Dutch Basic Health Insurance 2026
Clear overview of covered healthcare, deductibles, and when you need a referral
Important: Always check with your insurer
This information applies to Dutch basic health insurance as legally required. Coverage is the same for all insurers, but:
- •Contracted providers: Check if your provider has a contract with your insurer
- •In-kind policy: Full coverage only with contracted providers
- •Reimbursement policy: Free choice of provider, often 75-100% reimbursement
Deductible 2026
€385
Per year, not for all care
Children <18
€0
No deductible, broader coverage
Referral
Sometimes
Not always needed, check per specialist
Legend
Referral
Whether you need a referral letter from your GP
Coverage
What basic insurance minimally covers
Deductible
Whether deductible (€385 in 2026) applies
General Practitioner
First point of contact for health complaints
Referral needed?
No
Coverage
Full
Deductible
No
Medications and external tests do fall under deductible
Mental Health Practice Support
Mental health support at GP practice
Referral needed?
Via GP internally
Coverage
Full
Deductible
No
Midwife
Pregnancy and childbirth
Referral needed?
No
Coverage
Full
Deductible
No
Maternity care: personal contribution per hour
Physiotherapist
Treatment of movement complaints
Referral needed?
No
Coverage
For chronic conditions (from 21st treatment)
Deductible
Yes
Children <18: 18 treatments per year covered
Exercise Therapist
Posture and movement
Referral needed?
No
Coverage
Same as physiotherapy
Deductible
Yes
Occupational Therapist
Help with daily activities
Referral needed?
No
Coverage
10 hours per year
Deductible
Yes
Skin Therapist
Skin treatment
Referral needed?
No
Coverage
Chronic only (from 21st treatment)
Deductible
Yes
Acne/cosmetic: NOT covered
Psychologist / Basic Mental Health
Short-term psychological help
Referral needed?
Yes
Coverage
With referral + DSM diagnosis
Deductible
Yes
Dietitian
Dietary advice
Referral needed?
No
Coverage
3 hours per year
Deductible
Yes
For chronic care (chain care) often no deductible
Smoking Cessation
Stop smoking support
Referral needed?
No
Coverage
Full (max 3x per year)
Deductible
No
Combined Lifestyle Intervention
2-year obesity program
Referral needed?
Yes
Coverage
Full
Deductible
No
Pharmacy (medicines)
Prescribed medications
Referral needed?
Prescription required
Coverage
Only GVS medicines
Deductible
Yes
Possible personal contribution for more expensive variant
Hearing Aid
Hearing devices
Referral needed?
No
Coverage
75% covered, 25% personal contribution
Deductible
Yes
Minimum 35 dB hearing loss required. Max ~€800-1000 per device
Podiatrist
Foot care
Referral needed?
No
Coverage
Only diabetic foot (profile 2+)
Deductible
No (for diabetes)
Otherwise: supplementary insurance
Dentist (adults)
Oral health
Referral needed?
No
Coverage
No (supplementary only)
Deductible
N/A
Children <18: fully covered
Glasses / Contact Lenses
Visual aids
Referral needed?
No
Coverage
No (supplementary only)
Deductible
N/A
Alternative Medicine
Homeopathy, acupuncture, etc.
Referral needed?
No
Coverage
No (supplementary only)
Deductible
N/A
Important Information
- No deductible for: GP, midwife, mental health practice support, specialist consultations, prevention and all children's care
- Children under 18: Broader coverage (e.g. dentist fully covered, 18x physiotherapy per year)
- Chronic care: For chronic conditions often broader coverage without deductible
- Supplementary insurance: For care outside the basic package (dentist, glasses, extra physiotherapy)
Sources & Verification
This information is based on the legal provisions of Dutch basic health insurance as laid down in the Health Insurance Act.
Last update: January 2026. Although this information has been carefully compiled, no rights can be derived from it. Always consult your own insurer for exact details.
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