Don’t Leave Money on the Table: The Expat Guide to Dutch Health Insurance Refunds

The Netherlands – It is often said that only two things in life are certain: death and taxes. In the Netherlands, you can add a third: high health insurance premiums. However, what many expats don’t realize is that thousands of Euros in refunds and subsidies go unclaimed every single year because people simply forget—or don’t know how—to ask for them.

As we enter February 2026, the clock is ticking. For many types of additional insurance (Aanvullende verzekering) and the government healthcare allowance (Zorgtoeslag), deadlines for previous years are approaching fast. If you haven’t checked your insurance portal lately, you might be sitting on a “hidden” savings account.

In this comprehensive TDD guide, we break down exactly how to find your forgotten money, how to claim for that dental check-up from six months ago, and why your “Eigen Risico” might not be as scary as it looks.

Table of Contents

• Zorgtoeslag: The €1,500 Gift You Might Be Missing
• Additional Insurance: Physio, Dental, and Glasses
• Eigen Risico vs. Eigen Bijdrage: Know the Difference
• Step-by-Step: How to Submit a Claim in 5 Minutes
• The Deadlines You Cannot Ignore
• Hidden Bonus: Healthcare as a Tax Deduction
• Dutch Learning Corner

Zorgtoeslag: The €1,500 Gift You Might Be Missing

The Zorgtoeslag is a monthly contribution from the Dutch government to help lower-income and middle-income residents pay for their mandatory health insurance. In 2026, with the rising cost of living, the income thresholds have been adjusted.

The Mistake: Many expats think, “I have a good job, I won’t qualify.” However, if you only worked part of the year (e.g., you moved to NL in July), your total annual income might be low enough to qualify for a partial refund for the months you were here. This can add up to over €1,000 retrospectively!

Additional Insurance: Physio, Dental, and Glasses

The “Basisverzekering” (Basic Package) is the same for everyone, but the “Aanvullende Verzekering” (Additional Package) is where the money is hidden.

• Physiotherapy: Most expats have 6 to 9 sessions covered. If you paid out of pocket, you can still claim it.
• Dental (Tandarts): Did you have a cleaning or a filling last year? Check if your package covers 75% or 100%.
• Alternative Medicine: Many Dutch insurers cover acupuncture or chiropractic sessions under specific packages.

Eigen Risico vs. Eigen Bijdrage: Know the Difference

This is where it gets confusing. The Eigen Risico (Deductible) for 2026 remains at €385. You pay the first €385 of most hospital or specialist care yourself.

However, Eigen Bijdrage is a fixed personal contribution for specific things like certain medicines or maternity care. Pro Tip: General Practitioner (GP/Huisarts) visits are ALWAYS free and never count toward your Eigen Risico. Don’t be afraid to call your doctor!

Step-by-Step: How to Submit a Claim in 5 Minutes

Gone are the days of mailing paper receipts. In 2026, every major insurer (Zilveren Kruis, VGZ, CZ, Menzis) has an app.

1. Log in: Use your DigiD.
2. Photograph: Take a clear photo of your invoice (rekening).
3. Upload: Select “Declare” (Declareren).
4. Wait: Most refunds are processed and paid into your bank account within 3 to 5 business days.

The Deadlines You Cannot Ignore

*Note: Most insurers allow you to claim up to 3 years back, but it is best to do it annually to avoid losing receipts.

Hidden Bonus: Healthcare as a Tax Deduction

If you have chronic medical conditions or high costs that were not covered by insurance, you can often deduct these from your income tax in your annual “Belastingaangifte” (Tax Return). This includes travel costs to the hospital and even special dietary requirements prescribed by a doctor.

Dutch Learning Corner