Referral to a Specialist

When do you need a referral letter from your GP?

You will receive a referral if this is medically necessary. The GP can refuse to write a referral letter if he is convinced that this is not useful for you. Your GP must then be able to clearly explain to you why he does not want to write a referral letter. As a patient, you have the right to inspect your medical data. You may also view the referral letter. If you receive a closed envelope from the GP, you can ask your GP what he has written in the letter. The referral letter will be printed for you by the GP or GP assistant. You can take these with you to the hospital and the specialist.

Specialist care without a referral letter

If you do not have a valid referral letter, but still go to a specialist, this can lead to (high) costs. Your health insurer will not reimburse care. It is also possible that you will not be treated until you have received the correct referral.

Do you want to pay for a treatment yourself? Then you can also go to the specialist without a referral. Please note that you will not be able to submit the bill to the insurer later.

Specialists for whom (usually) no referral letter is required

For some specialists, no referral letter is required, unless your insurer indicates this in your policy. This differs per insurer and your possible additional insurance. If you have any questions, please contact your health insurer. You can usually go to the following specialists without a referral:

• Physiotherapist;
• Dental hygienist;
• Dietitian;
• Occupational therapist;
• Speech therapist;
• Podiatrist;
• Remedial therapist.