Everything you need to know about health insurance in the Netherlands in 2026
2026 brings important updates to health insurance in the Netherlands. Premiums have increased again, zorgtoeslag amounts have been adjusted, and the eigen risico remains at €385. Below you’ll find the key figures and what they mean for your wallet.
2026 at a glance
| Key figure | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Average monthly premium | ~€170 – €185/month |
| Cheapest option (budget policy) | from ~€130/month |
| Mandatory deductible (eigen risico) | €385/year |
| Maximum zorgtoeslag (single) | €129/month |
| Switching window | 12 Nov – 31 Dec 2025 |
| New policy start date | 1 January 2026 |
1. Increase in insurance premiums
The most noticeable change for 2026 is the increase in the basic premium. The average monthly cost is now €170–€185, up from around €158 in 2025. Budget policies start from around €130/month. The increase reflects higher healthcare system costs, including:
- Higher salaries for healthcare personnel.
- Ongoing inflation across the healthcare sector.
- An ageing population, which increases demand for complex medical services.
Tip: Differences between insurers can be over €400 per year. Comparing before the deadline (31 December) is one of the easiest ways to reduce your fixed costs. Sites like independer.nl let you compare all providers in minutes.
2. Zorgtoeslag 2026: government subsidy for your premium
If your income is below the threshold, you are entitled to the zorgtoeslag — a monthly government contribution toward your health insurance premium. In 2026:
- Maximum for singles: €129/month
- Income limit (single): ~€40,857/year gross
- Income limit (couple): ~€51,000/year combined
Apply through Mijn Toeslagen with your DigiD. If you already received it in 2025, it renews automatically — but check that the amount is correct if your income has changed.
3. The mandatory deductible (eigen risico) stays at €385
The mandatory deductible remains at €385 for 2026, the same as in 2024 and 2025. This means you pay the first €385 of your annual medical costs directly — your insurer covers the rest.
Note: visits to your GP (huisarts), maternity care and certain vaccinations do not count toward the eigen risico — they are free regardless.
You can optionally increase your deductible by up to €500 (maximum €885 total) in exchange for a lower monthly premium — saving around €5–€25/month depending on the amount chosen. This only makes sense if you are young, healthy and rarely use the healthcare system.
If you want to know more about how the eigen risico works in detail, read: The Dutch Health Insurance Eigen Risico 2026.
4. More transparency in contracts with healthcare providers
A recurring issue in previous years was the lack of clarity about which hospitals and physicians are covered by each insurer. Regulations from the Netherlands Health Authority (NZa) require insurers to make this information available before the end of the enrollment period, so you can make an informed choice before switching.
Why it matters: Knowing which hospitals or clinics are in your insurer’s network helps you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs. If you have a preferred doctor or specialist, verify they are included in your policy’s network before switching.
5. Key dates for health insurance in 2026
If you plan to switch insurers, keep these dates in mind:
- 12 November – 31 December 2025: The annual switching window. Take out your new policy by 31 December and the switch is automatic — you do not need to cancel your current policy yourself.
- 31 January 2026: Last day to take out insurance retroactive to 1 January 2026.
If you do nothing, your current insurer renews your policy automatically — which may mean paying more than necessary if premiums have increased.
6. Why are healthcare costs increasing?
- Rising costs in the healthcare sector. Medical advances and an ageing population increase demand for complex and costly services.
- Wage adjustments and inflation. Healthcare professionals receive higher salaries, increasing operating costs.
- Population ageing. An older population requires more medical care, putting pressure on the system.
How to optimise your health insurance in 2026
- Compare your options. Price differences between insurers can exceed €400/year. Use independer.nl to compare all providers.
- Assess your actual needs. If you rarely use medical services, a budget policy may be enough. If you need frequent treatments, a restitutie or combinatie policy gives you more flexibility.
- Check the provider network. Make sure your preferred doctors or clinics are included in your insurer’s network before switching.
- Claim your zorgtoeslag. If you qualify, apply through Mijn Toeslagen — up to €129/month that goes directly toward your premium.
2026 is another year of rising costs for health insurance in the Netherlands. The good news: comparing insurers, claiming your zorgtoeslag and choosing the right policy type can save you hundreds of euros annually. Stay informed and switch if it makes sense — the process takes less than 10 minutes.
