Compare health insurances

Compare health insurance in the Netherlands: find the best policy for you

Claire LangenhoffExpert Zorgverzekeringen

13-04-2018

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23-07-2026

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4 min leestijd

Wouter Heuvelink

Gecontroleerd door onze zorgexpert

Comparing health insurance in the Netherlands pays off more than most newcomers expect: every insurer must offer exactly the same basic coverage (basisverzekering) by law, but premiums range from about € 142 to € 185 per month in 2026. That is a difference of over € 500 per year for the same core coverage. The real differences are in the price, the supplementary packages, the contracted hospitals and the service — including whether an insurer helps you in English. On this page you can read what to compare, how the deductible affects your premium and when you are allowed to switch.

Why compare health insurance if the basic coverage is the same?

Because you only choose the price and the extras — the government decides what is in the basic insurance, not the insurer. Essential care such as your general practitioner (GP), hospital care and most medicines is covered by every basisverzekering. Since the coverage is identical, paying more for it only makes sense if you get something in return, such as better service or free choice of hospital. Many people are also over-insured: their supplementary packages cover more care than they actually use, so they pay too much premium every month. Comparing is therefore not only about finding a low premium, but also about matching the coverage to the care you really expect to need.

What should you compare? The five things that matter

1. Premium. In 2026, basic insurance premiums range from about € 142 to € 185 per month. The average is around € 159.

2. Deductible (eigen risico). The mandatory deductible is € 385 per year (2026): the first € 385 of most care costs you pay yourself. You can raise it voluntarily to € 885 in exchange for a premium discount — smart if you rarely need care, risky if you don’t have that buffer.

3. Policy type and contracted care. Budget policies only fully cover care from contracted providers; with other policies you can go to (almost) any hospital. Check whether your hospital and pharmacy are contracted before you choose.

4. Supplementary packages. Dental care, physiotherapy and glasses are not in the basic insurance. Only add a supplementary or dental package if you expect to use it — compare what it pays out against the yearly premium.

5. Service. Response times, the app, and language: not every insurer offers English-speaking customer service or an English website. If that matters to you, check it before you apply.

How the deductible affects your premium

The deductible and the premium are communicating vessels: a higher deductible means a lower premium. With the maximum voluntary deductible of € 885 (€ 385 mandatory plus € 500 voluntary), the discount can add up to a few hundred euros per year. The trade-off is simple: expect little care and have savings to cover a setback? A higher deductible usually pays off. Do you use care regularly or prefer certainty? Stick with € 385. Note that GP visits never count towards the deductible, and children under 18 don’t have one at all.

When can you switch health insurance?

Once a year, during the switching season. Cancel your current policy by 31 December and choose a new insurer before 1 February; your new policy then starts retroactively on 1 January. You cannot be refused: insurers must accept everyone for the basic insurance, regardless of age or health. Last season, 6,4% of Dutch residents switched insurer.
Just arrived in the Netherlands? Then you don’t have to wait for January: you take out insurance when your obligation starts, for example when you start working.  

Lower your costs: check the healthcare allowance

Comparing is one way to save; the healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) is the other. This monthly government contribution is worth up to € 129 for singles and € 246 for partners in 2026, depending on your income. It doesn’t matter which insurer you choose, the allowance stays the same, so a cheaper policy is pure profit. Read how it works on our page about the healthcare allowance.

How comparing on ZorgKiezer.nl works

ZorgKiezer.nl has been the largest independent comparison website for Dutch health insurance since 2005, with over 1.000.000 people comparing every year. You fill in your preferences, expected care, deductible, supplementary wishes, and the comparator shows the cheapest insurance that matches, across all insurers rather than a selection. You always pay the same premium as at the insurer directly, or less.

Not sure what coverage you need? Think about the care you used in the past years, or call our customer service at 020-2611600. See our overview of the types of health insurance in the Netherlands for what the basic and supplementary insurance cover, and the application process for how to apply.