I sat and spoke with someone from a big health insurance company about this (& it hurts like hell to sit for long!) and we seem to have come to the conclusion that Dutch people get very poor return for their expensive medical insurance.

He explained that they are trying hard to improve services but this takes time. Like all patients have loads of time!

About €30 per month is what it should be costing he reckoned but then there are 'other' costs to consider which all add to the final cost.

It's far too complex for me!

By Gerard | November 16, 2009 3:31 PM

This is not news...

I'm sure that most of us have long ago realized that as the price of medical insurance annually increases, that the service available decreases.
'Just had a root canal & crown costing ONLY €991-. Same treatment 2 years ago only €80- ... aha but that was NOT in the Netherlands. I could have found an even cheaper dentist for half that amount, but am happy with the one I know...in the Philippines...also a good holiday! Bought reading glasses there at less than half the Dutch price...
(The internet sites for medical & dental services in developing countries are mostly a rip-off, Beware!)

By stevie | November 16, 2009 6:29 PM

I suppose this is what we americans have to look forward to when our healthcare is reformed.

By Chris | November 17, 2009 1:37 AM

Even though the Dutch health system isn't perfect ( and none in any country is ) I think it is quite good. As an American I think the cost are very reasonable and waiting times are not like in Canada or England. The cost in America is 65% more than here. Be thankful for what you have.

Bob Gordon

By Bob Gordon | November 17, 2009 6:44 AM

No, Chris, this is what the American system is heading towards if it doesn't change. Dutch health insurance is not typical of other European countries where the services are much better and chepaer.

By Jennifer | November 17, 2009 7:39 AM

Health care costs are too much in the Netherlands. Euro 150 per person per month is rediculous. A day in a hospital is said to cost around Euro 1,500!!! and the insurance company who picks up this bill charges out as increased premium. There is a long waiting time but when you are in a hospital you find half the beds are unoccupied. The Dutch are normally very efficient in everything they do. They need to apply themselves to improving hospital and health care personnels's efficiency. A 50% reduction is easily achievable.

By Ashok | November 17, 2009 8:13 AM

In the rest of europe the service is not better but cheap...I lived in Spain, where is free but they treat you like a cow and you have to wait 6 months for a specialist appointment! You pay 20% of your salary to health but then you have to pay extra to a private health company if you want good and fast service.
Since I moved to NL I had two surgeries. I've been treated great and fast. I have no complaints about the system here...it could be a bit cheaper or employeers could help paying a part of it.

By Johanna | November 18, 2009 12:43 PM

I live in the US, and just renewed my medical insurance through my employer. Our "family plan" covers myself and my husband, and our 2 children. The cost would be the same without children. My employer pays, on my behalf, $976/month for this insurance. I pay $400/month through payroll deduction. There is a $750 deductible per person, $1500 per family per year for medical/hospital expense, most medications cost $35 a month after $100 deductible per person each year, and there is cost share of $25-35 for each physician visit. That does not include dental-that is an additional $37/month premium for a policy with a 50% payment on dental work. Last year we spent $4500 out of pocket on medical expenses that were not covered by our insurance.
The insurance cost went up 8% this year, and the coverage went down. I work for a large company and have what is considered a good policy. When I see complaints about the cost and coverage in NL, I am amazed.

By Peggy | November 20, 2009 1:13 AM