The Netherlands is a small, well-connected country — most cities are within an hour of each other. Sexual health infrastructure is reasonably good across major cities, not just Amsterdam. Here's what's available where.
Rotterdam
GGD Rotterdam-Rijnmond — Soa Poli Web: ggdrotterdamrijnmond.nl Rotterdam's GGD runs a Soa Poli equivalent to Amsterdam's. Booking via the GGD website with the same triage questionnaire. Free for eligible groups (gay and bisexual men qualify).
For PEP:
- During GGD hours: contact GGD Rotterdam-Rijnmond
- Outside hours: Erasmus MC SEH (Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam) — major academic medical centre with 24h emergency department. Experienced with HIV-related emergencies.
Community: Rotterdam has a smaller but active gay scene compared to Amsterdam. COC Rotterdam (coc.nl) and local LGBTQ+ venues can connect you with community resources.
The Hague (Den Haag)
GGD Haaglanden — Soa Poli Web: ggdhaaglanden.nl The GGD covering The Hague area runs Soa Poli services. Same model as other GGDs — free, anonymous, triage-based.
For PEP:
- During GGD hours: contact GGD Haaglanden
- Outside hours: HMC Westeinde SEH (Lijnbaan 32, Den Haag) or LUMC (Leiden, ~20 minutes away) for a major academic centre
Note: The Hague is home to many international organisations and expats — English is very widely spoken in medical settings here.
Utrecht
GGD regio Utrecht — Soa Poli Web: ggdru.nl Utrecht's GGD provides Soa Poli services. Utrecht is a university city with a large young population — GGD appointments may be competitive but the service is good.
For PEP:
- UMC Utrecht SEH (Heidelberglaan 100) — major academic medical centre, excellent emergency care
Utrecht is centrally located and very accessible from most of the Netherlands by train.
Eindhoven and Noord-Brabant
GGD Brabant-Zuidoost Web: ggdbzo.nl Covers the Eindhoven region. Soa Poli services available.
For PEP:
- Catharina Ziekenhuis SEH (Michelangelolaan 2, Eindhoven) — major regional hospital with 24h emergency care
Groningen and the North
GGD Groningen Soa Poli services available. Groningen is a university city with an active student population and GGD that caters to younger people.
For PEP:
- UMCG SEH (Hanzeplein 1, Groningen) — major academic medical centre
Practical Points for Non-Amsterdam Residents
Every major Dutch city has a GGD with a Soa Poli. The model is consistent: online booking, triage questionnaire, free for eligible groups. Find your local GGD at ggd.nl.
PrEP via huisarts works anywhere in the Netherlands. The waiting list problem is primarily with the GGD pilot programme — your local huisarts can prescribe PrEP regardless of which city you're in. See PrEP Access.
PEP from any hospital SEH. Say the phrase: "Ik heb risico gelopen op HIV-besmetting en ik heb PEP nodig." Any significant Dutch hospital SEH can handle this.
On-demand PrEP (2-1-1) is ideal for infrequent sex. If you're not in Amsterdam's circuit party scene and have sex less frequently, 2-1-1 dosing dramatically reduces cost and medication burden.
Emergency Contacts by City
| City | Hospital SEH | GGD |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | OLVG West / AMC | ggdamsterdam.nl |
| Rotterdam | Erasmus MC | ggdrotterdamrijnmond.nl |
| The Hague | HMC Westeinde | ggdhaaglanden.nl |
| Utrecht | UMC Utrecht | ggdru.nl |
| Eindhoven | Catharina Ziekenhuis | ggdbzo.nl |
| Groningen | UMCG | ggdgroningen.nl |
| General | 112 | ggd.nl |