How do I choose a good health insurance?

Did you know that by smartly comparing your health insurance, you can easily save up to €100 per year? It is important to choose a health insurance that suits your situation. A low premium is a good thing, but the right coverage is just as important. The tips below will help you make an informed choice and ensure you don't pay too much.

Take advantage of group health insurance

Through a health care collective, your health insurance may be cheaper than the same insurance outside the collective. This is because insurers often offer discounts on additional insurance, such as dental insurance. In addition, some collective health insurance plans offer extra extensive coverage in their supplementary packages.

Note: Due to recent legislative changes, the maximum discount on basic insurance is limited to 5%. Therefore, check carefully whether a collective is really more advantageous in your situation.

Choose the right basic insurance

Basic insurance is mandatory for everyone, but you have a choice of four types:

• Budget insurance: The lowest premium, but limited choice of health care providers. Note that not all health care providers have contracts, which can lead to higher health care costs.
• Natura insurance: The most frequently chosen option, with wide choice of contracted health care providers.
• Combination insurance: More freedom than natura, with partially free choice of care.
• Refund insurance: Free choice of health care providers, but with the highest premium.

Tip: Choose an insurance policy that suits your healthcare needs and check if your doctor, pharmacy and hospital are contracted.

Check whether you are entitled to care allowance

Do you have a low income? Then you may be eligible for care allowance. This is a monthly contribution from the government to pay part of your health care premium.

How do you check this? Go to the Tax Office website, enter your information and find out if you are entitled to care allowance and how much you can receive.

Compare together or separately as a family

Many families opt for a joint policy with the same insurer. This is convenient for payments, but not always the most economical option. Do you and your partner have different health care needs? If so, it may be cheaper to purchase policies separately. Always compare both options and choose what best suits your situation.

Insure your child with the parent with the highest coverage

Children under 18 are co-insured for free on a parent's policy. But with whom do you connect them?

• If both parents have the same coverage, it doesn't matter.
• Does one of you have more comprehensive supplemental insurance (for example, orthodontics or physical therapy)? Then enroll your child with the parent with the broadest coverage. That way, your child automatically benefits from the extra advantages.

Get a second opinion

Do you have an expensive treatment planned, such as dental or specialty surgery? Consider getting a second opinion.
Why. Another health care provider may offer a cheaper alternative. It provides additional assurance when in doubt about a diagnosis or treatment plan.

Tip: Ask your family doctor or dentist for a referral.

Pay your premium annually instead of monthly

If you pay the annual premium at once, some insurers give you up to a 2% discount. Do you have the amount in reserve? Then consider this option, as it will save you extra.

Have certain procedures performed by your doctor

For some treatments, you do not need to go to a hospital and can go to your family doctor. This saves deductibles.
Think about:

• IUD placement: At the doctor's office, you only pay for the IUD. At the hospital, you also pay your deductible.
• Blood Draw: The drawing of blood by your family doctor is free of charge. However, the laboratory test is covered by the deductible.

Make smart use of your deductible

The deductible is reset every year on January 1. Have you already used up your deductible? Consider scheduling treatments you need before the end of the year. That way you avoid extra costs in the new year.

Choose consciously whether or not to have supplemental insurance

Do you expect few health care expenses in the coming year? Then you might consider not taking out supplemental insurance. Calculate what you will pay and how much care you expect to need.

Supplemental dental insurance costs an average of €12 per month (€144 per year). Two dental checkups per year cost €80. It may be more advantageous to pay for these yourself.

Consider medical expenses abroad

Basic insurance reimburses care abroad up to the Dutch rate. In countries like the U.S., medical costs are often much higher. Consider supplemental insurance or travel insurance to cover these costs.

Tip: Check your policy to avoid duplicate or insufficient coverage.

Choose consciously and save

Choosing health insurance may seem complicated, but with these tips, you can make a focused search for the policy that best suits your situation. Whether you want to save money, look for better coverage or just be prepared, making an informed choice will always help you move forward.

Compare health insurance now and find out how much you can save!

Do you have questions or need personal advice? Feel free to contact our healthcare experts via 088 - 12 10 251. They will be happy to help you!