Emergency services and healthcare helplines

What should I do in an emergency situation in the Netherlands?

• Call 112: In life-threatening situations, call the emergency helpline by dialing 112. An ambulance, fire department or police will be dispatched to help you.
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call a text equivalent via 0800 8112.
• 112 is a Europe-wide emergency helpline, equivalent of 911 in the United States or 999 in the United Kingdom.
• As well as Dutch, operators speak English and may also be able to offer services in French or German.

Should I go straight to a hospital if there is a healthcare emergency?

• The accident and emergency (spoedeisende hulp or more commonly A&E) department of a hospital is meant for life-threatening situations requiring immediate specialist medical treatment.
• In all non-life threatening situations, first contact your GP or the after-hours surgery (huisartsenpost). They will determine if you need treatment in A&E and inform you which location to visit.
• Please note: attending the A&E department for treatment will usually lead to having to pay out of the deductible (eigen risico) from the health insurance. Treatment from your GP and after-hours surgery is free.
• Bring identification and your health insurance pass if possible when attending the A&E department.

How can I get medical help or advice outside of opening hours?

• The GP after-hours surgery (huisartsenpost) is for emergencies, which you would normally ring your GP for during surgery hours. Examples might include, for instance, tightness of the chest, severe abdominal pain, a very sick child or an accident in the home. GP after-hours surgeries are run by normal doctors who take turns working night shifts, on weekends and during public holidays.
• You will initially be assessed by phone. If necessary, a GP will visit your home for further examination. If the condition is serious, the GP will arrange an ambulance.
• Only the 112 emergency line or a GP can call an ambulance for you.

Where can I find out more about coronavirus (Covid-19) and its impact in the Amsterdam Area?

• Follow updates on our coronavirus page, which includes links to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the City of Amsterdam.

How can I contact the police in the Netherlands?

• In emergency situations always call 112.
• For non-emergencies, call 0900 8844.
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, for non-emergencies you can call a text equivalent via 0900 1844.
• There is also an anonymous tip-line to report crimes via 0800 7000.
• Learn more about contacting the police in the Netherlands.

How can I visit emergency dental services in the Amsterdam Area?

• If you are registered with a dental practice in the Amsterdam Area, please first contact them. Even outside of office hours, they may work with partner organisations to provide 24-hour services.
• For emergency dental help in Amsterdam and surrounding cities (including Haarlem), call 085 105 0757
• For emergency dental help in the provinces of Noord-Holland and Flevoland, check the emergency helplines on tandarts.nl.