Don’t Let Your Health Insurance Benefits Go to Waste in Netherlands!

As the year winds down, there’s more to think about than just holiday shopping and New Year’s resolutions. Did you know that many of your Dutch health insurance benefits expire at the end of the year? Whether it’s a few unused physiotherapy sessions, new glasses, or a health checkup, now’s the time to make sure you’re taking full advantage of the perks available through your supplementary insurance. Let’s go over how you can use these benefits before they reset on January 1st.

What Are Health Insurance Perks?

When you think of health insurance, what comes to mind? For most people, it’s doctor’s visits, hospital stays, or prescription medications. But Dutch health insurance often offers more than just the basics. If you’ve opted for supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering), you could be entitled to additional perks aimed at improving your overall well-being.

These benefits can include:

• Physiotherapy: Sessions to help recover from an injury or manage chronic pain.
• Vision care: Coverage for new glasses or contact lenses.
• Annual health checkups and blood tests: A chance to check your overall health.
• Mental health support: Access to therapy or online self-help courses.
• Nutrition and weight loss programs: Guidance for improving your diet or fitness.

However, most of these perks come with a “use it or lose it” policy. If you don’t claim them by December 31st, they’re gone. That’s why it’s important to check your current insurance plan and see what you can still use before the end of the year.

How Do Health Insurance Perks Work?

Each Dutch health insurance provider offers different packages with varying levels of coverage. While the basic package covers essential care, your supplementary insurance provides additional benefits that can be useful in improving your health and lifestyle.

Most supplementary perks come with an annual budget, and if you don’t use them by December 31st, they won’t roll over to the new year. To see what you’ve used and what’s still available, check your insurer’s app or website. Here are some of the most common benefits people often forget to use before year-end:

1. Physiotherapy Sessions

If you’ve been putting off a physiotherapy session, now’s the time to book it! Insurers like CZ, Zilveren Kruis, and VGZ often include a certain number of sessions in their supplementary packages. Whether it’s to treat ongoing aches, recover from a sports injury, or just get a professional checkup, don’t let these benefits go unused.

2. Vision Care (Glasses and Contact Lenses)

Haven’t updated your glasses in a while? If your insurer includes vision care in your plan, you may be eligible for a new pair of glasses or contact lenses. Insurers like Menzis and OHRA typically offer coverage for new eyewear every two to three years, so make sure to check if you’re eligible before December 31st.

3. Annual Health Checkups & Blood Tests

Annual health checkups are often included in supplementary health insurance plans, offering a great opportunity to check your cholesterol levels, vitamin deficiencies, or other health indicators. Don’t miss out on this benefit — insurers like Zilveren Kruis and VGZ provide checkups that can give you peace of mind as you head into the new year.

4. Fitness Coaching and Sports Checkups

If you’re planning on getting fit in the new year, see if your insurance covers fitness coaching or a sports checkup. These services can help you start a new exercise routine or evaluate your physical condition to avoid injuries. Insurers such as CZ and Menzis often include this in their packages.

5. Mental Health Support & Online Self-Help Programs

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and many Dutch health insurance policies offer benefits like therapy sessions or online self-help programs. Insurers like Menzis include resources that can help you manage stress, improve your sleep, or develop better habits — perfect for starting the new year feeling your best.

6. Nutrition and Weight Loss Courses

Thinking about improving your diet or losing weight? Some insurers offer coverage for nutrition advice and weight loss programs, which can help you build healthier habits. Zilveren Kruis and VGZ, for instance, provide access to expert nutrition advice and diet plans to guide you.

Can’t Find Your Specific Benefits? Here’s What to Do

It’s important to check your insurance app or website to see which benefits you still have available for this year. If you find that you’re not using many of your perks, it might be worth considering a simpler insurance package for next year. Every November, insurers reveal their new packages for the coming year, giving you a chance to reassess your needs and possibly save on your monthly premium.

If you’re thinking about switching insurers, you might want to check out apps like Woolsocks, which offer cashback when you switch your health insurance. Switching can be a great way to save money while ensuring you have a package that matches your actual needs. For more details on how to switch health insurers and get the most out of your coverage, check out our guide to using Woolsocks.

Also, keep in mind that certain health-related expenses might be tax-deductible, offering another way to save money. Learn more about which medical expenses qualify in our Dutch Income Tax Savings Guide.

Tips & Tricks to Use Your Benefits Before They Expire

• Check Your Insurance App: Most insurers provide apps where you can easily track what benefits are left. This is the fastest way to see what’s still available.
• Book Early: As the year ends, services like physiotherapy and optometry appointments fill up quickly. Don’t wait until the last minute!
• Combine Services: If your policy covers multiple perks, such as physiotherapy and fitness coaching, try to schedule them close together to save time.
• Use Online Resources: Many insurers offer online self-help courses or mental health resources that can be used at your convenience.
• Reach Out to Your Insurer: Not sure what you’re covered for? Use your insurer’s chat feature or call their customer service to clarify which benefits you can still use.

Don’t Miss Out — Stay Informed and Save

As the year wraps up, make sure you’re taking full advantage of the health benefits you’ve been paying for. From physiotherapy sessions to new glasses, there’s still time to claim these perks before they reset. To stay updated with more tips on saving money and managing your health insurance in the Netherlands, visit SaveLikeTheDutch.com and follow us here on Medium for the latest posts.

Be sure to check out our Woolsocks article and Dutch tax savings guide for even more ways to save money before the year ends!

Don’t forget to follow us on Medium and social media for the latest articles and tips on saving money and living smart in the Netherlands!