When you take out health insurance, you can choose from a variety of packages. It is a good idea to think about what kind of care you need. Then you can choose a package that fits your needs.
Basic insurance is mandatory if you live or work in the Netherlands - for children too.
The basic package is determined by the government. The contents of the basic package can change every year. The government also redefines the amount of the deductible each year.
The deductible does not apply to some types of care, such as general practitioner care or obstetric care. You do not have to pay an amount yourself for this care.
A health insurer is required to accept you for the basic package.
The cost of an insurance package is the same for everyone. So everyone with the same package with the same insurance company pays the same amount - it doesn't matter how old or healthy you are.
With supplementary insurance you are insured for (part of the) care that is not included in the basic package. For example, for extra costs of treatment at the dentist.
There are different packages, all of which are supplements to the basic insurance. The health insurer determines the conditions and reimbursements for each package.
Supplementary insurance is not mandatory. Choose the supplementary insurance that fits well with what you need.
A health insurance company may refuse you for supplementary insurance. For example, older people who need a lot of care. In practice, this happens very infrequently.
