Health insurance in the Netherlands | Types of insurances

Types of Health Insurance in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, health insurance has two building blocks: mandatory basic insurance and optional supplementary insurance. Basic insurance is the same at every insurer by law, so the real choice you make is how much supplementary coverage to add on top — for things like adult dental care, physiotherapy, or glasses. This guide walks you through what each type covers, what you pay, and how to decide what fits your situation. Want the full legal background on the Zvw and who must insure? See health insurance in the Netherlands.

Basic health insurance (basisverzekering)

Basic insurance is required by law for everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands, and it covers the same core care no matter which insurer you pick. That includes GP visits, hospital care and stays, prescription medication, primary mental health care, pregnancy and birth care, emergency care abroad (at Dutch rates), and medical and dental care for children under 18. Because every insurer must offer identical basic coverage, the real differences between insurers show up elsewhere: monthly premium, the hospitals and specialists they have contracts with, and customer service. In 2026, the average basic premium is roughly € 142 to € 185 per month, depending on the insurer and your chosen deductible.

The mandatory deductible (eigen risico)

Before your insurer reimburses most basic-package care, you pay the deductible yourself first. In 2026, this is € 385 per year, and it resets every January 1st. GP visits are the exception — they're always free, deductible or not. You can voluntarily raise your deductible in steps of € 100, up to € 885 total, in exchange for a lower monthly premium (typically around € 15-20 less per month for every € 100 you add). This only pays off if you rarely visit specialists or need much medication — raising it means you carry more financial risk if you do need care.

Supplementary health insurance (aanvullende verzekering)

Supplementary insurance is optional and covers what basic insurance doesn't: adult dental care, physiotherapy beyond the limited basic allowance, orthodontics, glasses and contact lenses, and alternative treatments. Unlike basic insurance, insurers don't have to accept every applicant for supplementary coverage, they can ask health questions or decline your application. Most insurers offer supplementary insurance in tiers, from a light package covering just a few extras to a comprehensive package bundling most of them. This is where the term "comprehensive plan" usually comes from in practice: not a separate legal category, but the top tier of supplementary coverage. Choosing a tier comes down to what care you actually expect to use, a comprehensive package only pays off if you'd otherwise pay more out of pocket than the extra premium costs.

Which hospitals and care providers can you choose?

Basic insurance coverage is identical across insurers, but not every insurer has a contract with every hospital or care provider. If your insurer doesn't have a contract with your preferred hospital, you may not get the full cost reimbursed. This matters especially if you already have a preferred GP, dentist, or specialist, check their contract status with any insurer you're considering before you switch.

How to choose between basic-only and adding supplementary cover

If you're generally healthy and only need standard care, basic insurance alone may be enough — you can always add supplementary cover later, though insurers can apply health questions at that point. If you already know you'll need dental work, physiotherapy, or glasses this year, it's usually cheaper to add supplementary cover from the start than to pay everything out of pocket. As an expat, also check whether your insurer offers English-language service and an English app or portal, this varies significantly between insurers and is worth confirming before you sign up. If your income is limited, you may also be eligible for a government contribution toward your premium. Read more about the healthcare allowance to see if you qualify.