Eigen Risico & Zorgtoeslag Optimizer
Find out if raising your Dutch health insurance voluntary deductible from €385 to €885 saves you money, and calculate your monthly government healthcare allowance (Zorgtoeslag).
Standard €385 Deductible
Your annual out-of-pocket medical bill. You pay the standard base premium with zero discount.
Max €885 Deductible
You save €240 on premiums and pay €150 in care, leaving €90 net in your pocket!
📚 KNM Exam Guide: What Uses Eigen Risico vs What is 100% Free?
A very common question on the official DUO KNM exam (Module 2: Gezondheid & Zorg) tests which healthcare services are exempt from the deductible:
| Healthcare Service (Zorgtype) | Eigen Risico Status | KNM Exam Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| General Practitioner (Huisarts & Huisartsenpost) | €0 (100% Free) | Consultations and phone advice with your family doctor never cost eigen risico. |
| Obstetric Care & Maternity (Verloskundige & Kraamzorg) | €0 (100% Free) | Standard pregnancy and midwife care are fully covered under basisverzekering. |
| Children Under 18 Years (Kinderen < 18) | €0 (100% Free) | Children pay €0 insurance premium and have zero deductible. |
| National Screening Programs (Bevolkingsonderzoek) | €0 (100% Free) | Free preventive screenings (e.g. breast and cervical cancer screening). |
| Hospital & Specialist Visits (Ziekenhuis & Specialist) | Uses Deductible | Blood tests, X-rays, MRI scans, and specialist consults consume your Eigen Risico. |
| Prescription Medications (Voorgeschreven Medicijnen) | Uses Deductible | Most medications prescribed by a specialist or GP come out of your Eigen Risico. |
| Emergency Ambulance (Ambulancevervoer) | Uses Deductible | Urgent medical transport to hospital uses your Eigen Risico. |
| Mental Healthcare (Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg - GGZ) | Uses Deductible | Psychologist and psychiatrist treatments covered under basispakket consume deductible. |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Dutch Eigen Risico & Zorgtoeslag
Direct answers to essential healthcare insurance rules tested on the KNM Inburgering exam and frequently queried by expats in the Netherlands:
What is the statutory eigen risico in the Netherlands in 2026 and 2027?
In 2026, the mandatory health insurance deductible (verplicht eigen risico) remains fixed at €385 per year. In 2027, the Dutch government plans to adjust the statutory deductible to €400. Every adult resident aged 18 and older must pay this out of pocket before their basic insurance (basisverzekering) reimburses specialist hospital care, blood tests, or prescription medications.
Is raising my eigen risico to €885 worth it for a monthly discount?
Choosing the maximum voluntary deductible (vrijwillig eigen risico) of €500 on top of the mandatory €385 gives you a total deductible of €885. In return, health insurers offer a premium discount between €15 and €25 per month (€180 to €300 per year). If your anticipated medical expenses for the year are under ~€565 to €685, raising your deductible will save you money net. If you expect surgeries, MRI scans, or recurring non-exempt medications, keep the default €385.
Which medical treatments are 100% exempt from the eigen risico?
By Dutch law, several primary care services never touch your deductible: visits and phone consultations with your general practitioner (huisarts), maternity and midwife care (verloskundige zorg en kraamzorg), national population screenings (e.g. breast and colon cancer screening), district nursing (wijkverpleging), and all healthcare for children under age 18.
Who qualifies for Zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance) in 2026?
In 2026, single individuals with an annual taxable income below approximately €38,500 qualify for up to €123 per month in government healthcare allowance. Couples with a joint fiscal partner income below €48,500 qualify for up to €242 per month. You apply through the Dutch Tax Authority portal (toeslagen.nl) using your DigiD.