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Netherlands: Insurance and payment

In the Netherlands, most leukaemia treatment is paid for by compulsory basic insurance.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a glowing folder.
Figure 1.Policy — Netherlands: Insurance and payment

01Short answer

Hospital treatment, medicines and transplantation are mostly in the basic package. Each year the annual excess (eigen risico) is paid first; some services carry a personal contribution (eigen bijdrage). People on a low income may receive a government health-care allowance (zorgtoeslag). Supplementary insurance may cover part of costs such as travel or physiotherapy.

02Simple explanation

Basic package: core treatment.

Eigen risico: annual excess.

Zorgtoeslag: allowance.

03Scientific explanation

Rules: the government approves the content of the basic package every year.

Amounts: the exact excess is published each year on the government website.

04What happens in the body?

Your policy

Read the contracted hospitals and terms in your policy.

Balance

The excess is used up early in the year; plan your budget.

On a dark navy background, a scale under a shield.
Figure 2.Balance — Netherlands: Insurance and payment

Questions

When unsure, call your insurer.

On a dark navy background, a phone and notepad.
Figure 3.The call — Netherlands: Insurance and payment

05Keeping costs in hand

Four steps.

Policy — Read it.1PolicyRead it.
Excess — Know it.2ExcessKnow it.
Allowance — Check it.3AllowanceCheck it.
Receipts — Keep them.4ReceiptsKeep them.
ClarityCosts are known.
CalmNo surprises.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Your policyRead the contracted hospitals and terms in your policy.
BalanceThe excess is used up early in the year; plan your budget.
QuestionsWhen unsure, call your insurer.

07Key terms

Premie
Premium.
Eigen risico
Excess.
Eigen bijdrage
Personal contribution.
Zorgtoeslag
Health-care allowance.

08Key points

  • Read your policy.
  • Check the contract.
  • Check your allowance rights.
  • Keep receipts.
  • Review supplementary cover once a year.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I pay the excess in instalments?

Many insurers allow it; ask.

Is travel paid for?

In some cases yes; the terms are with your insurer.

Can I switch insurer?

Usually at the end of the year; the basic package is the same everywhere.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I pay the excess in instalments?

  2. Is travel paid for?

  3. Can I switch insurer?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Government of the Netherlands. Health insurance
  2. Government of the Netherlands. Standard health insurance
  3. Zorginstituut Nederland (National Health Care Institute). Official website
  4. CAK. Official website (in Dutch)
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI), SEER. Cancer Stat Facts: Leukemia
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer
  7. World Health Organization (WHO). Cancer — fact sheet
  8. Leukaemia Care (UK). Leukaemia Care — information and support
  9. FoodSafety.gov (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). People at Risk: Those with Weakened Immune Systems
  10. American Red Cross. Blood Types Explained – A, B, AB and O
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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