Navigating Dutch health insurance can be confusing, especially for newcomers. Terms like eigen risico, natura, combinatie, and basispolis often leave expats scratching their heads.
Currently, the six-week window for switching health insurers is open, but where should you start? While the system is meant to be straightforward, many people struggle with the variety of policies, premiums, and payment rules. Understanding whether you are getting the best deal—or just overpaying—can be tricky.
Much of the confusion comes from the jargon. You need to choose a zorgverzekeraar (health insurer) and a basispolis (basic policy), decide between a natura or combinatie policy, determine how much eigen risico (deductible) you can afford, and consider your desired level of keuzevrijheid (freedom of choice).
Health Insurance for Expats
“These are all choices you need to make when deciding which health insurer to go for,” says Janice Nurse, advisor at Glider Insurance, which specialises in helping expats navigate the Dutch system.
Glider Insurance simplifies the process by offering services in English. “You need to take out health insurance within four months of starting work in the Netherlands, so it’s crucial to understand what you’re signing up for,” Nurse explains.
One of the most common questions she hears is about the eigen risico—the standard €385 deductible that everyone pays toward medical treatment each year.
Reducing the Eigen Risico
“The eigen risico is confusing for many expats,” Nurse says. “It’s such an unfamiliar concept that we decided to offer a policy without the deductible.”
In the Netherlands, the deductible means patients pay the first €385 of treatment costs out of pocket each year. Glider Insurance policies cover these expenses, so clients only pay their monthly premium.
Simplified Billing
Glider Insurance offers an in-kind policy. Under this system, contracted hospitals and clinics send invoices directly to the insurer, who pays them. Clients only pay the monthly fee—€166.80 for the standard plan or €184.80 for the premium package, which includes dental care and physiotherapy.
This approach removes one of the common headaches for expats navigating the Dutch healthcare system.
Insurance for Children
New arrivals are often surprised by the cost of health insurance. “Many don’t realize that children are insured for free until age 18,” Nurse says. Parents should register their children with the insurer to ensure coverage.
Freedom to Choose Providers
Choosing which doctors, hospitals, and clinics to visit is another area of confusion. Maximum reimbursement usually requires visiting contracted providers. Visiting a non-contracted hospital could lead to unexpected bills.
Glider Insurance covers care at every public hospital in the Netherlands. With their in-kind policy, invoices are handled directly by the insurer, allowing clients to focus on treatment rather than payments.
“If you face a health issue in a foreign country, keeping your insurance simple and clear makes life a lot easier,” Nurse concludes.
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