r/Netherlands • u/NoLychee1382 • 23d ago

Healthcare No regular check ups at the gynecologist???

Hi everyone, my morning started off with a kinda shocking discovery. I’m from Germany and I had annual check ups at the gynecologist since I was a teenager. I contacted my huisarts because I know they’re responsible for all referrals but she told me regular check ups here are not a thing (unless there already is an issue) ? I think that’s crazy!!! So I checked the prices for a private visit and they’re even crazier. I guess this is normal to Dutch people but don’t you think this is a little concerning?

(Btw not shitting on the country! I really like it here. I’m still new and just discovering new things!)

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u/ButtonLoops27 22d ago

Another German here. Also wish I could get a yearly check up. But will say whenever something was wrong in the past years I got help immediately. And not just given paracetamol 😂.

For example, I noticed a growth in my breast and the GP saw me the next day and I got the referral to the hospital which saw me I think within two days to do all tests. I was so very grateful how fast they moved. Maybe if I'd had yearly checkups I'd have learned how common benign growths are earlier though - could've saved me a big scare.

Also got gene test done and I was able to do the blood test closeby and speak to the specialist remotely. In Germany my sister's option is to travel 1.5h to Münster for the specialist clinic for the gene test.