Switching health insurance for 2027: deadlines and how-to
Updated 14 November 2026
Every November–December the Netherlands collectively shops for next year's health insurance. As an expat you can — and usually should — join in. Here's the timeline and a 15-minute plan.
The deadlines
| Mid-November | All insurers have published their 2027 premiums. |
| 31 December 2026 | Last day to switch in one step (new insurer cancels your old policy), or to cancel your current policy. |
| 31 January 2027 | If you cancelled by 31 Dec: last day to pick a new policy, retroactive to 1 January. |
What changes in 2027
- Average basic premium rises to about €169/month (± €12.50 up).
- The mandatory deductible goes from €385 to €400.
- As always: coverage of the basic package is government-set and identical at every insurer.
Premium increases are exactly why switching pays: insurers raise prices unevenly, so last year's cheap policy may be mid-range now.
The 15-minute switching plan
- Know your profile. Deductible level, policy type, extras — our health insurance helper works it out in 5 questions.
- Check your current policy's 2027 price. It's in the renewal letter/app ("prolongatie").
- Compare the market for your profile. Identical basic care, so price + service decide. Check English-language service if you need it.
- Sign up with the new insurer before 31 December. They cancel the old policy for you. Done.
Expats: special cases
- Arrived mid-year? You're not bound by the season — your first policy starts whenever your obligation starts.
- Leaving the Netherlands in 2027? Your policy ends when your Wlz coverage ends (deregistration/working abroad) — switching now is still fine; you cancel on departure.
- Income changed? Re-check your zorgtoeslag for 2027 at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch after 31 December?
Partly. If you cancel your old policy by 31 December, you have until 31 January to choose a new one (retroactive to 1 January). If you let your old policy auto-renew, you are locked in for the year — except after certain life events like moving to the Netherlands or your insurer changing conditions.
Do I need to cancel my old policy myself?
Usually not: when you sign up with a new insurer before 31 December, the new insurer cancels your old policy through the switching service (overstapservice).
Does switching affect ongoing treatments?
The basic package covers the same care everywhere, but with a natura/budget policy your hospital must be contracted by the new insurer. Mid-treatment? Check the hospital’s contract status for 2027 before switching.
Is it worth switching for a few euros per month?
Premiums for identical basic coverage differ by €25+ per month between insurers — up to €300 per year for the exact same care. A 15-minute check is the best-paid quarter hour of your year.