Monthly premiums
Everyone aged 18 and older pays a monthly premium to their health insurer. In 2025, the average premium for the basic insurance package is €158 per person.
This monthly payment covers most essential medical services, such as:
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General practitioner (huisarts) visits
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Hospital and specialist care
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Prescription medicines
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Maternity and newborn care
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Emergency and ambulance services
💡 Tip: Children under 18 are insured free of charge, but they must be registered under a parent’s or guardian’s policy.
The compulsory deductible (Eigen Risico)
In addition to your monthly premium, every adult pays a mandatory deductible each year. In 2025, this amount is €385.
This means you are responsible for paying the first €385 of eligible healthcare costs yourself before your insurer begins reimbursing expenses. The deductible applies per person and per calendar year, except for certain types of care such as GP visits, maternity care, obstetric services, and dental care for children.
If you rarely use healthcare services, you can voluntarily increase your deductible up to €885 in exchange for a lower premium which is a good option for those in good health who want to save on monthly costs.
Personal contribution (Eigen Bijdrage)
Some types of care require an additional personal contribution, separate from the deductible. This contribution varies by treatment and is set by the Dutch government each year. It may be a fixed amount, a percentage of the total cost, or the portion not covered by insurance.
Examples include certain medical devices, maternity packages, and specific medications. Your insurer can tell you in advance whether a treatment involves a personal contribution, so you’re not surprised by extra costs.
What's covered and what's not
The basic health insurance package is the same for everyone, regardless of which insurer you choose, because it is defined by the Dutch government. It covers general practitioner care, specialist consultations, hospital treatments, prescribed medicines, maternity and newborn care, ambulance transport, and dental care for children under 18.
Anything outside this scope, for example, adult dental care, physiotherapy, or alternative treatments can be added through supplementary insurance. You can tailor your insurance plan based on your lifestyle and healthcare needs.
Reimbursements
If you receive care from a provider contracted with your insurer, you usually don’t have to do anything, the insurer pays the bill directly.
If you choose a non-contracted provider, you may need to pay upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement. The amount you’ll receive depends on your insurance policy type and level of coverage.
Most insurers allow you to upload invoices easily through their online portals or mobile apps. It’s always a good idea to check beforehand whether your provider is contracted, so you know exactly what to expect.
Financial support (Zorgtoeslag)
If your income is below a certain threshold, you might be eligible for zorgtoeslag, a government benefit that helps cover part of your monthly insurance premium. This financial support is paid monthly and can make healthcare significantly more affordable.
You can calculate your eligibility and apply online through the Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst).
