Need to know
Why do you need healthcare insurance?
Everyone who lives and/or works in The Netherlands is obligated to have a health care insurance. The health insurance system in the Netherlands is based on the principle of social solidarity and is something we can actually be really proud of. Together, we all pay the overall cost of health care through the compulsory basic healthcare premium. Because of this communal payment healthcare services are and will remain good and accessible for everyone. The government arranged this in the ‘Zorgverzekeringswet’ (Healthcare insurance law). Children under the age of 18 are insured free of charge. People over 18 are required to obtain basic healthcare coverage and may choose to add supplementary coverage.
Types of insurances
The compulsary basic insurance
A basic insurance policy is compulsory for everyone over the age of 18 and covers the most common healthcare costs, such as the General Practitioner, pharmacy costs or hospital visits. The government decides on the cover provided by the standard insurance.
VGZ offers 3 different standard insurances. Just like all other insurers we are obliged to accept anyone who applies for the insurance, regardless of your age, current health situation or income.
Supplementary insurance
Not all health care is covered by the standard insurance. You can opt to take out additional insurance to cover dental care or physiotherapy.
Unlike the standard insurance, the supplementary insurance is not obliged. However, if you expect to use uncovered care like dental care, it is wise to opt for an additional insurance. VGZ offers a variety of supplementary insurances. The reimbursements differ per package.
Individually or collectively insured
You can be either individually or collectively insured. A collective health insurance is a policy for a group of people. For example, employees with the same employer, member organisations, self-employed people or municipalities. Because we make agreements that apply to large groups, we can offer advantages. Such as the group discount on your supplementary insurance, more generous imbursements and exclusive access to health services.
Mandatory excess
Everyone has a compulsory excess. The height of this excess is determined by our government and the minimum is the same for everyone. In 2023 the mandatory excess is €385. This means that you pay for health care costs from the standard insurance yourself, up to an amount of € 385. You can, however, choose to raise your excess to a maximum. The higher amount you choose, the lower your premium will be. There are costs to which the mandatory excess does not apply.How premiums are calculated
Your old policy
We'll cancel your old basic insurance for you. If you also had supplementary insurance, we'll also cancel that for you. Unless you've indicated that you don't want that, of course.
Your new policy
Would you rather have another healthcare insurance?
After your insurance has come into effect, you have 14 days to change your mind. Within that period, you can still cancel your healthcare insurance.
We may occasionally not be allowed to accept customers
Sometimes we aren't allowed to accept someone as a customer. For example, in case of payment arrears. Fortunately, this almost never happens. Is this however still the case? Then we'll contact you as soon as possible.
