The difference between the cheapest and most expensive basic health insurance policies will widen to €511 next year, according to calculations by health insurance comparison site Zorgwijzer. That is €78 more than in 2025, when the gap stood at €433.

By Thursday, all basic health insurance premiums for 2026 were announced, ahead of the six week window for changing provider. The average monthly premium next year will be €159.30  – an increase of just 58 cents compared with this year, Zorgwijzer said.

The four largest health insurers – Zilveren Kruis, VGZ, CZ and Menzis – which together account for around 85% of the market, show varying trends.

Zilveren Kruis will increase its premiums by between €3 and €4.45 per month. Menzis will raise only its combination policy by €2 per month, while its natura policies remain unchanged. VGZ and CZ will keep all their premiums at the same level as in 2025.

Despite the minimal overall rise, the gap between insurers is widening.

Wide differences

“The price differences are once again substantial, even though the basic package coverage is the same everywhere,” said Zorgwijzer health insurance expert Koen Kuijper. “People who don’t switch insurers could end up paying hundreds of euros more.”

The difference of €511 per year applies to policies with the standard own risk payment of €385.

Kuijper said the growing variation in prices is no surprise. “More expensive policies will pay more towards care from providers which don’t have a contract with your insurance company,” he said.

“Cheaper labels keep premiums down by purchasing care more selectively and limiting service options, for example by offering customer support only via online chat.”

Government role

The government determines the make-up of the basic health insurance package, but insurance companies are free to sign deals with different providers. They are also free to set prices.

This means it is becoming increasingly important for consumers to compare health insurance and check what each company is offering, Kuijper said.

“There are several ways to reduce costs,” he said. “You can opt for a higher own risk payment, pay the annual premium upfront or check whether you need supplementary insurance – all of which can lower your monthly payment.”

Health insurance companies have until next week to publish details of next year’s supplementary policies which cover things like dental care and extra physiotherapy.

Around one million people switch health insurers every year.