Cheapest Health Insurance in the Netherlands for 2026

Robin ProvoostExpert Zorgverzekeringen

13-04-2018

28-09-2026

4 min leestijd

Wouter Heuvelink

Gecontroleerd door onze zorgexpert

You can find the cheapest basic health insurance on ZorgKiezer in two ways: use our comparator to walk through all coverage options, or go straight to this overview if you just want the lowest-priced basic plan.

Cheap Isn't Always a Bargain: Look at Your Care Needs First

Before you choose on price alone: the cheapest policy isn't automatically the best choice for you. A low premium often comes with a higher deductible or a more limited network of healthcare providers. If you're healthy and rarely use care, that can work out well. But if you regularly see a specialist, take fixed medication, or want the freedom to choose your own healthcare provider, that same "cheap" policy could end up costing you more, or leave you without the coverage you actually need.

Ask yourself these questions before comparing:

What do you actually use? Look at your healthcare costs from the past year: GP visits, medication, physiotherapy, dental care. Only insure what you realistically need.
Can you scale something down? Do you have an extensive supplementary package you barely use? Consider a smaller package, or drop it if you can cover those costs yourself just as easily.
Can you carry the risk of a higher deductible? A higher deductible gives you a lower premium, but it's only a smart move if you can genuinely miss that amount if you need unexpected care.
Is your regular healthcare provider contracted? A cheap policy with a limited network can mean a lower reimbursement at your hospital or specialist. Check this in advance, not after you've already switched.

Compare on the combination of price and coverage, never on price alone.

How Much Does the Cheapest Health Insurance Cost in 2026?

In 2026, the cheapest basic health insurance costs around € 125 per month if you choose the maximum voluntary deductible of € 885. If you'd rather stick with the standard deductible of € 385, the cheapest plans start at around € 142 per month. The average monthly premium across all insurers is roughly € 159. The coverage of the basic package is exactly the same for every insurer, since the government decides what's included, so the price difference mainly comes down to the deductible you choose and how much you get reimbursed when visiting a healthcare provider without a contract. Use this as a starting point, not the only factor in your decision.

Raise Your Deductible Excess to Lower Your Premium (If It Fits You)

Whether you use our comparator or the overview of cheapest plans, you can choose to raise your deductible excess. Doing so lowers your monthly premium. Raising your excess from € 385 to the maximum of € 885 typically saves you around € 20 to € 22.50 per month in premium, roughly € 240 to € 270 per year. This only pays off if you rarely use care that falls under the deductible, so weigh the saving against the risk of an unexpected bill of up to € 885 in one year. Read more about the deductible excess.

Other Ways to Save Without Compromising Your Coverage

Compare every year, based on your actual needs, not just last year's premium ranking.
Check if you qualify for healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag), this government contribution can reduce your net monthly cost regardless of which insurer you pick.
Only add supplementary coverage you'll actually use. Dropping a package you never claim on saves more than switching to the cheapest basic plan.
Check your provider network before switching, not after. A cheaper policy is only a good deal if your preferred hospital, GP or specialist is still covered the way you expect.