Healthcare allowance

Healthcare allowance

Claire LangenhoffExpert Zorgverzekeringen

05-04-2018

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22-07-2026

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6 min leestijd

Wouter Heuvelink

Gecontroleerd door onze zorgexpert

Healthcare allowance (in Dutch: zorgtoeslag) is a monthly contribution from the Dutch government that helps you pay for your Dutch health insurance. In 2026, you can receive up to € 129 per month if you live alone, or up to € 246 per month together with a partner. Whether you qualify depends on your age, income, savings and residence status — not on which insurer you choose. On this page you can read exactly who is eligible, how much you can get and how to apply, including the special rules for expats and international students.

What is the healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag)?

The healthcare allowance is a government subsidy that lowers the cost of your mandatory Dutch health insurance. Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands must take out a Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering). That insurance is not cheap: in 2026, the average basic premium is around € 159 per month, which adds up to roughly € 1.900 per year. To keep this affordable for people with a lower income, the government pays part of that premium for you. The allowance is paid out monthly by the Dienst Toeslagen, the benefits department of the Dutch tax office (Belastingdienst). You receive the money in your own bank account, usually around the 20th of each month, and you use it towards your premium.

Good to know: the healthcare allowance does not depend on your insurer or the price of your policy. You can still save money by choosing a cheaper policy — the allowance stays the same. Curious what you could save? Compare health insurance in the Netherlands to see your options.

How much healthcare allowance can you get in 2026?

In 2026, the maximum healthcare allowance is € 129 per month for singles and € 246 per month for partners together. The exact amount depends on your income: the more you earn, the lower your allowance. If your income is close to the maximum limit, you may only receive a few euros per month.

• Single: € 129,- per month

• With a benefit partner: € 246,- per month

Your “benefit partner” (toeslagpartner) is usually your spouse, registered partner or the person you live with. If you have a benefit partner, your incomes are added together to calculate your allowance. You can calculate your exact amount with the official calculation tool of the Dutch tax office on belastingdienst.nl.

 Requirements: who qualifies for zorgtoeslag?

You qualify for healthcare allowance in 2026 if you meet all of these conditions:

• You are 18 years or older.

• You have a Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering).

• You have the nationality of an EU country, or a valid (temporary) residence permit or work permit.

• Your income is below the income limit (see below).

• Your assets, such as savings, are below the asset limit (see below). 

The insurance requirement is important for internationals: you can only get the allowance if you are legally required to have Dutch basic health insurance. You cannot take out a Dutch policy voluntarily just to receive the subsidy. Not sure which policy fits your situation? Read more about the types of health insurance in the Netherlands.

Income and asset limits 2026

Your gross yearly income in 2026 may not be higher than € 40.857 if you are single. Do you have a benefit partner? Then your combined gross income may not be higher than € 51.142 per year. On top of the income limit, there is an asset limit. Your assets — think of savings and investments — are measured on 1 January 2026. They may not be higher than:

• € 146.011 if you are single

• € 184.633 if you have a benefit partner

Are you above one of these limits? Then you are not entitled to healthcare allowance for 2026, even if your income is low. Your own home and your pension do not count as assets for this limit.

How to apply for healthcare allowance

You apply for healthcare allowance online via Mijn Toeslagen on the website of the Dutch tax office. You log in with your DigiD, the digital ID that everyone registered in the Netherlands can request. The application form is in Dutch, so ask a Dutch-speaking friend or colleague for help if you need it.

For the application you need:

• your DigiD

• your citizen service number (BSN)

• an estimate of your gross yearly income

• your Dutch bank account number (IBAN)

The allowance is not granted automatically — you always have to apply yourself. Once your application is approved, the allowance is paid monthly in advance. You can also apply for previous months in the same year, and even for a past year: you can still apply for healthcare allowance over 2025 until 31 December 2026.

Healthcare allowance for international students and expats

Whether you qualify as an international depends on whether you must have Dutch health insurance. Are you in the Netherlands only to study? Then you are usually not required to take out Dutch basic health insurance, and you also cannot receive healthcare allowance. Your foreign or private student insurance is enough in that case. This changes as soon as you start working. Do you have a part-time job or a paid internship next to your studies? Even a small or zero-hour contract counts. Then you are required to take out Dutch basic health insurance — and from that moment you can also apply for healthcare allowance. With a typical student income, you will often receive the maximum of € 129 per month, which covers a large part of your premium.

Do you work in the Netherlands as an expat or knowledge migrant? Then you are required to have Dutch health insurance and you can apply for the allowance, as long as your income and assets stay below the limits. Read more about health insurance for international students.

What if your income changes during the year?

Report any income change to the Dienst Toeslagen via Mijn Toeslagen as soon as possible. Your allowance is based on an estimate of your yearly income. After the year has ended, the tax office checks your real income. Did you earn more than estimated? Then you have to pay back part of the allowance. Did you earn less? Then you receive an extra payment. Paying money back is never fun, so it is smart to keep your estimate up to date. A new job, a raise, more working hours or moving in with a partner can all change your allowance. Updating your details online only takes a few minutes and prevents surprises afterwards.