How does the Health Insurance Act work?
The Health Insurance Act stipulates that everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands is entitled to a broad package of basic healthcare. The Act is determined by the Dutch government. Solidarity is the foundation of the Dutch healthcare system. This means that everyone is entitled to the same healthcare from the basic package, regardless of age or health. Everyone contributes to healthcare through premiums and taxes. We also share the same obligations.
The Health Insurance Act includes:
- That health insurers must ensure that there is sufficient basic care available for everyone.
- That everyone in the Netherlands is required to have basic insurance.
- That everyone can choose their own health insurer. Additionally, individuals can choose between different insurance policies. They can do so annually.
- That health insurers are obligated to accept everyone for basic insurance.
- That everyone in the Netherlands is entitled to the healthcare provided by basic insurance.
- That the premium for a specific policy is the same for everyone, without differences based on factors like age or health.
- That basic healthcare is organized by health insurers, healthcare providers, and the insured parties among themselves. The health insurer also has a duty of care, meaning that the healthcare that falls under basic insurance is available to everyone.
Each year, the government determines which healthcare is covered by basic insurance. This healthcare must meet certain requirements. The government also determines the mandatory excess. The basic package includes various types of healthcare. Always check which type of healthcare is covered by basic insurance.
Types of policies
Health insurers can offer different types of policies. We offer two types of policies: the in-kind policy and the combination policy. The combination policy is a mix of an in-kind policy and a restitution policy.
Supplementary insurance
Supplementary insurance is not mandatory, but many people opt for it. With supplementary insurance, you can cover costs for healthcare not included in basic insurance, such as (extra) physiotherapy, dental care over the age of 18, and glasses or contact lenses. Read more about the VGZ supplementary insurances.
What does insurance obligation mean?
Insurance obligation means that everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands is required to have basic insurance. This ensures that everyone is entitled to healthcare from the basic package. You can read more about which types of healthcare are included in the basic package online, on the VGZ basic insurance page. For most types of healthcare that are covered by basic insurance, you will need to pay a mandatory excess. Sometimes, a co-payment is required. This means some costs are out-of-pocket.
Insurance obligation for children
Children are also required to have basic insurance. Children are insured for free and automatically included on the policy of their parents or caregivers. They don’t pay for health insurance until they’re 18. After giving birth, you should register your child with a health insurer before they turn 4 months old. At VGZ, you can easily register your baby via My VGZ.