More take higher health insurance deductibles, lower monthly cost

More people in the Netherlands in 2014 chose to pay lower monthly health insurance premiums, risking a higher own cost for medical care, than a year earlier. About 12 percent of policy-holders chose cheaper plans, broadcaster NOS reported.

The maximum deductible of 875 euros was also more popular in 2014. The number of people with the highest voluntary excess has increased steadily over the last few years. Approximately 300,000 subscribed for it in 2012. For the start of 2015, the figure rose to 1.1 million people.

Higher own risk is attractive for policy purchasers, because it implies a possibility of saving on the insurance premium.

More than 1.1 million people, or 6.8 percent of the country, switched insurance providers at the end of 2014.