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Hello Amsterdam

Useful info

Emergency & medical help in Amsterdam

Nobody plans to need a doctor on holiday, but it helps to know where to turn. Here are the numbers and places that matter if something goes wrong — from a real emergency to a toothache at midnight.

Last updated: June 2026

Police — non-emergency

Already-happened theft, lost or stolen passport, insurance reports.

Call0900-8844

GP — out of hours

Urgent but not life-threatening: high fever, nasty cut, ear infection.

Huisartsenpost088 003 0600

Night pharmacy

OLVG West serves the city after around 23:00.

Tel020 510 8826

Hospitals with an A&E (SEH)

Bring ID & insurance

Go to A&E (Dutch: Spoedeisende Hulp) only when you need immediate care and can't reach a GP.

HospitalAddressPhone
Amsterdam UMC (AMC)
24/7
Meibergdreef 9 (Zuidoost)020 566 2222
OLVG West
Jan Tooropstraat 164020 510 8911
OLVG Oost
Oosterpark 9020 599 9111
BovenIJ
Amsterdam-Noord
Statenjachtstraat 1020 634 6200

More on reporting to the police

The national police line 0900-8844 runs 24/7 (about €0.02 per minute plus your normal call charges). Many things can also be reported online in English at politie.nl — look for the English option. For a stolen passport, contact your country's embassy or consulate as well.

How the huisartsenpost works

Always call first; you can't just walk in. A trained assistant will assess you and direct you to the right post. An English line is available. During weekdays (08:00–17:00) a regular GP practice is the place to go instead.

Apotheek vs drogist

An apotheek dispenses prescription medicine. For everyday items like paracetamol, plasters or hay-fever tablets, a drogist (Etos, Kruidvat, DA) is enough — you'll find them all over the city. Note that some medicines sold over the counter elsewhere need a prescription here.

Emergency dentist

For sudden severe toothache or a dental accident, the emergency dental practice at OLVG can be reached on 0900 8602 (24/7; 0900 numbers carry a small per-minute charge). Call ahead — appointments are by phone to keep waiting times down.

Other useful numbers

  • Report a crime anonymously
    Meld Misdaad Anoniem
    0800-7000
  • Sexual Assault Centre
    Centrum Seksueel Geweld
    0800-0188
  • Animal in distress
    144

Mental health

If you're in crisis or having dark thoughts, you don't have to face it alone.

113

Suicide prevention — free, confidential, 24/7. Call 113 or 0800-0113.

Field tips

  • Travel insurance is essential — keep receipts to claim costs back. EU/EEA visitors should carry an EHIC/GHIC card.
  • Bring your own essential medication in original packaging or with a doctor's note. Local pharmacies may not dispense without a Dutch prescription.
  • A GP visit is much cheaper than A&E — if it's not an emergency, the huisartsenpost is the better first call.