Hiya!
Sorry to bump this post up but see no Dutchies responded. So here I am.
Generally cities in the Netherlands have absolutely amazing public transportation, trams and busses can get you anywhere every time. Trains are, as usual a bit more fickle when it comes to times, they might run a bit late sometimes. However, if trains are cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances (accidents, technical difficulties etc) they almost always have a back-up. Like have busses drive the train route.
Uber, Lyft etc are available too, however a lot more expensive, as they now have to have a taxi licence, so they're basically taxis now.
If you have a seizure disorder, you're considered disabled. And therefor qualify for disability benefits. Which include:
-House adjustment (remodeling, chair lift, step in shower etc)
-Home on ground floor level
-Wheelchair/scooter/walker whatever you need for mobility
-Disability parking/parking spot close to your house
-Personal budget, which can be used for cleaning help, transportation etc. So basically you could get public transportation for free.
-You're allowed to call for a "special bus", I'm not sure how to word it in English, but say you want to go a long distance, and its hard to get there with public transportation. You can call a special number for a taxi company. This taxi company is hired by the state and will drive you to and from your destination (think you have to book 1 or 2 days is advance?) You do have to pay a little, but the amount is insanely reduced to maybe 10-20% of normal costs.
-Disability pay
This is of course all based on your personal needs, and is discussed with a personal adviser.
As for health care, you pay about 100-150€ each month per person in health insurance. And have a co-pay of 350€ per year. Pretty much everything is covered except:
-alternative medicine
-Dental (though you can add additional dental insurance for about 10-20€ per month)
-Any treatment that isn't approved in the Netherlands by our health board (which isn't a lot to be honest, mostly experimental stuff)
Any and all treatments that are deemed necessary or will improve somebodies life will always be covered. Medication, surgery, psychiatry, doctors visits, ER visits, physical therapy (limit to 20 appointments per year, but with chronic conditions it's fully covered) even some cosmetic surgery is covered under circumstances.
What's it like living in The Netherlands? I personally love it. We are a hardy people, and can sometimes be very truthful to a fault. However, we're very accepting overall of other cultures, religions, orientations etc. People like to complain sometimes if things don't go right, but we're very lucky to be honest. We have some of the best roads in the world, the best water management, our school system is very good and our children are some of the happiest in the world. We have gorgeous nature (yes it's flat but still), lots of history and culture.
I personally live in "the country" now, but used to live in the city for 15 years.
The city life is just like any other in the world, fun, everything is close-by, but also has the city problems everybody has. crowded, crime, and "bad neighborhoods".
Hope that helps
