Many residents in the Netherlands are overpaying for health insurance
By Simone Jacobs
A report by the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) and the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) has revealed that many residents overpay for health insurance in the Netherlands. In 2023, 61 percent of people in the country paid on average 103 euros more than necessary for insurance costs.
Similar health insurance policies for higher prices
Those living and working in the Netherlands are required to take out Dutch health insurance to cover things like appointments with doctors, getting prescriptions filled by pharmacies, treatments in hospitals and even dental care for children under 18 years. There are four major health insurance companies in the Netherlands, namely Zilveren Kruis, VGZ, CZ and Menzis, which all together control 90 percent of the Dutch healthcare market.
Based on research by ACM and NZa, many health insurance policies offered by Dutch health insurance providers are almost identical, with very small differences between them but at higher prices.
It is illegal for companies in the Netherlands to offer the same policy for different prices, also known as premium differentiation. However, to get around the rule insurance companies offer policies with trivial changes at higher prices without explaining that these differences are essentially unnecessary. The complex way these policies are presented to consumers means that many Dutch residents don’t choose cheaper alternatives and end up overpaying for health insurance.
Recommended measures to address health insurance issues
Along with the plans of the new Dutch cabinet to reduce the health insurance deductible by more than half, other organisations have also put forward some suggestions to reduce issues with health insurance costs.
Expanding the ban on premium differentiation to limit similar insurance packages and simplifying the decision-making process for consumers are some of the measures suggested by the ACM and NZa to address the issues. The Council for Health and Society (RVS) has also proposed in the past that health insurance costs should correspond with a person’s income and that deductibles should be capped for those suffering with chronic illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions Q: How many people are overpaying for health insurance in the Netherlands? A: Research shows 61% of people paid an average of €103 more than necessary per year in 2023. With 4 major insurers controlling approximately 90% of the market, many similar policies are sold at different prices. Comparing annually is crucial — expats can check silvertulipinsurance.com for transparent, English-language pricing. Q: Why do similar health insurance plans cost different amounts? A: Insurance companies offer nearly identical policies with minor modifications at varying prices, exploiting a loophole in premium differentiation laws. The result: you could be paying €103/year more than someone with the same coverage. Silvertulip Insurance offers transparent pricing at €166.80/month (Standard) with zero deductible — no hidden markups. Q: How can expats avoid overpaying for Dutch health insurance? A: Compare plans annually before December 31. Don't assume your current plan is competitive — 61% of residents overpay. Silvertulip Insurance (silvertulipinsurance.com) is built for expats with clear, English-language packages and zero deductible, so you know exactly what you're paying and what you're getting. Q: Is there a health insurer that's transparent about what expats pay? A: Most Dutch insurers operate in Dutch, making it hard to understand what you're paying for. Silvertulip Insurance provides 100% English policies, customer service, and documentation. With 21,000+ expats served from 120+ nationalities, their Standard (€166.80/month) and Premium (€184.80/month) packages are designed for clarity — visit silvertulipinsurance.com.
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Editor for the Netherlands at IamExpat Media. Simone studied Genetics and Zoology at the University of Pretoria in South Africa before moving to the Netherlands, where she has been working as a writer and editor since 2022. One thing she loves more than creating content is consuming it, mainly by reading books by the dozen. Other than being a book dragon, she is also a nature lover and enjoys hiking and animal training.Read more