The short answer
The monthly premium keeps your insurance in force. The compulsory deductible is the part you pay for qualifying basic-insurance care before the insurer reimburses it.
Premium and deductible are different costs
In 2026 the standard compulsory deductible is €385 for adults. A voluntary deductible can increase your own exposure. Do not budget only for the monthly premium when comparing policies.
The treatment determines the bill
A consultation with your GP does not use the compulsory deductible. Tests, medicines or hospital care arranged after that consultation can do so. A statutory personal contribution is another kind of charge and can exist alongside the deductible. Ask the insurer which treatment, insurance year and policy rule produced a bill before assuming it is wrong.
What to do next
- Check your policy for compulsory and voluntary deductible amounts.
- Read the treatment description on the insurer’s cost statement.
- Ask about payment arrangements if a bill is difficult to pay.
You see your GP and are sent for a blood test. The consultation can be exempt while the laboratory bill uses your deductible. The referral does not make all follow-up care free.
Questions people ask
Do I pay €385 every year automatically?
No. You pay deductible charges when you use care to which the deductible applies. Unused deductible is not a separate yearly invoice.
Are children charged a deductible?
The compulsory basic-insurance deductible does not apply to children under 18. Other policy and coverage conditions can still matter.
Is a GP referral free treatment?
No. The GP consultation and referred care are separate. A laboratory, pharmacy or hospital charge can fall under the deductible.
Can I choose a higher deductible?
Some policies offer a voluntary increase in exchange for a lower premium. Compare the maximum extra amount you could need to pay, not just monthly savings.
Does RMO have the same deductible?
No. RMO has its own coverage rules and does not use the ordinary basic-insurance premium and deductible. Confirm your actual healthcare route.
Sources
Last verified: 4 October 2026. Sources are in Dutch or English.