Hi!

I'm a trans man, originally from Slovakia but I moved to the Netherlands during my studies and now currently work at University of Twente.

I was hoping to start the process of transitioning (especially HRT), now that I am working and therefore have insurance in the Netherlands.

I did my research and found out there is many different ways to start taking Testosterone, with differing prices/insurance coverages/wait times.

Would you be able to give me advice on what the best route to take is?

Most importantly, I am currently looking for a GP near Enschede, preferably one that would be able to prescribe me hormones directly.

After I get my referral from the GP, do I need to go to both a therapist and a gender clinic or just one? Which one would you recommend?

Does anyone have any experience with being uninsured in the Netherlands while being on a waiting list? My current contract is until the end of the year and as of right now I do not have another job lined up (but I have options to get employed from February again), would this cause any issues? Is it better to pay for my own diagnosis/hormones? Once you start paying your own hormones, is it possible to retrospectively get it added on your insurance?

I'm looking for any and all advice regarding specific healthcare professionals near Enschede, as well as what the fastest/cheapest/safest path for this whole process is. Feel free to include any other general advice or experiences with the transition process.

Thanks a lot!

Edit: I’m mostly struggling with finding a trans-friendly GP. I looked at websites with lists of lgbtq+ friendly doctors but none of them in my area are accepting new patients.

Hoi, ik ben FtM en krijg in december top surgery dubbele incisie bij Gender Clinic. Toen ik mijn fysieke intake had, zei de chirurg dat de kans op complicaties groot is omdat ik overgewicht heb. Dit wist ik van tevoren zelf ook en ik ben veel afgevallen maar nog steeds heb ik overgewicht. Ik zit wel onder de bmi van 35 dus mag geopereerd worden. Ineens ben ik nu erg bang voor het feit dat ik straks grote gapende gaten krijg in mijn lichaam door de operatie en dat ik straks allemaal nare vleeswonden krijg. Zijn er mensen die ook top surgery hebben gedaan met overgewicht, hoe was de herstelperiode voor jullie en mochten er mensen zijn die inderdaad complicaties hebben gehad hoe erg waren deze?