Annually, you have the opportunity to switch health insurers. Compare the costs and policy conditions and arrange your switch before 1 January.
When can you switch?
Switching to a new health insurer is possible every year:
- Cancelling your current insurance can be done up to and including 31 December
- Taking out a new policy can be done up to and including 31 January
- Your new insurance starts on 1 January
Step-by-step plan for switching
- Search and compare health insurances via platforms such as Independer or Zorgwijzer
- Select a new policy before 1 February
- The new insurer handles the cancellation of your old policy
- From 1 January, you are insured with the new provider
Important considerations when switching
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Supplementary coverage | Acceptance is not always guaranteed |
| Outstanding payments | Debts must first be settled before switching |
| Current treatments | An authorisation may lapse |
| Deductible | Starts anew with the new insurer |
Mandatory acceptance for basic insurance
For the basic insurance, an acceptance obligation applies: insurers may not refuse you, regardless of health or age. However, this does not apply to supplementary packages.
Frequently asked questions about switching
Is switching mid-year possible?
Only in case of a premium increase or changed conditions. You then have 30 days to cancel.
What happens to an ongoing treatment?
Check with your new insurer whether the treatment remains covered. Sometimes a new approval is required.
Do I have to cancel my old insurance myself?
No, your new insurer handles this if you switch before 1 February.
Extra questions and answers
Until when can I change health insurers?
You can cancel your current policy up to 31 December. Take out a new insurance by 31 January at the latest, ideally before 1 February. The start date is always 1 January. Too late? Then you are stuck with your current insurer for a year.
Is my supplementary package automatically accepted?
There is no acceptance obligation for supplementary insurances. An insurer may reject you based on health or age. Check the conditions and ask about acceptance criteria. Sometimes a health check is required.
What happens to my deductible when switching?
With a new insurer, your deductible starts anew. It does not matter what you have already paid; from 1 January, you start at €0, even with a later switch. Take this into account.