Health Insurance and Benefits in the Netherlands Internal

What are the Netherlands’ statutory health benefits, and what do they cover?

In the Netherlands, employers pay a Health Insurance Act (ZVW) premium for the standard health insurance for an employee. The amount depends on the employee's salary, but there is a cap. Employees are required to pay the Long-Term Care Act (WLZ) premium contribution, which is included in the wage tax. 

An employee also must have mandatory health insurance, which is private insurance and separate from standard statutory insurance. Personal health insurance has a mandatory standard coverage, but an individual can choose extra insurance coverage, such as physiotherapy and dental treatment. An employee pays the health insurance companies directly for this personal health insurance.

What health benefits do most employers offer?

It is common for employers to provide a health insurance allowance to contribute to the cost of medical insurance. Collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and labor agreements may provide for additional health benefits.