Sorry PalmTree missed your post. You need to first go to your huisarts who will make the referral to a fertility clinic, but there is no waiting period for the insurance to kick in. How are you finding it?

Red are you American? ;) Thankfully Dutch insurance, which is mandatory, does not allow exclusions for pre-existing conditions. I'd suggest bringing your medical records with you as it may help speed the process along. I am also American - been living in NL for 4 years. Anything else I can help with ,please let me know! Good luck!!

Hi Palm Tree, I am not sure how easy it is to do IVF here if you don't live here because of the insurance. As far as I know, you can only get Dutch health insurance if you are a resident and that's not easy to fake. I think that all or most of Dutch insurance policies cover IVF if it's medically necessary. Mine covers 3 IVF cycles and all the associated medication, etc. I did my IVF at a teaching hospital - UMC Utrecht. They do a lot of research at that hospital so maybe you'd qualify for one of their studies and could qualify that way? The waiting time was 3 weeks. The first consultation was in October of 2010 and I started meds on the first of January. I am not sure, but I think that even if you pay cash here, it's not too expensive per cycle. I really am guessing but I seem to remember that it's cheaper than in the UK. I know that a lot of people also mention Belgium for their private IVF clinics. Good luck!!

Hi Carina! I live in Hilversum. I just sent you a friend request.

Any other new moms around Hilversum who would like to get together for coffee, etc. please let me know. I am home with a 2 month old and would like to meet other new moms in the area.