiD

If you already have DigiD, you can skip to step 3.

1. Visit digid.nl and apply for a DigiD account.

2. Follow the instructions and wait for the activation letter with code sent to your registered Dutch address.

3. Once you receive the code, log in again and activate your DigiD.

You’ll use this DigiD for almost everything with the Dutch government, not just zorgtoeslag.

Step 3 – Log in to Mijn Toeslagen

1. Go to mijntoeslagen.nl.Belastingdienst

2. Click Inloggen met DigiD.

3. Log in using your DigiD username and password (and app / SMS code if you have two-factor authentication set up).

You’ll now enter the secure portal of Dienst Toeslagen.

Step 4 – Start your zorgtoeslag application

Inside Mijn Toeslagen:

1. Look for “Zorgtoeslag aanvragen” (Apply for healthcare allowance).Belastingdienst

2. The system may first ask you to confirm or enter basic details:

   • Your address and civil status

   • Whether you have a toeslagpartner

   • Your bank account number (IBAN)

3. Then you start the actual zorgtoeslag application.

Follow the on-screen steps. The system will guide you through several pages.

Step 5 – Fill in your details

You’ll be asked for:

1. Health insurance details

   • Which insurer you are with.

   • Start date of your policy.

   • Whether your insurance is a Dutch basic health insurance (it must be, to receive zorgtoeslag).Belastingdienst

2. Income estimate for the year

   • Your expected total income for the current year (toetsingsinkomen).

   • Income from a part-time job, internship with salary, or starter job.

   • Income of your toeslagpartner if you have one.

   Remember: student finance itself doesn’t count as income, but things like holiday allowance do.Belastingdienst

3. Assets / savings (vermogen)

   • If your savings or investments are below the limit, you simply confirm this.

   • If they’re above, the system will show you that you don’t qualify.

Take your time here. If your income changes later, you can update it, but a realistic estimate helps prevent having to pay back zorgtoeslag later.Belastingdienst

Step 6 – Choose the start date and check your data

You’ll be asked from which month you want to receive zorgtoeslag.

• Usually this is the month in which:

  • You turned 18, or

  • Your Dutch health insurance started, or

  • You moved to the Netherlands and became insured here.

Check that the start date is correct. If you choose a date in the past (within the allowed period), the Belastingdienst can usually pay you retroactively. For zorgtoeslag, you can normally apply for the previous year up to 1 September of the following year.zorgenzekerheid.nl

Before sending your application:

1. Carefully review all the information.

2. Check your email address and bank account number.

3. Make sure your Berichtenbox at MijnOverheid is activated, so you receive digital letters about your toeslagen.Belastingdienst

Then click Verzenden (send).

Step 7 – After you apply: what happens next?

Once you submit:

1. You’ll see a confirmation in Mijn Toeslagen.

2. You’ll later receive an “voorschotbeschikking” (provisional decision) that states:

   • Whether you’ll receive zorgtoeslag.

   • The estimated monthly amount.

   • From which month it will be paid.Belastingdienst

The amount is provisional because it’s based on your estimated income. At the end of the year, it’s checked against your actual income. If you earned more than expected, you might have to pay back part of the toeslag. If you earned less, you might get some extra.

6. Using the Mijn Toeslagen app

If you prefer your phone over your laptop, you can also:

• Download the “Mijn Toeslagen” app (official app by Dienst Toeslagen).

• Log in with DigiD.

• View your zorgtoeslag amount and payment dates.

• Quickly report changes (for example a new job or moving in with a partner).Belastingdienst

For first-time applications, the website is often clearer, but after that, the app is super handy.

7. Keeping your zorgtoeslag correct: changes you must report

To avoid surprise repayments, you must update your information if something important changes. For example:Belastingdienst

• You start earning more (new job, more hours, higher salary).

• You move in with a partner or move out.

• You switch or cancel your health insurance.

• You leave the Netherlands, or your residence status changes.

You can update this in Mijn Toeslagen or via the app. The rule of thumb: if something changes that affects your income, living situation, or insurance, update it as soon as possible.

8. Special notes for international students

A few common scenarios:

“I’m turning 18 soon - when should I apply?”

You can usually arrange zorgtoeslag in the month before you turn 18, so it’s ready when your own health insurance starts. Some insurers and websites specifically advise requesting zorgtoeslag around that time so you don’t miss out.Digidingen-desk

“I only work a few hours per week - does that matter?”

Yes, even a small part-time job counts. You must still estimate your total yearly income, including that job. But as long as your income stays below the limits, you can still receive zorgtoeslag.Independer

“I have an international / private health insurance, not Dutch basic insurance.”

In most cases, you cannot receive zorgtoeslag without a Dutch basic health insurance. There are special rules if you live or work partly abroad, or if your insurance is via the CAK; check the “Zorgtoeslag internationaal” section on the Belastingdienst site if this applies to you.Belastingdienst