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The mandatory healthcare deductible has been a major political topic for years. Now, health insurer Menzis has introduced a proposal that could shift the direction of this debate.
Menzis is proposing to scrap the deductible for people with low incomes, without increasing their insurance premiums.
The idea is to prevent vulnerable groups from avoiding necessary medical care out of fear of a €385 bill, an amount that is simply too high for many households. Starting in 2026, Menzis will launch this plan in several municipalities on its own.
How does Menzis’ proposal work? #
According to Menzis, a growing number of people are forgoing care because they cannot afford the deductible. While some municipalities already have a ‘municipal policy’ that reimburses the deductible, this is not the case everywhere.
Therefore, Menzis proposes that health insurers offer a free supplementary insurance policy to residents known to be financially vulnerable.
To implement this plan, health insurers would need to collaborate closely with municipalities, as they are the ones who know which households are financially vulnerable.
These residents are often already receiving support, such as special assistance or help with energy costs. Many municipalities already have a form of municipal policy that covers the deductible for financially vulnerable households. This plan aims to roll out this coverage nationally.
This supplementary insurance would cover the full deductible at no extra premium. The costs would be reimbursed afterward by the government through the Health Insurance Fund, meaning municipalities would not have to pay for it themselves.
Cheaper than lowering the deductible for everyone #
Menzis argues that this plan is cheaper than lowering the deductible for all Dutch citizens, an idea the current cabinet is considering.
That idea has drawn criticism from economists because it would drive up healthcare premiums for everyone. Menzis, however, wants to intervene in a targeted way: only those who need it get relief. Sloots calls this “a smart, affordable solution that prevents people from avoiding care.”
Furthermore, the insurer wants the plan to eventually be implemented nationwide, so residents are not dependent on the municipality they live in. The proposal is now with the politicians, who must decide whether to allocate national funding and whether other insurers should join.
Plan to start in 2026 #
From January 1, 2026, Menzis will start this plan in several municipalities where it is the largest health insurer. These include Groningen, Twente, the Achterhoek, and Arnhem.
In these areas, the initial agreements with the municipalities have already been finalized. Other insurers are reacting cautiously for now, but Menzis expects they will join in the long term.