Navigating the Dutch healthcare system is often a balancing act between quality care and monthly budgeting. As we enter 2026, the landscape of Dutch health insurance (Zorgverzekering) has shifted. While average premiums have stabilized, the gap between the cheapest and most expensive plans has reached a record high.
Whether you are an expat just arriving or a long-term resident, understanding the Netherlands Health Insurance Premium Cost 2026 is essential to avoid overpaying for coverage you don’t use—or getting hit with unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
2026 Premium Cost Benchmarks
In 2026, the government and insurance companies want to keep things stable. For many years, prices went up a lot. Now, the average price does not change much. But the prices between different plans are farther apart than before.
- The average monthly premium is about €159.30. Most people pay just under €160 each month for the standard basic plan. This plan is called Basisverzekering. It is only 58 cents more than in 2025. This small increase is good news for everyone.
- If you want to pay less, look for the cheapest premium options. These start at around €142.40 per month. Companies like VinkVink Basis and Zorg Voordelig have these low prices. These plans are often Natura policies. In Natura plans, you must go to hospitals and clinics that have a contract with the insurance company. If you go somewhere else, you may pay part of the cost yourself.
- On the other side, the most expensive plans cost €185 or more each month. These are Restitutie policies, or Restitutiepolis. They let you choose any doctor or hospital you want with full freedom. You get 100% back for care. This freedom makes the price higher.
- The annual cost difference is now €511. This means the gap between the most expensive and cheapest basic plans is €511 for one year. This big difference makes it smart to compare plans at the end of the year. You can save a lot if you switch to a cheaper one.
- Many people think health insurance is the same everywhere. But the basic coverage is the same by law. The difference comes from how much freedom you get and how the company works. Always check what fits your life. If you do not go to the doctor often, a cheap Natura plan is good. If you want any hospital, pay more for Restitutie.
Deductibles & Out-of-Pocket Costs
The monthly premium is one cost. Another important thing is the deductible. In Dutch, it is called Eigen Risico or Own Risk. This is the amount you pay yourself before the insurance starts to pay.
- The mandatory excess is €385 in 2026. This is the required deductible. The government keeps it at €385 for the fourth year in a row. It does not go up. This helps people know what to expect.
- You can choose a voluntary deductible. You can add up to €500 more. So the total can go up to €885. If you take a higher deductible, your monthly premium goes down. You can save about €15 to €17.50 each month. For a year, this is more than €200 in savings. This is good if you are healthy and do not need much care. But if you get sick, you pay more at first.
- For some medicines, there is a medicine contribution cap. You pay up to €250 each year for certain prescription drugs. Even if the medicine costs €1,000, you pay only €250 at most (plus your deductible if it applies). This cap helps people with many medicines.
- GP visits do not count toward the deductible. Going to your General Practitioner (Huisarts) is free from the €385. You should always go to the doctor if you feel bad. Do not stay away because of money fear. But if the doctor does blood tests or sends you to a specialist, those costs go toward your deductible.
Other out-of-pocket costs can happen. For example, in Natura plans, non-contracted care may cost you 20-30% extra. Always read the rules of your plan.
Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag) 2026
The Dutch government helps people with low or middle income. They give money each month called Zorgtoeslag or healthcare allowance. This comes from the tax office, Belastingdienst.
- For a single person, you can get it if your yearly income is below €40,857. This is the maximum single income to qualify.
- For people with a partner who also gets the allowance, the limit is €51,142.
- The amount of benefit depends on your income. If your income is very low, you can get more than €130 per month. Sometimes it covers a big part of your premium. This makes insurance affordable for many people.
- You need to apply for Zorgtoeslag yourself. Check on the Belastingdienst website if you qualify. It is easy to do online. If your income changes, tell them so the amount stays right.
This help is very important. Many people with low pay get most of their premium back this way. Do not forget to check every year.
Policy Types & Coverage Varieties
The type of policy you choose changes the price and where you can get care.
- A Natura Policy (Contracted Care) is the most common and cheap one. The insurance company has contracts with certain doctors and hospitals. They pay the bill directly. If you go to a place without a contract, you may pay 20-30% yourself. This plan saves money if you are okay with limited choices.
- A Restitutie Policy (Free Choice) costs the most. You can go to any doctor or hospital in the country. You often pay first and get full money back later. This gives you full freedom. It is good if you want the best specialist anywhere.
- A Combination Policy is in the middle. It gives free choice for some things, like big hospitals. But for other care, like mental health or home nursing, you must use contracted places.
- You can also buy Supplementary Insurance (Aanvullende Verzekering). This is extra for things not in the basic plan. Examples are dental care, physiotherapy, or glasses. Important point: the deductible does not apply to supplementary care. If you have dental coverage, it starts from the first euro you spend.
Think about what you need. Do you go to the dentist a lot? Add dental. Do you play sports and need physio? Add that. Supplementary plans cost extra each month.
2026 Consumer Strategy Tip
Here is a good tip for 2026. Remember the “December 31” Rule. You must cancel your old policy by December 31, 2025. After you cancel, you have until January 31, 2026, to choose a new insurance company. The new coverage starts from January 1, 2026, even if you sign up later. If you do not use much healthcare, like no hospital visits, choose a high deductible of €885. This lowers your premium a lot. You can save enough money to pay for a trip home each year.
Compare plans every year in November and December. Use websites like Zorgwijzer or Independer. Look at price, but also at coverage and freedom. Would you like me to draft a “2026 Health Insurance Comparison Checklist” or a “Zorgtoeslag Calculator Guide” for your specific income level?
Disclaimer: This article is for information and learning only. Please check the real details on trusted sites like Rijksoverheid.nl or with your insurance company before you decide anything about money or health.