Switching health insurance for 2026
You can switch to a different basic insurance policy every year as of 1 January. This is how it works.
Switching in five steps
- Check what your current policy costs in 2026 and what changes. Your insurer will notify you.
- Compare policies on total yearly cost, choice of care providers and coverage. Check whether your regular care providers have a contract.
- Check whether your new supplementary insurance will accept you and whether a waiting period (wachttijd) applies.
- Take out your new policy by 31 December 2025. Your new insurer will then cancel your old basic insurance for you.
- Check your new policy document and stop your old direct debits once your cancellation is confirmed.
If you take out new basic insurance by 31 December, your new insurer cancels your old policy for you. This is called the overstapservice (switching service).
If you cancelled yourself before 1 January, you have until 1 February to take out new basic insurance. It then starts on 1 January.
Supplementary insurance may have different cancellation rules. Check your current insurer's terms.
Frequently asked questions
When can I switch health insurance?
You can switch every year as of 1 January. Take out your new basic insurance by 31 December and your new insurer will cancel your old one for you. If you cancelled yourself, you have until 1 February to take out new basic insurance, which then starts on 1 January.
Do I have to cancel my old health insurance myself?
Usually not. Through the overstapservice (switching service), your new insurer cancels your old basic insurance if you switch by 31 December. Check with your new insurer whether this also applies to your supplementary insurance.
Can I switch during the year?
As a rule, no. It is only possible in special situations, for example if your insurer changes the premium or terms to your disadvantage during the year, or if you join a group policy through your employer. Check your insurer's terms.
Will I always be accepted?
For basic insurance, yes: insurers must accept everyone. For supplementary and dental insurance, no: an insurer may ask health questions, apply an age limit or refuse you.
What happens to ongoing treatment?
From 1 January, the terms of your new policy apply. Check whether your care provider has a contract with your new insurer and whether you need a new prior authorisation (machtiging).
Can I switch if I am behind on payments?
If you have payment arrears, your current insurer may be able to refuse your cancellation. In that case, contact your insurer.
Does switching cost money?
No, switching is free. You only pay the premium for your new insurance.
Can I have basic and supplementary insurance with different insurers?
Yes, but many supplementary packages are only available together with basic insurance from the same insurer. I show this for every package.
Sources
- Statutory amounts 2026 (Dutch government) (Retrieved on 1 January 2026)