Core of the WBO
The Dutch Population Screening Act (WBO) protects citizens from unnecessary, anxiety-inducing or harmful preventive medical screening. A licence is required for screening that targets cancer, uses ionising radiation, or is otherwise considered risky.
What about MRI?
MRI does not use ionising radiation, but preventive MRI for asymptomatic people is still treated as screening without medical indication when offered domestically. Many Dutch brokers therefore refer to EU clinics where rules differ.
Does this apply to you?
With symptoms and a GP referral, your exam is regular care, not WBO screening. Preventive screening without symptoms or referral falls under the act.