Want to quit smoking in Rotterdam? Here's where to get help

ROTTERDAM, 5 October 2026 – Stoptober brought its national support tour to Eendrachtsplein today, but the more useful takeaway is what happens after the balloons, brass band and celebrity encouragement disappear. If you live in Rotterdam and want to quit smoking, there is structured help available in the Netherlands, including support that can be covered by Dutch basic health insurance.

_{Image: Rotterdam Stoptober participant Beau Kentin received a surprise visit at home from television personality Patty Brard. Photo: Aldo Allessie}

Stoptober stops in Rotterdam

The Stoptober Supporttour visited Eendrachtsplein on 5 October, with a support team including television personality Patty Brard, former kickboxer Remy Bonjasky, Rotterdam presenter Koen Pieter van Dijk and smoking-cessation specialists.

The afternoon included live music from Rhythm Allstars Brassband and a video booth where visitors could record encouragement for somebody trying to quit. Earlier in the day, Rotterdam participant Beau Kentin received a surprise visit at home from Brard.

Kentin's reason for quitting was refreshingly straightforward: he wants to protect his singing voice.

“I couldn't believe Patty was suddenly at my door. She encouraged me to keep going and I'm definitely going to. I want to keep my singing voice, and smoking simply doesn't belong with that.”

Stoptober runs nationally throughout October and challenges participants to go 28 days without smoking, supported by a free app, online community and campaign activities. The 2026 Supporttour also visits Arnhem and Tilburg.

The useful bit: help is available beyond October

You do not need to join Stoptober on 1 October, and you do not need to wait until next year's campaign if you decide to stop later. The Stoptober app lets users choose their own start date, while the Dutch healthcare system offers several routes to more personalised support.

Your GP (huisarts), the practice nurse at your GP surgery or a specialist stop-smoking coach can help you prepare a plan and work through the first months after quitting. Dutch medical guidance recommends getting support rather than relying entirely on willpower, particularly if previous attempts have not worked.

That support can include conversations about habits and triggers as well as nicotine replacement products such as patches or gum, or prescription medication where appropriate.

Dutch health insurance may cover your quit attempt

This is one part of the Dutch system that newcomers can easily miss.

If you have Dutch basic health insurance, the standard package generally covers a recognised stop-smoking programme up to three times per year. There is no compulsory co-payment and these programmes do not count towards the mandatory health insurance excess (eigen risico). Your insurer can determine which providers it works with, so check your policy before starting.

Nicotine replacement products and stop-smoking medication can also be covered when they form part of an approved guided programme. Buying patches, gum or medication independently does not automatically qualify for reimbursement.

If you recently moved to the Netherlands, it is worth knowing that people who live or work here are generally required to have Dutch basic health insurance.

English-language help is available too

Stoptober itself is very Dutch in its presentation, but you are not limited to Dutch-language material if that makes quitting harder rather than easier.

Ikstopnu.nl, the independent smoking-cessation service run by the Trimbos Institute, offers an English version of its Stop Plan. The site also recommends the free Smoke Free app, which is available in English and several other languages.

Ikstopnu also runs the free Stoplijn on 0800-1995, plus chat and email support for questions about quitting smoking or vaping. The service can explain the different kinds of support available and point you towards professional help.

You do not have to make it an October project

The nice thing about Stoptober is the obvious starting line. The less useful part is the idea that quitting somehow belongs to one month of the year. If the campaign gives you the push, use it. If you decide on 17 November instead, the same GP, coaching, insurance and English-language resources are still there.

And if a brass band and Patty Brard unexpectedly appearing at your front door is exactly the motivation you needed, Rotterdam apparently had that option too.

Useful links

Stoptober: stoptober.nl

Independent stop-smoking information and the English Stop Plan: ikstopnu.nl

Dutch medical guidance on quitting smoking: Thuisarts

Health-insurance coverage: Zorginstituut Nederland