Health insurance in the Netherlands

Health insurance in the Netherlands combines the free market competition of private companies with governmental supervision. It is mandatory for Dutch residents to partake in the national health insurance, but it is up to consumers to decide where they get it. At the end of the year, people can switch companies if they feel prices are cheaper or quality is better. Additionally, there is the concept of "eigen risico" (meaning "own risk" or "excess") or a lub sum that has to be paid before reimbursement stats. All these things combined make the Netherlands one of the more complicated countries in terms of health insurance. This report aims to provide an overview of all the above, and also briefly touches on national healthcare expenses.