Netherlands Work Visa Health Insurance Cost 2026

Being on a work permit in the Netherlands is a great career achievement; however, the Dutch healthcare network, although being the best in the world, functions in a very different manner compared to most other countries. Health insurance has become a hostile line item in 2026 amongst the expatriates. Although the premiums have not become so high as it used to be in the past years, there is a bigger difference between the so-called budget and premium policies than ever.

Primary Cost Elements of Dutch Healthcare 2026

The Dutch healthcare system is a hybrid between the private and the public. All residents are required to purchase a basic insurance plan (basisverzekering) with one of the private insurers, but the government determines what should be covered.

Average Monthly Premium (€159.30)

A basic health insurance cover has a 2026 benchmark of around 159.30 a month. This is a small increment of 58 cents up in 2025 courtesy of a surplus in the national health insurance fund. Nevertheless, the difference in prices has increased: the gap between the most affordable and the most expensive basic plans has now increased more than 511 a year.

Eigen Risico (Deductible – obligatory – €385)

The fixed rate you will be required to spend out-of-pocket on most medical services (such as visits to a hospital or with a specialist) before insurance begins to cover the services is the Eigen Risico. The government has frozen this at 385 Euros in 2026.

Policy Decision between Naturalist and Restitution

Not all “Basic” plans are equal. The price depends on the amount of freedom that you desire when picking your doctor.

• Naturalis (Contracted Care): This is the most typical medium-priced system. Insurance provider pays the doctor but only when the contract is between them and that particular provider.
• Restitution (Free Choice): The platinum. It will enable you to select any doctor or hospital at 100 percent reimbursement, but may charge you an extra amount of €2040 per month as opposed to a Natura polis.
• Voluntary Deductible (€885 Max): You may also increase your deductible up to a maximum of 500. This way, you can save an average of €15 to 25 a month in your monthly premium but this is a gamble, as once you fall ill, you will pay higher at the start.

Financial Assistance and The Zoroaster slag

In case the amount of income you earn is within a specific range, there is a Zorgtoeslag (Healthcare Allowance), which is a government subsidy to cover the insurance expenses.

2026 Income Limits for Allowance

To be eligible in 2026, you will have to have a lower means-tested income (gross income less some deductions) than the following amounts:

• Single Applicants: Not more than 40857.
• Partners (Combined): No more than €51,142.

Legal & The 4 Month Rule Registration

As soon as you can be registered at your local Emerge en Discouragement, the time begins to run out.

• 4-Month Rule: You should purchase insurance within the four months after the time the residence permit became effective.
• Backdated Premiums: When you do not take out the premiums until the fourth month, you will be required to pay all the backdated premiums up to the date when you joined.
• CAK Fines: Non payment of insurance will attract enormous fines by the CAK. Should they forcefully enroll you, they will have to pay 120 percent of the usual premium.

Medical Services: What is Free and What is not?

You should have known that not all medical visits rise up to make you use up your deductible of 385 Euros.

• Huisarts (General Practitioner): Your GP will never be subjected to the deductible. It’s free to see your doctor!
• GGD (Public Health): The required TB tests of some of your work visa holders are managed on different grounds and do not interfere with your own insurance.
• Eigen Bijdrage (Personal Contribution): There are some items, such as hearing aids or special medications, which demand a distinct personal contribution which is not included in your deductible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Finding your way through the Netherlands Work Visa Health Insurance Cost 2026 is more or less a matter of striking the right balance between your monthly budget and taking care of your health. In case of most healthy young professionals, a Naturalist deductible of standard will be ideal. Nevertheless, when you have any medical requirements that the lower-priced Restitution might help you save the non-contracted specialist charges.

Disclaimer

The article is purely informative and educational. The reader is encouraged to contact reliable sources, including official websites of Be lasting idents or IND, to obtain information on which decisions about finances and insurances can be made.