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Healthcare changes when you turn 18

Around your eighteenth birthday, consent, privacy, appointments, prescriptions, digital access, insurance and the transition from paediatric to adult care may change. Ideally, start months beforehand with a single written transition plan and check which rules and coverage actually apply in Curaçao or the European Netherlands, so that medicines, equipment and support do not stop unexpectedly.

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Around your eighteenth birthday, consent, privacy, appointments, prescriptions, digital access, insurance and the transition from paediatric to adult care may change. Ideally, start months beforehand with a single written transition plan and check which rules and coverage actually apply in Curaçao or the European Netherlands, so that medicines, equipment and support do not stop unexpectedly.

  • An appointment or prescription is refused because a referral, consent, registration, identification or insurance was not updated in time.
  • Medicines, nutritional support, equipment, home care, psychological support or transport may stop around the birthday.
  • Keep a short medical summary on paper and securely in digital form, including your medicine list, allergies, diagnoses, equipment and telephone numbers.
  • Before your eighteenth birthday, practise one skill at a time: asking a question yourself, confirming an appointment, naming your medicines or requesting a repeat prescription.
  • Get in touch before the handover if medicines, equipment, nutritional support or home care will not continue, or if a receiving clinician has not yet been confirmed.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Combined lifestyle programme (GLI)A lifestyle programme, or GLI, is not a strict short-term diet. It provides support with eating, physical activity, sleep, stress and maintaining changes. The aim is lasting change and lower health risks. Access, availability and cover may vary locally, so check with your GP or healthcare professional on Curaçao. Call a doctor if activity causes symptoms beyond normal exertion, or if an existing condition becomes unstable.
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Diabetes and pregnancyDiabetes before or during pregnancy requires extra support to monitor glucose (blood sugar), blood pressure, kidneys, eyes and the baby's growth. Ideally, start a shared plan before conception. Never stop or change medicines or insulin yourself.
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Help from an occupational physicianHelp from an occupational physician or another occupational health professional focuses on the relationship between health, safety and work. They can advise on your capacity for work, returning to work, workplace adjustments, occupational risks and how medical symptoms relate to your duties. Access, roles and rules differ between employers, insurers and countries. Do not automatically expect the same system as in the Netherlands: ask what is arranged locally on Curaçao or in your contract.