Best Health Insurance Plans for DAFT Entrepreneurs
Choosing health insurance in the Netherlands felt weirdly easy compared to the US. No employer plan to decipher, no massive deductibles that make you question whether you even have insurance.
But as a Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) entrepreneur, you still need to pick a plan. And while the basics are the same across all providers, the details matter more than you might think.
Here is what we learned comparing plans, what actually matters, and where we landed.
How Dutch Health Insurance Works for Entrepreneurs
As a DAFT entrepreneur, you are required by law to have Dutch health insurance (zorgverzekering). Every provider offers the same government-regulated basic package (basisverzekering), so you are not choosing between wildly different coverage levels like in the US.
What varies between providers:
- Monthly premium (roughly 120-160 euros per month for basic)
- Customer service quality (and whether they speak English)
- Supplemental options (dental, physio, vision)
- Restitutie vs. natura policy type
- App and digital experience
If you are still sorting out your overall insurance setup, start with our main guide on Dutch health insurance for DAFT visa holders.
Natura vs. Restitutie: This Actually Matters
Before comparing providers, you need to understand this distinction.
Natura (in-kind) policies cover you fully when you use contracted healthcare providers. Go outside the network and you might only get 60-80% reimbursed.
Restitutie (reimbursement) policies let you see any provider in the Netherlands and get fully reimbursed. These cost a bit more but offer total freedom.
Pro Tip: As an American used to choosing your own doctors, a restitutie policy might feel more natural. But most people in the Netherlands stick with contracted providers anyway, so natura works fine for the majority.
Top Insurance Providers Compared
CZ
CZ consistently gets high marks for customer service. They have English-speaking support and a straightforward online portal. Their basic premium runs around 135-145 euros per month.
We have heard from several DAFT entrepreneurs who are happy with CZ, particularly for their clear communication and fast claims processing.
Zilveren Kruis
The largest insurer in the Netherlands. Their network is enormous, so finding contracted providers is rarely an issue. Premiums are competitive, usually 130-140 euros per month for basic coverage.
Their app is solid, and they have decent English-language support. Not the most personal experience, but reliable.
OHRA / Nationale-Nederlanden
Part of the same group, these tend to offer slightly lower premiums (125-135 euros). Good digital tools and reasonable supplemental options.
If you are watching costs carefully while getting your business set up, these are worth considering.
FBTO and Budget Options
FBTO and other budget insurers offer the same basic coverage at lower premiums, sometimes under 120 euros per month. The trade-off is usually less English support and a more basic app experience.
For a healthy American in their 20s or 30s who rarely sees a doctor, these can be a smart choice. You are getting the same legal coverage for less.
Supplemental Insurance: What Is Worth Adding
The basic package covers a lot, but there are gaps. Here is what we think is worth considering:
Dental (tandarts): Basic insurance does not cover adult dental care. A supplemental dental plan runs 10-25 euros per month and usually covers one or two checkups plus basic treatments. If you have not been to a dentist in a while, this pays for itself quickly.
Physiotherapy (fysiotherapie): Basic covers physio only after 20 sessions in a calendar year. If you have a chronic condition or are active and injury-prone, a physio supplement is smart.
Vision: Glasses and contacts are not covered by basic insurance. Supplemental vision plans typically offer 100-200 euros per year toward lenses or frames.
What We Wish We Knew: You can only change your supplemental insurance during the open enrollment period in November-December for the following year. Choose wisely upfront because you are locked in for 12 months.
The Eigen Risico Factor
Every plan has the same mandatory deductible (eigen risico) of 385 euros per year. GP visits, maternity care, and some chronic care are exempt. For a full breakdown, read our guide on how the eigen risico works.
Some insurers let you raise your deductible to 885 euros in exchange for a lower monthly premium. As an entrepreneur watching cash flow, this can be tempting. But if something goes wrong, that is 885 euros out of pocket before coverage kicks in.
What About the Zorgtoeslag?
If your income as a DAFT entrepreneur is below a certain threshold, you may qualify for zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance). This is a monthly subsidy from the government to help cover your insurance premium.
In 2026, single people earning under roughly 38,000 euros per year can qualify. You apply through the Belastingdienst (tax authority), and you will need your DigiD to do it.
Our Recommendation
For most DAFT entrepreneurs, pick a mid-range provider like CZ or Zilveren Kruis with a basic dental supplement. The few extra euros per month for good English-speaking customer service are worth it when you are still learning the system.
Once you have been here a year and understand how everything works, you can shop around during open enrollment. The switching process is painless, and insurers are required to accept you for basic coverage regardless of health status.
Make sure you have registered with a huisarts as well. Your GP is your entry point to the entire healthcare system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my US health insurance count toward the Dutch requirement? A: No. You must have Dutch health insurance (zorgverzekering) from a Dutch provider. US insurance does not fulfill the legal requirement, even if it offers international coverage.
Q: When do I need to sign up for Dutch health insurance? A: Within four months of registering at the gemeente. In practice, do it as soon as possible. The IND may ask for proof during your DAFT application.
Q: Can I deduct health insurance premiums from my business taxes? A: Not directly as a business expense. But if you qualify for zorgtoeslag, you effectively reduce your cost. Talk to your accountant about the specifics for your situation.
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We're not immigration lawyers -- just Americans who did this. Requirements change, so verify with official sources.