Dutch health insurance is one of the first things you have to sort out when you move here, and one of the most confusing. And every November the whole country starts talking about switching. If you’re an expat, here’s what you need to know about health insurance for 2027, and how to choose.
Short answer: basic health insurance is compulsory. For 2027 the average premium is expected to rise to about €169 a month and the eigen risico to €400. Insurers publish their 2027 prices by 12 November, and you can switch until 31 December.
The basics
- It’s compulsory. If you live or work in the Netherlands, you generally need Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering). Once you’re registered, you have four months to arrange it, and the cover goes back to your registration date
- The basic package is the same everywhere. The government decides what’s covered, so every insurer’s basic policy covers the same care. What differs is the price, the service and which healthcare providers they have contracts with
- Your huisarts (GP) is free. GP visits don’t count towards your eigen risico
- Insurers must accept you for the basic package, whatever your health
What changes in 2027
According to the Consumentenbond:
- Premium: the average basic premium is expected to go up from about €157 to about €169 a month
- Eigen risico: the compulsory deductible goes up from €385 to €400 a year
- Zorgtoeslag: the maximum healthcare allowance goes up to about €140 a month for singles, to help with the higher premiums
These are part of the Prinsjesdag 2026 plans for 2027.
Key terms, explained
Eigen risico (deductible)
The first €400 (in 2027) of certain healthcare costs each year you pay yourself, for example hospital care or medication. GP visits are excluded. You can choose a voluntary extra deductible of up to €500 for a lower monthly premium. That only makes sense if you rarely need care and can pay a surprise bill.
Natura vs restitutie
A natura policy is usually cheaper, but you get full cover only at healthcare providers your insurer has a contract with. A restitutie policy costs more but gives you free choice of provider. There are also combination policies in between.
Aanvullende verzekering (extra insurance)
Optional extra cover for things the basic package doesn’t include. The big one: dental care for adults isn’t in the basic package. Physiotherapy, glasses and some alternative care also often need extra insurance. Only take what you’ll actually use.
Zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance)
An allowance from the Belastingdienst to help pay your premium if your income is below a certain level. Check whether you qualify, as many young people and single earners do.
How to choose a policy for 2027
- Wait for the new prices. Insurers announce their 2027 premiums by 12 November
- Compare on independent comparison sites like Independer or Zorgwijzer
- Check your providers. On a natura policy, make sure your hospital, physio or specialist is contracted
- Think about your year ahead. Expecting treatment? Keep a low deductible. Rarely see a doctor? A voluntary deductible may save money
- Don’t over-insure. Extra cover you never use is money thrown away
- Check your employer. Many employers have a collective discount with an insurer
How to switch
Switching is easy. Take out your new policy before the end of the year, and in most cases your new insurer cancels your old policy for you. The official deadline to cancel is 31 December 2026, and your new cover has to start by 31 January 2027.
FAQ
Is health insurance compulsory in the Netherlands?
Yes. If you live or work in the Netherlands, you generally need Dutch basic health insurance.
How much is health insurance in the Netherlands in 2027?
The average basic premium is expected to be about €169 a month. Actual prices are announced by 12 November 2026.
When can I switch health insurance?
Until 31 December 2026 for a new policy starting on 1 January 2027.
Is dental care covered?
Not for adults in the basic package. You need an aanvullende (extra) dental insurance.
I’m not an insurance advisor, and every situation is different. Sources: Consumentenbond, Zorgwijzer. Last checked: September 2026.
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