At the end of the year we can opt for a different health insurance policy. Do you also struggle with the question 'Should I switch or not' every December? You're not the only one. Yet it often remains a matter of dubbing, because comparing and choosing seems almost impossible. Do you go for the lowest premium, the cheapest additional packages or do you look at the content? It is difficult to select the right mix. We have listed what you can pay attention to. This way you can choose a package that suits you – and maybe you can save.
Basic package
In any case, every health insurance consists of a basic package. What concern is this the government determines. Think of costs for a general practitioner, hospital, psychiatrist or pharmacy. In addition, The basic package expanded from 1 January 2022. As a result, the basic packages of health insurers do not differ so much from each other in terms of content. However, there is often a difference in the healthcare providers you can turn to: for example, one healthcare insurance policy has contracts with more institutions than the other.
Additional packages
You can expand the basic package with additional packages. With this you insure yourself for costs for the dentist, physiotherapist or optician, for example. Check carefully whether you need such a supplement: it's always nice if you periodically receive a substantial compensation for new glasses, but is it in proportion to the costs you would incur if you bought them yourself? An important tip is therefore: check whether you are not over-insured. Can you easily afford the extra costs – for example for glasses? Then you will probably be cheaper if you do not insure yourself for this.
Obligatory deductible excess
Also take a good look at your own risk. Do you usually incur a lot of medical expenses? Then opt for the legally required deductible: you pay a slightly more monthly premium, but avoid large expenses. You can also opt for a higher deductible. Does an extra deductible of €500 provide a premium advantage of €180? Then you only pay more if you incur more healthcare costs than the statutory deductible plus the €180. If you stay within the legally required deductible, you have 'earned' €180. The same applies to your deductible: if you can cover large expenses yourself, a higher deductible is often cheaper.
Refund or policy in kind
What you should also pay attention to: do you opt for a refund or a policy in kind? There is a substantial difference between them. Also with regard to the premium.
Refund policy
You choose which doctor, therapist or hospital you go to. You often advance the costs yourself. You declare this to the health insurer; then the reimbursement (refund) follows. You can often recognize this policy by the words 'free (care) choice'.
In-kind policy
A policy in kind is cheaper than a refund policy. The health insurer has concluded a contract with specific care providers: you usually only receive reimbursement if you go to them. Are you going to a healthcare provider with whom your insurer has not concluded a contract? Then you will often only be reimbursed part of the costs. That does not have to be a problem: there are probably contracts with the care providers and hospitals where you would probably already go. It is possible that you have to travel for a specific procedure.
Package choice
The package you choose determines the amount of your premium. Therefore, check critically what a 'heavier' package offers you extra. If you receive reimbursement for care that you probably will not use, then it would be a shame to pay for it. This can differ per life stage. For example, are you working on expanding your family or have you just finished working? Your care needs can differ enormously, so adjust your policy accordingly.
- For example, do you need psychological care in case of overload? Then you might benefit from an additional mindfulness package.
- Contraception is no longer standard reimbursed by health insurers. You can choose an additional package for this.
- Are you busy having children? Then you can think of extensions such as delivery in hospital and maternity care.
- Do your kids need an orthodontist? Then it is useful to choose a package for this. But if they don't need braces, why would you pay a premium for that?
- Things like hearing aids, dentures and orthopedic footwear are only partly reimbursed through the basic package. Do you need these? Then you can insure the rest through a supplement.
- Do you expect to need additional informal care in the coming year? Then look for a package that fits that need.
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More information
Do you have questions about this article? Please do not hesitate to contact us. Our Service Center is available every working day from 8.00 a.m. to 18.00 p.m., via sc@unie.nl and 0345 851 963.
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