What Exactly is the 'Eigen Risico'?
The 'eigen risico' is a mandatory annual deductible for almost all care covered by your basic health insurance ('basisverzekering'). This means that for most medical expenses, you pay the first portion out of your own pocket. The amount of the mandatory 'eigen risico' is set by the Dutch government and generally remains constant for the entire year. For 2025, the mandatory 'eigen risico' is €385.
Once you have paid this amount in healthcare costs within a calendar year, your basic health insurance will cover the remaining eligible costs for that year. The 'eigen risico' resets every January 1st.
What Does It Apply To (and What Not)?
The 'eigen risico' applies to most treatments and medications covered by the basic insurance. This includes:
- Hospital stays and specialist consultations
- Surgical procedures
- Prescription medications
- Ambulance transport
- Mental healthcare (specialized care)
- Certain diagnostic tests and scans
Crucially, there are a few important exceptions where the 'eigen risico' does NOT apply:
- General Practitioner (GP) visits: Consultations with your GP ('huisarts') are entirely free of 'eigen risico'.
- Maternity care: Most costs related to pregnancy and childbirth (midwife, obstetrician, kraamzorg) are exempt.
- Youth healthcare: For children under 18 years old.
- Preventative care: Such as vaccinations for certain infectious diseases.
- POH-GGZ (primary mental health support) costs: Services provided by a mental health professional within your GP practice.
Good to Know!
Even if your GP refers you to a specialist or for a diagnostic test, the cost of the referral itself is free, but the specialist visit or test *will* count towards your 'eigen risico'.
The Voluntary 'Eigen Risico'
In addition to the mandatory 'eigen risico', you have the option to choose a voluntary higher deductible. You can increase your 'eigen risico' in increments of €100, up to a maximum total of €885 (€385 mandatory + €500 voluntary).
Choosing a higher voluntary 'eigen risico' will lower your monthly health insurance premium. This can be financially attractive if you are generally healthy and do not anticipate many healthcare costs in the upcoming year. However, it also means that if you do require significant medical care, you will have to pay a larger amount out of pocket before your insurance starts to cover.
Cost-Benefit: Voluntary Deductible
Benefits of Higher Voluntary 'Eigen Risico'
- Lower monthly health insurance premium.
- Potential cost savings if you have minimal healthcare costs.
- Suitable for young, healthy individuals who rarely visit specialists.
Risks of Higher Voluntary 'Eigen Risico'
- Higher out-of-pocket costs if you need unexpected medical care.
- Can be a significant financial burden in case of a serious illness or accident.
- Not recommended if you anticipate regular specialist visits or have chronic conditions.
Managing Your 'Eigen Risico' Payments
Your health insurer will typically send you invoices for costs that fall under your 'eigen risico'. You can usually see your current 'eigen risico' status through your insurer's online portal or app. Some insurers offer options to pay your 'eigen risico' in installments, which can spread the financial burden if you incur large costs early in the year.
Understanding and planning for your 'eigen risico' is an important part of being prepared for healthcare costs in the Netherlands.
Understand Your Healthcare, Optimize Your Finances!
Navigating the Dutch healthcare system includes understanding your 'eigen risico'. Similarly, understanding your energy contract helps optimize your monthly budget.
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