‘Caring for people in a healthy society' – is the motto of the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. That means caring for the old and the young and for people with physical or mental disabilities.

The Dutch Ministry encourages people to live healthily, exercise more, smoke less, drink moderately, and adopt a healthy diet. 
People with health problems should be able to consult their General Practitioner GP (huisarts), a hospital, or other care providers whenever necessary. They have the right to health care. Together with health insurers, care providers, and patients' organisations, the Ministry ensures that enough services are available and people have enough choice.
 Health care in the Netherlands is very well organised. That is why the life expectancy of the average Dutch citizen is among the highest in the world.

Source: Expat Guide Holland

The Dutch Healthcare system

The family doctor (huisarts) is central to the Dutch healthcare system. For many newcomers this predominant role is the single most important difference between the medical practice in the Netherlands and that of their home country. Another difference is the medical culture. In the Netherlands, antibiotics and other medications are prescribed with greater reserve than you may be accustomed to. This has resulted in a very low incidence of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Testing is not automatic and annual check-ups are not part of the basic service. In general, these extra services are only provided if there is evidence that they are necessary. Some private clinics now offer this service but these are expen- sive and are not covered by Dutch insurers.