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A toy ambulance with a similar color scheme as those used in the Netherlands
A toy ambulance with a similar color scheme as those used in the Netherlands - Credit: Unsplash / Zhen Hu - License: Unsplash

5 changes in your health insurance (and how to get the most out of your health care package in 2025!)

Now that 2024 is ending, you should ask yourself: is my health insurance still the best option for me? Some changes in healthcare policies and premiums have already been introduced, but we might have some tips and tricks to make sure you don’t pay too much for your health insurance. Spotted: trends in health insurance for 2025!

Comparing health insurance

As of November 13, all insurers are expected to have revealed their healthcare rates and premiums for 2025. This is the perfect moment to adjust your health insurance or to simply switch to a different provider. Not sure what you need in terms of healthcare? Time to google: “zorgverzekering vergelijken 2025” and compare easily and determine which health insurance package is right for you.

Before comparing, write down all expected treatments for next year. Perhaps you have some dental issues, there’s a big surgery coming up, or you might be planning to have a baby. Check beforehand whether or not you’re covered for these extra health expenses. Or what if you’re paying for additional health care you no longer need, such as alternative medicine or dentist care? Avoid unnecessary costs and adjust your health care package before 2025!

1. Your health insurance premium will increase

Disappointing but not surprising: the premium for basic insurance is expected to increase with a whopping 10 euros per month in 2025. According to insurance expert Mirjam Prins, the rise in health insurance costs is inevitable due to increasing healthcare expenses. ‘Our population is aging (vergrijzing), leading to a higher number of chronically ill individuals. Simply put: more people need more healthcare for a longer period of time’, Prins explains. ‘Additionally, healthcare wages are increasing, partly due to inflation and a significant shortage of health professionals.’

2. Your healthcare benefit will increase

Are you receiving a healthcare benefit (zorgtoeslag)? Then we have some excellent news for you! In 2025, the healthcare benefit is expected to increase along with the higher premium. This financial compensation only applies to low-income households. If you are single (alleenstaand) and make up to 38.000 euros annually, your healthcare benefit will most likely increase by 6.50 euros a month.

Low-income households earning up to 48,000 euros annually will receive an additional 13 euros monthly. Extra tip: expecting a raise? Please calculate your new yearly income to ensure you’re still eligible for the healthcare benefit.

3. Counseling prenatal screening

Are you expecting? Or are you not expecting yet but going through a (natural) family

planning phase? As of next year, the prenatal screening consultation will no longer be included in the basic healthcare package. During this consultation, parents-to-be learn all about prenatal screening.

This consultation is crucial for young parents, as they can decide whether or not they want to participate. Prenatal screening can help detect any pre-existing physical defects or disorders in your infant. It’s important to update your healthcare package to cover these consultation expenses.

4. Exploratory mental health interview

As of 2025, you will get a reimbursement for the exploratory interview (verkennend GGZ-gesprek) through your basic insurance. This reimbursement applies to people struggling with their mental health, combined with other issues, such as debt. During an exploratory interview, your general practitioner quickly assesses your mental health care needs. Hopefully, this will result in shorter waiting lists and faster, more appropriate care.

5. Recovery care post-COVID

Those suffering from post-COVID received reimbursement for paramedical recovery care until July 1, 2024. If treatment started before this date, there was a transitional arrangement for reimbursement until January 1, 2025. As of 2025, reimbursement for recovery care for post-COVID patients disappears completely from the basic healthcare package.

Fortunately, not all recovery care will disappear. You still get a reimbursement for individual paramedical care, such as speech therapy. You will also still receive reimbursement for COVID care directly carried out by your general practitioner or medical professional at the hospital.