1. Healthcare in the Netherlands Kees-Pieter Dekker Athens 24 – 27 May 2009

2. Healthcare Act Effective as from 1 January 2006 Applies to all residents except for: – Active service men – “gemoedsbezwaarden” (people who for certain reasons (mostly religious ones) do not take out insurances) Legal obligation to take out healthcare insurance – fines if not April 092

3. Basic medical care Defined by government – Family doctor – hospital Covered through basis insurance Insurance coverage non-selective Financed through income dependent premium and nominal premium First EURO 150 of medical care: insured’s own risk April 093

4. Premium basis insurance Income dependent: percentage of annually determined income Employees get reimbursement of premium from employer; pensioners do not get reimbursement Nominal premium: depends on insurance company chosen (approximately EURO 1,000 – 1,200 per annum) April 094

5. Additional insurances No non-selection Premium depends on coverage package April 095

6. Consequences Introduction of new Healthcare Act: unilateral abolition of healthcare contributions for pensioners Case law more and more shows that unilateral abolition is in violation of (employment) law Dutch citizens (mostly pensioners) who reside abroad but who receive Dutch old age pensions must pay double: to the Netherlands and to their state of residence. April 096