The Dutch healthcare system is internationally recognized for its accessibility, quality, and innovative structure. At the heart of this system is a dual-level insurance model combining public mandates with private provision. Though often described as a universal system, it involves both statutory public insurance and private or international plans—each serving distinct roles but coexisting within a tightly regulated framework.
Core Similarities
At first glance, both public and private health insurance in the Netherlands share several characteristics. Most notably, both types are offered by private insurers, even though the basic statutory health insurance (public) is mandated and regulated by the government. This creates a competitive yet standardized environment where insurers must accept all applicants for basic coverage, regardless of age or health status.
Moreover, digital tools, wellness programs, and supplementary options are increasingly common across both public and private plans. Dutch residents can enhance their basic coverage by purchasing voluntary supplementary insurance, whether from their public insurer or through a private company, blurring the line between the two in terms of customer experience and add-on benefits.
Key Differences
1. Coverage Scope
Public health insurance, particularly under the Zorgverzekeringswet (Zvw), covers a comprehensive range of essential services: general practitioner (GP) visits, emergency and hospital care, maternity services, mental healthcare, and most prescription medications. This package is mandatory for all Dutch residents and long-term expats.
In contrast, private and international health insurance plans—often selected by expats or higher-income individuals—typically supplement or substitute basic coverage for specific needs. These may include worldwide coverage, access to private hospitals, dental and optical care, physiotherapy, or alternative medicine, and usually cater to international lifestyles and preferences.
2. Premiums and Costs
Public insurance premiums average €110–€159 per month, with a standard deductible (€385/year). The system is funded through a mix of individual contributions, employer payroll taxes, and government subsidies. Low-income individuals may receive a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) to offset costs.
Private plans, especially those from international providers like Bupa Global or Cigna, vary widely in cost depending on age, health, and coverage scope. While they offer flexibility and broader access, they are not subsidized and tend to be significantly more expensive—making them attractive primarily to expats or globally mobile professionals.
3. Legal Requirements and Eligibility
Only Dutch-registered insurers can provide the mandatory basisverzekering. International or private plans like those from Allianz Care or AXA are not substitutes for Dutch public insurance unless the policyholder qualifies for an exemption (e.g., posted workers, short-term residents). Every resident is legally obligated to maintain Dutch statutory insurance, with international coverage being secondary or temporary.
Top Public Health Insurances in the Netherlands
The Netherlands operates under a universal healthcare system that requires all residents to have basic health insurance (basisverzekering) provided by private insurers but heavily regulated and standardized by the government. Although there is a competitive market of over 30 private insurers, they all must offer a standardized basic health insurance package. This means the concept of traditional “public health insurance” as in some other countries doesn’t quite apply here. However, there are a few non-profit insurers and cooperatives that function in the public interest and dominate the market. Below are the top health insurers in the Netherlands that provide the mandatory public healthcare coverage:
1. Zilveren Kruis (Part of Achmea Group)(Official website: https://www.zilverenkruis.nl)
Cost: Premiums average around €138–€145/month (2025 rates may vary).
Available Services/Coverage Features: Includes general practitioner care, hospital treatment, maternity care, prescription medications, and mental health services.
Open for All or Limited: Open to all residents.
Core Financial Features: Offers several deductible options (eigen risico), with a minimum of €385 and voluntary options to increase deductibles up to €885 for premium discounts.
Consumer Satisfaction Score: 7.6/10
Remarks: As one of the largest health insurers, Zilveren Kruis has wide hospital coverage and extra services like digital GP consultations and preventive programs.
2. VGZ(Official website: https://www.vgz.nl)
Cost: Monthly premiums range from €134–€142 depending on the chosen deductible.
Available Services/Coverage Features: Includes the government-mandated basic package—GP care, emergency care, hospital admissions, medications, and more.
Open for All or Limited: Available to all Dutch residents.
Core Financial Features: Non-profit cooperative model reinvests earnings into services and innovation. Flexible payment plans and online self-service tools.
Consumer Satisfaction Score: 7.8/10
Remarks: Strong digital platform and a focus on preventive care. Offers a variety of supplemental insurance packages.
3. CZ Groep(Official website: https://www.cz.nl)
Cost: Base premiums range from €135–€144/month.
Available Services/Coverage Features: Comprehensive coverage under the basic plan, including primary care, specialist care, and emergency medical services.
Open for All or Limited: Open to all residents.
Core Financial Features: Customer-friendly payment policies, with optional deductible increases for lower premiums.
Consumer Satisfaction Score: 7.9/10
Remarks: Highly rated for customer service and transparent policies. Offers extensive supplementary options and special plans for expats.
4. Menzis(Official website: https://www.menzis.nl)
Cost: Premiums usually range between €133–€140/month.
Available Services/Coverage Features: Covers all services under the Dutch basic health insurance system, including rehabilitation and mental health.
Open for All or Limited: Open to all legal residents.
Core Financial Features: Member-based cooperative with reinvestment in service quality and innovation.
Consumer Satisfaction Score: 7.5/10
Remarks: Offers discounts through collective schemes (e.g., employer-based) and an intuitive app for policy management.
5. DSW Zorgverzekeraar(Official website: https://www.dsw.nl)
Cost: Fixed monthly premium of approximately €147 (higher than average but with unique features).
Available Services/Coverage Features: Complete coverage of the mandatory basic health insurance package.
Open for All or Limited: Open to all, but especially popular in the Rotterdam-The Hague region.
Core Financial Features: Does not use contracted care restrictions, offering freedom to choose providers. Offers minimal bureaucracy and straightforward communication.
Consumer Satisfaction Score: 8.1/10
Remarks: Highly praised for transparency and customer focus. Refunds surplus profits to policyholders when possible.
Top Private Health Insurances in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, all basic health insurance is provided by private health insurance companies under strict government regulation. However, when referring to private health insurance in the Dutch context, it usually means supplementary or additional insurance (aanvullende verzekering) that individuals can purchase on top of the mandatory basic coverage. These private policies cover services not included in the standard package, such as dental care for adults, alternative therapies, physiotherapy, travel vaccinations, and extended mental health services. Below are five leading providers of supplementary private health insurance in the Netherlands:
1. ONVZ(Official website: https://www.onvz.nl)
Cost: Supplementary insurance starts from around €13/month and can go up to €75/month depending on coverage level.
Available Services/Coverage Features: Includes extensive physiotherapy, dental care, alternative medicine, global medical assistance, and additional mental healthcare.
Open for All or Limited: Open to all but subject to medical underwriting for certain higher-level plans.
Core Financial Features: Independent non-profit; offers high reimbursements and wide provider choice. Customizable packages and generous coverage limits.
Consumer Satisfaction Score: 8.3/10
Remarks: Known for exceptional flexibility and premium service, ideal for expats and those wanting comprehensive private add-ons.
2. Zorg en Zekerheid(Official website: https://www.zorgenzekerheid.nl)
Cost: Supplementary plans start around €11/month; comprehensive packages can cost €60/month or more.
Available Services/Coverage Features: Offers a broad range including dental, physiotherapy, glasses/contact lenses, and alternative care.
Open for All or Limited: Open to all; acceptance policies vary depending on coverage level.
Core Financial Features: Local cooperative insurer with strong regional focus and solid reimbursement policies.
Consumer Satisfaction Score: 8.0/10
Remarks: Offers affordable add-ons with great value, especially for families and older adults. Particularly strong in the Leiden and surrounding areas.
3. VvAA(Official website: https://www.vvaa.nl)
Cost: Supplementary insurance packages range from €18 to €80/month.
Available Services/Coverage Features: Tailored for medical professionals but open to others. Covers advanced physiotherapy, mental health, specialist consultations, dental care, and overseas care.
Open for All or Limited: Primarily targets healthcare professionals but general public can access some plans.
Core Financial Features: Operates as a cooperative; excess profits reinvested into quality improvements.
Consumer Satisfaction Score: 8.2/10
Remarks: Known for premium services and personal care management, with high satisfaction among professionals and retirees.
4. IZA (Part of VGZ Group)(Official website: https://www.iza.nl)
Cost: Supplementary packages typically start around €10–€55/month.
Available Services/Coverage Features: Focuses on public sector employees. Includes extras such as preventative programs, dental, and rehabilitation support.
Open for All or Limited: Primarily for government and public service employees.
Core Financial Features: Special pricing schemes for collective groups (e.g., civil servants).
Consumer Satisfaction Score: 7.9/10
Remarks: Strong institutional backing and ideal for government workers looking for bundled healthcare extras.
5. PMA (Partnership with Zilveren Kruis)(Official website: https://www.pma.nl)
Cost: Supplementary packages range from €12 to €70/month, with competitive group discounts.
Available Services/Coverage Features: Dental care, extensive physiotherapy, glasses, hearing aids, and alternative medicine.
Open for All or Limited: Typically offered through collective schemes (e.g., employers, unions) but often open to others.
Core Financial Features: Not a direct insurer but offers group-based insurance under Zilveren Kruis with significant discounts.
Consumer Satisfaction Score: 7.8/10
Remarks: Excellent for those eligible for group plans; provides value and dependable service backed by one of the largest insurers.
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