Osteopathic care for expats and international residents in The Hague, Wassenaar, Voorburg and Naaldwijk

Moving to another country can be exciting, but finding the right healthcare provider is not always easy. As an expat in the Netherlands, you may be unfamiliar with the Dutch healthcare system or concerned about explaining your symptoms in another language.

At OsteoHolland, you can discuss your health concerns and receive your complete osteopathic consultation in English. Our English-speaking osteopaths welcome expats, international professionals, students and families at our practices in The Hague, Wassenaar, Voorburg and Naaldwijk.

Whether you are experiencing back pain, neck tension, headaches, sports-related complaints or physical discomfort during pregnancy, we take the time to listen to your story and examine how different parts of your body may be influencing your symptoms.

Looking for an English-speaking osteopath? Book your appointment at one of our OsteoHolland locations.

What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a form of manual healthcare that looks at the body as a whole. Instead of focusing exclusively on the area where you experience pain, an osteopath also examines how different joints, muscles, tissues and body regions function together.

For example, discomfort in your lower back may not only be related to the back itself. The mobility of your pelvis, hips, abdomen or other areas may also influence how your body moves and adapts.

During an osteopathic consultation, the osteopath uses manual examination and treatment techniques. The treatment is always adapted to your individual situation, symptoms and medical history.

Osteopathy does not replace medical care. When your symptoms require further medical assessment, we will advise you to contact your general practitioner or another appropriate healthcare professional.

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Why do expats visit an osteopath?

Living and working abroad can affect your body in several ways. Many expats spend long hours working behind a laptop, travel frequently, experience changes in their exercise routine or deal with additional stress while adjusting to life in a new country.

International patients visit OsteoHolland with a variety of complaints, including:

- Back pain or stiffness
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Headaches
- Sports-related complaints
- Reduced mobility
- Muscle and joint discomfort
- Pregnancy-related musculoskeletal complaints
- Abdominal discomfort
- Physical tension associated with prolonged sitting or desk work
-Recurring complaints without a clear explanation

You do not need to know whether osteopathy is the correct option before contacting us. During the first consultation, the osteopath will assess your complaint and discuss whether osteopathic treatment may be suitable for you.

An osteopathy consultation completely in English

Being able to communicate clearly is especially important when discussing your health. At OsteoHolland, your consultation can be conducted entirely in English. This includes:

- Discussing your symptoms and medical history
- Explaining the physical examination
- Discussing our findings
- Explaining the proposed treatment
- Answering your questions
- Providing advice about movement, exercise or recovery
- Discussing whether additional medical assessment is recommended

We avoid unnecessary medical jargon and make sure you understand what we are examining and why. For an expat, this can make the process of seeking healthcare in the Netherlands feel more comfortable and transparent.

What happens during your first appointment?

Your first appointment starts with a detailed conversation about your complaint. The osteopath may ask questions about:

- When your symptoms started
- Which movements or activities influence the complaint
- Previous injuries, operations or medical conditions
- Your work and daily activities
- Sports and exercise
- Medication
-Other physical symptoms that may be relevant

After this conversation, the osteopath performs a physical examination. Depending on your complaint, this may include assessing your posture, movement, joints, muscles and other relevant areas of the body. The findings will then be explained to you. When osteopathic treatment is considered appropriate, treatment may usually begin during the same appointment. The techniques used depend on your complaint, body and preferences. Treatment can include gentle mobilisation, soft-tissue techniques, stretching and other manual techniques.

Do you need a referral from a doctor?

You can contact OsteoHolland directly to arrange an appointment. However, certain symptoms should first be assessed by a general practitioner or medical specialist.
During the intake, we screen for signs that may require further medical examination. When necessary, we will explain why we recommend contacting your GP or another healthcare professional.

Your safety always comes first.

Is osteopathy covered by Dutch health insurance?

Osteopathic treatment may be reimbursed through certain supplementary Dutch health insurance packages. Coverage differs between insurance providers and policies.

We recommend checking the conditions of your personal insurance policy before your appointment. Your insurer can confirm:

- Whether osteopathy is included in your supplementary package
- How much is reimbursed per consultation
- Whether there is a maximum annual reimbursement
- Whether specific registration requirements apply

OsteoHolland works with registered osteopaths. After your consultation, you will receive an invoice that you can submit to your health insurance provider when applicable.

International insurance policies may have different conditions. Expats with international health insurance should contact their insurer directly to ask whether osteopathic care is covered.

English-speaking osteopaths in the The Hague region

OsteoHolland has several practices in and around The Hague. This allows expats and international residents to choose a location that is convenient for their home or workplace.

Osteopath in The Hague

Our location in The Hague is accessible for international residents living in areas such as Scheveningen, Statenkwartier, Belgisch Park, Archipelbuurt, Zeeheldenkwartier and the city centre.

Osteopath in Wassenaar

Our Wassenaar practice is suitable for expats, international families and professionals living in Wassenaar and the surrounding area.

Osteopath in Voorburg

Our Voorburg location welcomes patients from Voorburg, Leidschendam, Rijswijk and the eastern part of The Hague.

Osteopath in Naaldwijk

Our Naaldwijk practice is available for patients living or working in the Westland region.

When booking online, you can select your preferred location, osteopath and available appointment time.

Osteopathy for international families

We also regularly welcome international families. Parents can discuss their own physical complaints, pregnancy-related discomfort or concerns regarding their child with an English-speaking osteopath.

When treating children or babies, the examination and techniques are adapted to their age and development. We always explain what we are doing and provide parents with the opportunity to ask questions.

Osteopathic treatment is not a replacement for assessment by a midwife, youth healthcare physician, GP or paediatrician. When symptoms require medical attention, this will always be discussed.

Why choose OsteoHolland?

At OsteoHolland, we believe that professional healthcare should be clear, personal and accessible, regardless of your native language. International patients choose our practice because we offer:

- Consultations in English
- Registered osteopaths
- Master of Science-qualified practitioners
- A personal and professional approach
- A thorough intake and physical examination
- Clear explanations about our findings
- Multiple locations in the The Hague region
- Online appointment booking
- Collaboration with other healthcare professionals when appropriate

We do not make promises about results or recommend unnecessary treatment plans. After each consultation, we evaluate your response and discuss whether another appointment is appropriate.

Frequently asked questions

Can my complete appointment be conducted in English?

Yes. Our English-speaking osteopaths can conduct the intake, examination, treatment and explanation in English.

Can I make an appointment as an expat?

Yes. We welcome expats, international students, professionals, diplomats and international families.

Do I need to speak Dutch?

No. You can communicate with us in English throughout the consultation.

Can I book an appointment online?

Yes. You can select your preferred OsteoHolland location and an available appointment through our online booking system.

How many appointments will I need?

This depends on your complaint, medical history and response to treatment. After the first consultation, the osteopath will explain whether a follow-up appointment is recommended.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring relevant medical information when available, such as examination reports, imaging results or a list of medication. Wear comfortable clothing that allows the osteopath to examine your movement.

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