How do I determine what is covered? – Even policies from the same insurance provider cover various doctors, clinics, prescription drugs, and other services. Typically, this is because there are several plan kinds to pick from. Some members are startled to hear that their plan includes services such as visits to the chiropractor and breast-feeding pumps.
Before scheduling an appointment, confirm that the desired care is covered by your insurance and the amount you’ll be required to pay. Here are four sources of information: Your Benefits and Coverage Summary: Sign in to your insurance company’s online account and seek for a link to your plan’s Summary of Benefits and Coverage, sometimes known as an SBC.
This is a standard document that is required for all plans. It displays the services included under the plan and the associated costs (see an example SBC). HealthPartners participants: Your My plan tab provides a summary of this information. Register now.
Your physician search engine: Sign into your online account and seek for a link to your plan’s network, provider directory, or doctor search tool. Each plan’s coverage of physicians, specialists, and clinics is referred to as the plan’s network. Verify that the physician you wish to see is covered. Members of HealthPartners: Click here to view the doctors covered by your plan.
Your list of insured medications: Look for a link to your plan’s recommended medicine list under your online account. Every plan has a list of covered medicines. Check the list to ensure that the necessary medications are included. Some plans additionally provide a calculator to assist you in locating the lowest rates for prescriptions from certain pharmacies or in varying volumes. Sometimes you might save money by purchasing fewer tablets of a larger dosage and splitting them yourself. Always consult your physician on this choice and the proper technique to carry it out. Contact a member services representative through phone or e-mail: There is no such thing as an inane inquiry.
How does health insurance in the Netherlands operate?
Unlike many other European systems, the Dutch government is responsible for the accessibility and quality of the healthcare system in the Netherlands, but not its administration. The Dutch health insurance system combines private health plans with social conditions based on the guiding values of solidarity, efficiency, and patient value.
The Dutch healthcare system is financed by taxes: required health insurance costs and income taxation (pre-specified tax credits). Long-term visitors to the Netherlands are required to have health insurance tailored to cover the expense of medical care. Even if they are covered for healthcare in their home country, all expats are required to get Dutch health insurance (for exceptions see our other health insurances page).
You are subject to Dutch social security regulations and must purchase a basic health insurance (basisverzekering) package within four months of acquiring your residence permit (or enrolling with the Dutch municipal hall for EU/EEA citizens).
Who is eligible for Dutch health coverage?
Conditions for the healthcare benefit – The following conditions apply to you and any potential benefit partner: You are 18 years of age or older and you have compulsory Dutch healthcare insurance. Healthcare insurance is necessary if you work in the Netherlands or undertake a paid internship here.
If you’re registered with the CAK, you’re also entitled for healthcare benefits. If your spouse has no Dutch healthcare insurance, just you will be eligible to the healthcare benefit. Students are ineligible for the benefit if they have only an optional student insurance. Your combined income and assets are not excessive.
You are a citizen of the European Union, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, or Switzerland. Are you from a different nation? If so, you need a valid work or residency permit.
Costs of healthcare in the Netherlands – Healthcare spending in the Netherlands is substantial. In 2016, the Dutch spent 10.3% of their GDP on healthcare, ranking eighth among EU/EFTA nations. In addition, they are one of just ten EU/EFTA countries that spends more than €4,000 per capita on health care.
- Public healthcare is financed through monthly health insurance premiums paid to insurance companies (beginning at around €100 per month, but varying from insurer to insurer).
- In addition, your employer may contribute a portion of your salary towards health insurance, depending on the firm and your contract.
Self-employed individuals are responsible for making their own contributions at a somewhat reduced rate. In addition, insurance policies contain a “excess,” which is the amount you must pay each year for treatment before you can file a claim. Currently, this is fixed at €385 per year.
You do not pay an extra for GP services, obstetric care, or postnatal care; they are absolutely free. Your Dutch health insurance coverage enables you to free medical care, including normal prescriptions, in the Netherlands. Some treatments, such as dentistry and physiotherapy, are not covered by public health insurance.
However, a private insurance coverage is required.
Can I survive without health insurance in the Netherlands?
Purchasing health insurance after four months – If you get health insurance after four months, you will not be covered retrospectively. You will only pay premiums beginning on the date you obtain health insurance coverage. You will not be required to pay any retroactive premiums.
- However, you will not be compensated for any medical care you obtained between your arrival and the day you purchased insurance.
- Note: If you have already registered with a municipality but have not yet obtained health insurance, the central office for special medical insurance will send you a letter (CAK).
The CAK verifies that all Dutch citizens have health insurance. If you wait too long to obtain health insurance, you may be subject to a fine.
Whether or whether you are eligible for these benefits depends on your income and assets, including any real estate you own. Social security contributions are regularly withdrawn from your paycheck. Total employee contributions are around 27.65%. This includes 17,9% contributions to the Dutch pension fund, 9.65% contributions to the long-term care fund, and 0.1% contributions to survivor benefits. 
Can I obtain Dutch medical coverage without a BSN?
To apply, you must have a BSN number and, if your nationality is not from the EU, a valid residency permit. You may submit an application for temporary health insurance until you get a BSN and, if necessary, a residency permit. Within four months after relocating to the Netherlands, insurance coverage must be procured.
- The coverage will be retroactive to the expiration date of the residence card (for non-EU nationals) or the date of registration with the local municipality (for EU citizens) (EU citizens).
- Numerous individuals are protected under their employer’s plan.
- In this instance, their HR manager provides guidance on the proper method.
Individuals who require health insurance must contact an insurance carrier. Individuals may be excused from this obligation under certain specified situations (see here). To see if you are exempt, please visit this SVB webpage. If you are an international student or an expatriate employee, go here for further information.