Dutch Health Insurance 2027: €400 Eigen Risico, Premiums and How to Switch

1. Who Needs Dutch Basic Health Insurance?

The Dutch basic health insurance policy is called basisverzekering. Most people who live or work in the Netherlands and are subject to the Dutch healthcare system must have it. The government determines the coverage included in the basic package, although insurers can offer different policies and service arrangements.

Supplementary insurance, known as aanvullende verzekering, is optional. It can cover certain care that is not fully covered by the basic package, such as adult dental treatment or additional physiotherapy, depending on the policy.

What about children?

Children under 18 must be registered for basic health insurance, but they do not pay a basic-policy premium and do not have an eigen risico. When a child turns 18, they need to arrange their own policy and the mandatory deductible applies to eligible care from that point.

Do all expats need Dutch insurance?

Not automatically. The rules depend on your work, residence and social security status. Employees working in the Netherlands will generally need Dutch basic insurance. Certain students, posted workers and people covered by another country’s social security arrangements may fall under different rules.

If you live in the Netherlands but do not work, the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) may need to determine whether you are insured under Dutch social security legislation. Do not assume that your residence permit or student status alone settles the question.

If you are unsure, check the official guidance or ask the SVB before relying on a foreign insurance policy.

2. Health Insurance Changes for 2027

The government announced its 2027 healthcare-budget expectations on Prinsjesdag, 15 September 2026. The announcement includes a higher mandatory deductible and an expected increase in the average monthly premium.

The €169 premium is an average expectation, not the price of every policy. Your actual monthly premium depends on the insurer, policy type, coverage choices and any voluntary deductible.

Insurers publish their 2027 premiums and policy conditions by 12 November 2026. You can compare the new terms then and decide whether your current plan still meets your needs.

Some earlier political announcements about the deductible differed from the latest government budget. For planning purposes, this guide follows the current 2026 Prinsjesdag healthcare announcement and the information published by insurers and government sources. Check for any subsequent official changes before the 2027 insurance year begins.

3. Eigen Risico: €385 in 2026, €400 in 2027

Eigen risico means the mandatory annual deductible. If you are 18 or older, you normally pay the first part of eligible healthcare costs covered by the basic insurance package yourself. The insurer pays the remaining eligible costs after the deductible has been used, subject to the policy and any other applicable charges.

The deductible is calculated per calendar year. It is not a fee that everyone automatically pays at the start of the year: you pay it when you receive healthcare to which the deductible applies.

The 2027 amount is €15 higher than the 2026 amount. The government says the deductible will move with inflation in 2027 after remaining at €385 since 2016.

Does everyone pay the full €400?

No. If you do not use healthcare that is subject to the deductible, you may pay none of it. If your eligible care costs less than the deductible, you generally pay the eligible amount yourself. If those costs exceed the deductible, your payments towards the deductible are capped at the mandatory amount, unless a voluntary deductible or other charges apply.

For example, ordinary care provided by a huisarts is exempt. Hospital specialist care and many diagnostic tests or prescription medicines covered by the basic package can be subject to the deductible.

Why does the deductible exist?

The government gives two main reasons for the deductible: it helps limit the cost of basic insurance premiums, and it makes people more aware of healthcare costs. Its effect can be different for different households. People who need eligible medical care every year may be more likely to use the full deductible, while people who need little such care may pay less out of pocket.

Official guidance: Government of the Netherlands — When do you pay the healthcare deductible?

4. How Much Will You Actually Pay?

The best way to understand eigen risico is to look at example costs. The calculations below assume you are at least 18, the care is covered by the basic insurance package, the costs are subject to the deductible, and you have not already used any deductible that year.

These examples do not include any separate personal contributions, non-covered care or voluntary deductible. Those costs can change the final amount you pay.

What if you have already paid part of your deductible?

Suppose you have already paid €200 towards your deductible in 2027. If another €300 in eligible healthcare costs is billed to the deductible, you would normally pay the remaining €200 of your €400 deductible. The insurer would then cover the remaining eligible costs under the policy, unless another charge applies.

Your insurer can explain how much of the deductible you have used and which claims are still being processed. If a bill is unclear, ask for an itemised explanation rather than assuming every amount is part of eigen risico.

Can I spread the payments?

Some insurers offer an arrangement to pay the deductible in instalments. The terms differ by insurer and policy. Ask your insurer whether instalments are available, whether they are based on estimated healthcare use and how unused advance payments are settled at the end of the year.

5. Which Healthcare Is Exempt from Eigen Risico?

The deductible does not apply to every type of care. Under the government’s guidance, the following examples of care from the basic package are exempt from the mandatory eigen risico:

• Huisarts care: ordinary consultations with your general practitioner, including care at the out-of-hours huisartsenpost.
• Maternity and obstetric care: qualifying midwifery and maternity care.
• Care for children under 18: children do not pay the mandatory deductible for care covered by the basic package.
• District nursing: qualifying wijkverpleging.
• Some chronic-care programmes: certain integrated care programmes for conditions such as type 2 diabetes, COPD and cardiovascular risk management.
• Other specific exemptions: certain follow-up care related to organ donation and qualifying combined lifestyle interventions.

This is not a complete list of every possible exception. The precise treatment, provider and reimbursement rules matter. Check the official package information or ask your insurer about the treatment you expect to receive.

Important: a huisarts referral can still lead to costs

The huisarts consultation itself does not normally count towards eigen risico. However, if the GP refers you for a blood test, X-ray, specialist consultation or hospital assessment, the subsequent service may be subject to the deductible.

This is why people sometimes receive a bill after a GP visit even though the GP appointment itself was exempt. The charge may be from a diagnostic laboratory or another healthcare provider rather than for the consultation with the huisarts.

For the official list of exemptions, see Rijksoverheid’s deductible guidance.

6. Eigen Risico vs. Eigen Bijdrage: What Is the Difference?

These two Dutch terms sound similar but are not the same.

For example, some medicines may be subject to a statutory personal contribution as well as the eigen risico. The government says the maximum statutory personal contribution for medicines remains €250 in 2027. This is separate from the €400 deductible.

Care that is not covered by your basic policy can also leave you paying the full bill. The eigen risico is not a universal annual cap on every healthcare-related expense.

If a bill contains both eigen risico and eigen bijdrage, ask your insurer to explain the calculation. You can also read the official explanation of the difference between eigen bijdrage and eigen risico.

7. Should You Choose a Higher Voluntary Deductible?

Some insurers let customers choose a higher voluntary deductible, known as vrijwillig eigen risico, in exchange for a discount on the monthly premium. Under the current scheme, voluntary increases are offered in steps of €100, up to €500.

A higher voluntary deductible may make sense for someone who expects little eligible healthcare use and can comfortably cover unexpected costs. It can be a poor choice if you expect hospital treatment, specialist care or regular medicine costs and do not have enough savings to cover the additional amount.

For context, the maximum voluntary increase of €500 combined with the €385 mandatory deductible in 2026 can bring the total deductible exposure to €885.

For 2027, the compulsory amount announced in the budget is €400. If your 2027 policy offers a €500 voluntary increase, the combined deductible would be €900 (€400 + €500). Confirm the available options and premium discount in your insurer’s 2027 policy conditions before deciding.

Questions to ask before choosing a voluntary deductible

• How much will I save on the monthly premium over the full year?
• Could I comfortably pay the additional deductible if I unexpectedly need care?
• Do I expect hospital care, diagnostic tests or medicines that count towards the deductible?
• Is the saving worth the extra financial risk for my household?

Do not choose a higher deductible solely because it offers the lowest monthly premium. Compare the potential annual saving with the amount you might have to pay if you need eligible care.

8. Zorgtoeslag: Help with Health Insurance Costs

Zorgtoeslag is a healthcare allowance administered through Belastingdienst/Toeslagen. It helps eligible residents with the cost of Dutch health insurance.

The amount you can receive depends on your income, household situation and assets. Not everyone qualifies, and a government estimate of the maximum allowance is not the same as the amount an individual will receive.

What is expected for 2027?

The government expects the maximum zorgtoeslag for a single person to rise to about €140 per month in 2027. This is intended to offset much of the expected increase in the average basic health insurance premium. Your actual allowance will depend on the official calculation and your circumstances.

New 2027 asset limits

On 15 October 2026, Belastingdienst/Toeslagen announced lower asset limits for healthcare allowance in 2027:

These limits concern assets, such as savings and investments, under the applicable rules. If your assets on 1 January 2027 exceed the relevant limit, you may not qualify for zorgtoeslag.

2026 eligibility figures are not the same as 2027 figures

For 2026, the maximum income thresholds are €40,857 for a person without a benefits partner and €51,142 for people with a benefits partner. These are 2026 figures; do not use them as the 2027 income thresholds.

The official 2027 income limits and individual benefit calculations should be checked through Belastingdienst/Toeslagen when the figures are available. You can apply for or manage zorgtoeslag through Mijn Toeslagen using DigiD.

For official details, read Belastingdienst’s announcement on the lower 2027 asset limits.

9. Choosing a Health Insurance Policy

The cheapest policy is not automatically the best policy for your needs. Compare the monthly premium, provider network, reimbursement rules and any restrictions that could affect the care you use.

Naturapolis

A naturapolis works with healthcare providers contracted by the insurer. Using a contracted provider generally gives you the policy’s standard reimbursement. If you use a non-contracted provider, the insurer may reimburse less, depending on the policy terms.

Budget or limited-network policy

Some policies may offer a lower premium but have a more restricted provider network, additional conditions or fewer options for non-contracted care. Check the exact 2027 terms rather than choosing based on the price alone.

Combinatiepolis

A combination policy blends elements of contracted care and reimbursement-based coverage. The actual rules depend on the insurer and the policy. Read the conditions carefully before assuming that a combination policy offers unrestricted choice.

Supplementary and collective insurance

Supplementary insurance can cover services that fall outside the basic package, such as certain adult dental treatment or physiotherapy. Insurers can set their own supplementary policy conditions, and some may apply waiting periods or limited acceptance requirements.

A collective policy offered through an employer or organisation is optional. Do not assume it is cheaper or offers better coverage automatically. Compare its total price and benefits with other available policies.

Basic insurers must accept applicants for the basic insurance policy under the statutory acceptance rules. Supplementary insurance is different and may have separate conditions.

10. Huisarts and Finding Healthcare

Once you have settled in the Netherlands, registering with a huisarts is an important practical step. Some practices have closed patient lists, so finding a GP can take time.

The consultation with a GP itself does not normally count towards eigen risico, but a referral can lead to other costs that do. Make sure you understand whether a charge relates to the GP visit or to another provider, such as a laboratory or hospital.

If you have difficulty registering with a GP, read our guide: How to Find a Huisarts in the Netherlands: Closed Lists and Registration.

Having a GP does not replace the requirement to hold Dutch basic health insurance if you are legally required to be insured.

11. New Arrivals: When Does Insurance Become Mandatory?

The rules for newcomers depend on their work, residence and social security status. The four-month period often discussed in Dutch insurance guidance does not mean every newcomer has exactly the same deadline in every situation.

If you work in the Netherlands: you will generally need to arrange Dutch basic insurance within four months of becoming subject to the Dutch insurance system.

If you live in the Netherlands but do not work: your insurance status may need to be assessed by the SVB. This is especially relevant for certain students or people who remain insured under another country’s social security system.

If you have recently arrived through an asylum procedure: specific arrangements apply during the asylum process and after relevant residence status changes. Follow the official instructions for your situation rather than assuming the standard employee rule applies in precisely the same way.

If you do not take out insurance when legally required, the CAK can become involved in enforcing the insurance requirement. For information about fines, enforcement or your insurance status, consult the current CAK, SVB and Rijksoverheid guidance.

For a wider checklist covering BSN, DigiD, banking, insurance and GP registration, see our Moving to the Netherlands: First 30 Days Checklist.

12. How to Compare and Switch Insurers for 2027

Insurers publish the next year’s premium and policy conditions by 12 November. You can then compare plans and decide whether to stay with your current insurer, change policy or switch provider.

What should you compare?

• Monthly premium: compare the annual cost, not just a promotional monthly price.
• Provider network: check whether your huisarts, hospital and preferred specialists are contracted.
• Deductible: compare the compulsory amount and any voluntary deductible you are considering.
• Supplementary coverage: check whether the added premium is worth the treatment reimbursement you expect to use.
• Policy conditions: look for reimbursement limits, authorisation requirements and any restrictions that matter to you.

You do not have to switch insurer. You can remain with your current provider or change to a different policy offered by that insurer, subject to its terms and deadlines.

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For the official switching rules, see Rijksoverheid — Switching health insurers.

13. Frequently Asked Questions

Is eigen risico €350 or €385 in 2026?

The mandatory deductible for 2026 is €385. A bill, remaining balance or amount charged for a particular treatment can be different from the annual statutory deductible.

Is the Dutch health insurance deductible going to be €400 in 2027?

The government’s 2027 budget says the mandatory deductible will rise from €385 to €400. Check the current government and insurer guidance for any subsequent updates before the 2027 insurance year begins.

Do I pay €400 automatically in 2027?

No. The deductible is applied to eligible basic-package healthcare costs. If you have no costs that count towards it, you may pay none of it. If your eligible costs are below €400, you generally pay those costs yourself; if they exceed the deductible, the insurer covers the remaining eligible amount under the policy, subject to other charges.

Does visiting a huisarts count towards eigen risico?

No, the huisarts consultation itself is normally exempt, including care at the out-of-hours huisartsenpost. However, a referral for blood tests, imaging or specialist care may lead to costs that do count towards the deductible.

What is the difference between eigen risico and eigen bijdrage?

Eigen risico is the annual deductible for eligible basic insurance costs. Eigen bijdrage is a separate personal contribution that applies to certain treatments, medicines or devices. An eigen bijdrage may be payable in addition to the deductible.

Can I pay the deductible in instalments?

Some insurers offer payment arrangements or instalments. Availability and conditions differ, so contact your insurer to ask what options apply to your policy.

Will the average health insurance premium be €169 per month in 2027?

The government expects the average basic premium to be around €169 per month. This is not a guaranteed price for an individual policy. Insurers publish their actual premiums by 12 November 2026.

Will everyone receive €140 in zorgtoeslag in 2027?

No. The government expects the maximum for a single person to be about €140 per month. Your actual entitlement depends on eligibility, income, household situation and assets. Check the official 2027 calculation when it becomes available.

What is the 2027 asset limit for zorgtoeslag?

Belastingdienst/Toeslagen announced limits of €119,122 for a person without a benefits partner and €158,748 for a person with a benefits partner, subject to the applicable rules. The relevant assets are assessed at the start of the year.

When must I switch my health insurance for 2027?

If you take out a new policy by 31 December 2026, the new insurer can usually cancel the old policy for you. If you cancel the old policy yourself by 31 December, you generally have until 1 February 2027 to arrange a new policy, backdated to 1 January.