First health insurer announces price increase; Double gov’t estimates

Health insurer DSW will increase its health insurance premium by 6 euros to 118 euros per month next year, double the just above 3 euros increase the government estimated.

"The extra 3 euros is due to the fact that we were able to return 5 euros from our reserves last year to dampen the increase in premiums. This year that can only be 2 euros", DSW's new CEO Aad de Groot said to NOS.

The price increase is necessary due to higher healthcare costs, among other things. "We also expect wages to be increased in healthcare and half of that will be reflected in the higher premium", De Groot said.

DSW maintains its healthcare deductible at 375 euros, 10 euros less than the legally established amount of 385 euros. Former DSW CEO Chris Oomen introduced the lower deductible, calling it unfair that healthy consumers get a premium benefit by significantly increasing their deductible.

DSW is traditionally the first health insurer to announce its premiums for the coming year. The other health insurers will follow suit in the coming weeks. All premiums for 2020 must be known by November 12th.