Zorgverzekeringswet (Zvw)

Zorgverzekeringswet (Zvw), or the Health Insurance Act, is the Dutch law that makes health insurance mandatory for everyone living or working in the Netherlands. All residents must purchase at least basic health insurance (basisverzekering) from a private insurer, which covers essential medical care including GP visits, hospital treatment, prescription drugs, and maternity care.

For 2026, the average monthly premium for basic insurance is approximately €159, totaling around €1,908 annually. Everyone aged 18+ must pay their own premium. Additionally, there's a mandatory annual deductible (eigen risico) of €385 in 2026, which you pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins (certain services like GP visits are exempt). You can opt for a voluntary higher deductible (up to €885 total) to reduce your monthly premium. Low-income individuals may qualify for healthcare allowance (zorg to eslag) up to €132/month for individuals or €250/month for couples in 2026.

Real-World Example If Fatima pays €159/month for basic health insurance in 2026 (€1,908/year) and visits a specialist costing €600, she first pays the €385 mandatory deductible out-of-pocket. Her insurer then covers the remaining €215. Once she's paid €385 in deductible costs for the year, her insurer covers subsequent eligible care fully (subject to policy terms).