Annual health insurance premiums shot up €465 in five years, a 32% increase
The annual cost of the mandatory basic health insurance package in the Netherlands has risen significantly in recent years, outpacing both inflation and the increase in government subsidies. Premiums jumped up in price by nearly 465 euro between 2020 and 2025, a 32.2 percent increase.
"This increase exceeds both inflation and the increase in the health insurance allowance, which amounted to 24.6 and 25.6 percent respectively in the same period," according to an analysis by Zorgwijzer, price comparison website.
The average resident in the Netherlands will pay about 1,905 euros for their basic health insurance in 2025, up from 1,440 euros in 2020. Premiums rose by 368 euros between 2022 and 2025 alone.
The rising costs are putting a strain on Dutch households, particularly those with lower incomes. While the maximum healthcare allowance has increased, it hasn't kept pace with premium hikes. The price comparison site noted that a family of two adults receiving the maximum allowance has seen their monthly healthcare costs rise by more than 26 euros compared to 2020.
The cheapest plans have also soared by about 40 percent. Insurance brand Zekur offered basic health insurance with a 385 euro deductible five years ago at a cost of 101.95 euros per month. That policy was the cheapest at the time, while Menzis sub-brand VinkVink is offering the cheapest for 2025. Their policy will cost 141.40 euros per month, an increase of almost 40 euros per month.
The price spike has also prompted more worried people to contact the comparison site asking for advice and help. "The rising health insurance premiums are forcing many Dutch people to look for ways to save," said Zorgwijzer health insurance expert Bart Koenraadt in a press release. Some popular options include increasing the deductible, which remains at 385 euros by default, and eliminating supplementary insurance, which has also shot up in price despite a reduction in coverage.
“In addition, more and more people are choosing to pay the annual premium in one go, which can lead to a discount of two to four percent,” Koenraadt said. Some people are now also choosing to insure their family members separately instead of on the same plan.
One bright spot for policyholders is that the mandatory deductible has remained unchanged at 385 euros since 2016, though that can be increased voluntarily by individuals who want to bring down their premiums. However, health economist Wim Groot expects the government's planned reduction in the deductible to be accompanied by further premium increases.
Dutch residents have until the end of the year to switch health insurance providers. New policies can also be obtained in January, but the previous year's coverage must first be canceled by the end of the year.
