Dutch basic dental insurance costs surge 73% as coverage drops
The cheapest supplementary dental insurance in the Netherlands has increased by 73 percent since 2016, while coverage for routine treatments has declined, according to research by comparison site Independer.
Full-coverage packages rose 32 percent over the same period, and dental treatment costs, including standard checkups, have increased 42 percent—for example, a routine checkup rose from 20 euros in 2016 to over 28 euros in 2026.
“Insurance premiums are rising, and people feel it in their wallets. We see more people choosing the cheapest package,” Bas Knopperts, healthcare insurance expert at Independer, told RTL. “Insurers respond by offering plans with restrictions. You pay the lowest premium in exchange for less coverage. Treatments like oral hygiene and X-rays are often no longer reimbursed, yet premiums for these packages are rising almost as fast. Ultimately, consumers pay more for less coverage.”
Low-cost plans increasingly limit reimbursements for treatments such as anesthesia or X-rays, while premiums continue to climb.
The Independent observes that individuals who visit the dentist solely for checkups might benefit more by covering the costs themselves. Those with significant dental issues may face costs exceeding the policy’s maximum reimbursement.
For example, a plan covering 75 percent up to 250 euros annually with a 120-euro yearly premium would reimburse roughly 142 euros for two cleanings costing 190 euros. Including the premium, total out-of-pocket costs would be 168 euros—a savings of only 22 euros.
Rising costs are reportedly prompting many residents of the Netherlands to postpone dental care. One in three has delayed an appointment due to expense, and among 18–29-year-olds, more than half have done so. Over 20 percent have not visited a dentist in more than two years.
The trend is also seen in other supplementary insurance, such as physiotherapy or glasses.
Premiums rise when fewer people take out insurance and more use care. Knopperts urges annual comparison of premiums and coverage to ensure value. “Look not just at the premium, but at what is actually reimbursed. This can save money without sacrificing health.”
