Mandatory excess
When you receive medical care that is reimbursed from your basic insurance, you'll pay the first part yourself. This is called your excess. You pay up to €385 per year. After that, we will reimburse the costs from the basic insurance. Children under the age of 18 never have to pay an excess.
On top of your excess, there may also be a personal contribution or maximum reimbursement. Sometimes we cover everything, sometimes you pay everything, and sometimes we both pay a portion. If you want to know more, check out What do you pay and what do we pay?. Further information in Dutch only.
How much excess do I have left?
You can easily check how much excess you have left this year. You can also find out how much excess you have used in the past 5 years.
This is how the excess works
When you receive medical care that is reimbursed from your basic insurance, you'll pay the first part yourself. Once your excess has been fully used, we will reimburse you form your basic insurance.
- The excess applies if you are 18 years or older. It doesn't apply to children.
- You pay up to €385 per year. The amount of the mandatory excess is determined by the government.
- Your excess applies for an entire calendar year (from the 1st of January to the 31st of December).
- You only pay excess for care from the basic insurance, so never for care from the supplementary insurance.
- There are a few exceptions for which you do not pay excess, such as maternity care or a visit to the general practitioner. Further information in Dutch only.
Why do I pay excess?
The excess is created by the government. It encourages us to think twice before going to a healthcare provider, so we don't rush to the doctor for issues that might resolve on their own. This helps keep healthcare and premiums affordable.
You can increase your excess: the voluntary excess
The advantage of increasing your excess is that you pay a lower premium. However, if you have healthcare costs, you will pay a larger portion yourself. If you expect to need care from the basic insurance in the coming year, it is almost never beneficial to raise your excess. In that case, you will almost always end up paying more.
Good to know
Why did I receive my bill for the excess so late?
Hospitals and independent treatment centres (zelfstandige behandelcentra (zbc’s)) can only claim the bill at the end of the treatment period. A treatment period lasts at least 42 and no more than 120 days. This is why insurers receive the bills much later.
Insurers negotiate with hospitals and zbc about the prices for hospital treatments. They can claim once the prices have been agreed on.
This year (midway) I will be 18. Will I still have an excess of € 385?
No. You’ll pay the excess from the 1st of the month following your 18th birthday. The amount is adjusted.
I was in hospital for treatment from December 2024 to February 2025. Will I pay excess for both years?
When you start treatment (dbc-care product) in 2024, the costs will be settled with your 2024 excess. Even if treatments stops in 2025.
Why do I have to pay my excess twice for the same treatment?
Yes, just like in the Netherlands you will pay an excess for care that is reimbursed from your basic insurance. The excess doesn’t apply to medical care reimbursed based on the S2 form. However, the statutory personal contribution may apply. The amount is the same as for the residents of the EU or EEA country in which you received medical care.
Does my excess apply to medical care received abroad?
Yes, just like in the Netherlands you will pay an excess for care that is reimbursed from your basic insurance. The excess doesn’t apply to medical care reimbursed based on the S2 form. However, the statutory personal contribution may apply. The amount is the same as for the residents of the EU or EEA country in which you received medical care.
Useful links
- You pay a portion yourself (in Dutch only)
- Statutory contribution
- Maximum reimbursement (in Dutch only)
- Non-contracted care (in Dutch only)
Are you administrator, curator or budget manager?
Request an overview of your client's excess status via the online form. Further information in Dutch only.
Check if you are entitled to health care benefit
If you have no or a low income, you can apply for health care allowance through the Tax Office (Dienst Toeslagen). Further information in Dutch only.