Health Insurance Excess 2026 Netherlands

The short answer

The health insurance excess for 2026 is not yet known because the Dutch government sets this annually. In 2024, the mandatory excess (verplicht eigen risico) was €385 and this is often adjusted for inflation and healthcare costs. The Dutch Parliament (Tweede Kamer) usually determines the amount in October or November for the following year. You can find the current amount on the government website or from your health insurer. Note that alongside the mandatory excess, a voluntary higher excess is also possible.

What does Dutch law say?

The Health Insurance Act (Zorgverzekeringswet) regulates the health insurance excess in the Netherlands. This law stipulates that everyone from age 18 must have a mandatory health insurance excess. The Minister of Health annually sets the amount, with approval from the Dutch Parliament. The excess applies to all healthcare costs covered by basic insurance, except GP visits and some other exceptions.

What should you watch out for?

The excess applies per calendar year and resets on 1 January. Not all healthcare costs fall under the excess, such as GP visits and maternity care. You can also choose a voluntary higher excess in exchange for lower premiums. Healthcare received abroad also falls under your excess.

Practical example

Say you had surgery in January 2025 costing €500 and the excess was €385. You paid €385 yourself and the insurance covered €115. Later that year you visit a physiotherapist for €200. Since your excess was already used up, the insurance covers these costs fully. On 1 January 2026, your excess starts fresh again, regardless of how much you used the previous year.

What can you do?

To stay informed about the health insurance excess for 2026, you can take several steps.