“When I have control over my transportation, I have control over my body and therefore over my life.”
“I want to apply for my own assistive devices and services, so I’m in charge of what I request. My mother taught me from an early age that I should handle my own affairs.”
Going out, visiting friends or family, grocery shopping, going to school or work, or attending a party—being able to move freely is one of the most important conditions for participating in society. Everyone should have the opportunity to get around. There are different ways to support you in this.
On the following pages, we have listed some transportation options and provide information about what is involved.
Being mobile and moving freely—what does this mean for you?
“Being mobile means freedom for me. I feel much less limited.”
“It feels great to sometimes be able to go out on my own despite my fatigue, and that also boosts my self-confidence.”
“Being mobile gives you freedom. It doesn’t matter whether it’s by taxi, bus, or tram.”
The municipality is responsible for providing transportation needed for daily life. This is also called accessible transportation for daily living. It includes all transport for people with a health condition that is needed for personal activities, such as visiting friends, shopping, going out, or doing sports.
This does not include transportation to and from work or school. For that, see the section Transportation for work and study below.
Do you need transportation because of illness?
There are special arrangements for this, established under the Dutch Health Insurance Act. You can also request special transportation through your municipality.
This is a Dutch example. Please contact your local authorities.
Through your health insurer
The health insurer only reimburses medical transportation by car or public transport if:
You receive kidney dialysis at a medical facility.
You receive oncology treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
You can only move around using a wheelchair.
You can only move around with assistance because of visual impairment.
You are under 18 and rely on care due to somatic issues or a physical disability.
For the first two cases, reimbursement is only possible if the transport is related to treatment. In all cases, transportation costs are reimbursed when traveling to a healthcare provider or facility and returning home or to another residence.
If you do not meet the above conditions, you may still qualify for reimbursement in certain situations. For example, if you require special transportation due to long-term treatment for your illness or disability. This is known as the hardship clause. Your health insurer can provide more information about the conditions of the hardship clause.
In the Netherlands, there are financial allowances for transportation to and from work or study.
Please contact your local authorities for your country specifics.
Transportation provision from the UWV
Regardless of whether you receive benefits or not, you can apply for transportation solutions through the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency). This can include a mobility scooter, moped, taxi cost reimbursement, or a loan car. You are only eligible for this financial support if your annual income does not exceed a certain amount. If you earn more than this amount, it is assumed you can afford your own car, and you will not receive money for a taxi or loan car. You may, however, receive funding for modifications to your own vehicle.
Stopping study or work
If you stop studying or working, the UWV has the right to reclaim the reimbursement. You can also choose to buy a car yourself and only have modifications reimbursed by the UWV. In this case, the car belongs to you and cannot be taken back by the UWV.
Transportation to work
If you are working, you can use this form to request a transportation reimbursement from the UWV. The UWV determines eligibility based on factors such as the distance to work and your income.
Transportation to school
Depending on your level of education, you can apply through different organizations:
For MBO, HBO, or university (WO) students, you can apply through the UWV.
For primary, secondary, or special education: the Wmo desk of your municipality. Student transport is provided if you cannot travel independently due to your condition. The municipality evaluates each student individually to determine if transportation is necessary.
Student travel product
Part of student funding for HBO and university students includes the student travel product. Since January 1, 2017, MBO students under 18 can also apply for this. With the student travel product, you can travel for free or at a discount on public transport throughout the Netherlands.
