Health insurance policies are so similar that it can be difficult for consumers to spot the differences and get the best value for money, according to joint research by the Dutch consumers’ authority ACM and the national health council NZA.

Last year, three in five consumers could have saved an average of €103 a year by studying the policies on offer in more detail, the agencies said. Most of those who could have cut their bills had a basic insurance policy which was extremely similar to a cheaper alternative.

In some cases, however, consumers were being forced into taking out a more expensive basic insurance policy because they wanted specific supplementary policies.

The ACM and NZA are now calling on the government and health insurance companies to take action.

In particular, they say health insurers should cut back on the number of similar policies they offer so there is less confusion for consumers. In addition, they say, people should be eligible for all supplementary policies, no matter what basic policy they have.

Last year, consumers had a choice out of 60 basic policies offered by 20 different healthcare providers.

The government determines the make up of the basic policy and the own risk payment, which is currently frozen at €385. Insurance companies are free to set their own prices and to determine the cost and composition of top up policies, covering items like dental services and extra physiotherapy.

Four companies Achmea (Zilveren Kruis), VGZ, CZ and Menzis control 90% of the market.