The four big Dutch health insurance companies are putting their premiums up by between €3.75 and €9.30, taking the average monthly payment for basic cover to €138 to €142 per month.

VGZ, Menzis, Zilveren Kruis and CZ all announced their new fees on Saturday, the deadline for insurers to publish their charges for 2023.

The insurers say the premium rise is necessary to cope with higher wages and costs, as well as the impact of the aging population.

The government said at the presentation of its 2023 budget in September that fees would rise by around €10 a month.

‘We understand it is a steep increase at a time when everything is becoming more expensive,’ said VGZ spokesman Frank Elion. ‘But it is unavoidable.’

Policy holders have until the end of December to decide if they want to switch to a new provider.

Healthcare benefits, which are income dependent, will rise by around €35 a month to €154.  This year the highest amount is payable to single people with an income of up to €22,000 a year and the government has not yet announced the threshold for 2023.

The government determines the make up of the basic policy and the own risk payment, currently €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.

Health insurance company DSW said earlier it is increasing its basic policy premium by €9.75 next year, taking monthly payments to €137.50.