In the Netherlands, basic health insurance is mandatory for every resident. It covers most essential medical care, such as visits to the general practitioner, hospital stays, and medications. However, for many people, the coverage provided by basic insurance is not sufficient. That’s why insurers offer supplemental health insurance plans, allowing you to cover additional medical expenses that aren’t included in the standard package. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common types of supplemental health insurance.
Dental insurance
Dental insurance is one of the most popular supplemental plans. The basic insurance only covers dental care for children up to 18 years old. Adults must pay for dental costs, such as check-ups, fillings, or other treatments, out of pocket. A dental insurance plan can help cover these costs, either partially or fully. Keep in mind that there are different levels of coverage; some plans cover only basic treatments, while others include more comprehensive care like crowns or implants.
Physical therapy insurance
Physical therapy is only partially covered by basic insurance. In some cases, you may receive a limited number of sessions per year, or coverage may start only after a certain number of treatments for chronic conditions. Many people who suffer from back or neck pain, or who regularly need physical therapy after an injury, opt for supplemental physical therapy insurance. This can cover 9, 12, or even an unlimited number of sessions per year, depending on the policy.
Glasses and contact lenses
If you need glasses or contact lenses, these are rarely covered under the basic insurance plan. A supplemental insurance plan for vision care can help cover the cost of new glasses, contact lenses, or even laser eye surgery. Typically, there is a maximum amount that can be reimbursed per year or every two years, depending on the plan.
Alternative medicine
Many people seek alternative treatments such as acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic care, or naturopathy. These treatments are not covered by basic insurance but may be included in a supplemental plan. Depending on the policy, there’s usually a set budget for alternative therapies, often with a maximum reimbursement per treatment or per year.
Healthcare abroad
Basic insurance covers medical expenses abroad, but only up to the Dutch rate. If the cost of care abroad is higher than in the Netherlands, you may need to pay the difference. With supplemental insurance for medical care abroad, you can cover these additional costs, which is particularly useful if you frequently travel to countries where healthcare costs are higher than in the Netherlands.
Maternity and pregnancy care
While maternity care and pregnancy-related services are partially covered by basic insurance, there are supplemental plans that offer more comprehensive coverage. These may include extended maternity care, prenatal yoga, or lactation consultants. This type of insurance is particularly relevant for couples planning to start a family.
Conclusion; Choosing a supplemental health insurance plan is a personal decision that depends on your specific healthcare needs. Whether you're looking for extra coverage for dental care, physical therapy, or treatments abroad, there are various plans available to complete your healthcare package. It's essential to review your healthcare needs annually to ensure you choose the right plan that fits your requirements and budget.
