Dutch insurance companies nearly all doubled their profits last year, but industry business leaders said they are doubtful that they can reduce their customers premiums in 2014.
Last year Dutch health insurers saw their profits more than double to 1,4 billion euros. In response to the figures, the Minister for Health Edith Schipper said was that there was a "social imperative" to conclude that higher income leads to lower premiums.
Roger van Boxtel, CEO of insurance company Menzis, said that he wants nothing more than to lower premiums, but that any further decrease in premium costs depends very much on the measures that the government presents in the Budget.
As to the large profit figures made by the health insurers, van Boxel said, "Many people have been saying over the last few months ‘that we made very large profits’. But if you want to be a healthy company, you need to have buffers."
The Dutch health insurance system (since January 1st, 2006) is a combination of private health plans with social conditions built on the principles of solidarity, efficiency and value for the patient.
Health insurance in the Netherlands is mandatory if you are on a long-term stay and is designed to cover the cost of medical care. As a rule, all expats must have a Dutch health insurance even if they are insured for healthcare in their homeland also.
Dutch insurance companies are obliged by law to offer you the basic package. They can not deny coverage because of gender, age or health profile.
Almere-Digest
Last year Dutch health insurers saw their profits more than double to 1,4 billion euros. In response to the figures, the Minister for Health Edith Schipper said was that there was a "social imperative" to conclude that higher income leads to lower premiums.
Roger van Boxtel, CEO of insurance company Menzis, said that he wants nothing more than to lower premiums, but that any further decrease in premium costs depends very much on the measures that the government presents in the Budget.
As to the large profit figures made by the health insurers, van Boxel said, "Many people have been saying over the last few months ‘that we made very large profits’. But if you want to be a healthy company, you need to have buffers."
The Dutch health insurance system (since January 1st, 2006) is a combination of private health plans with social conditions built on the principles of solidarity, efficiency and value for the patient.
Health insurance in the Netherlands is mandatory if you are on a long-term stay and is designed to cover the cost of medical care. As a rule, all expats must have a Dutch health insurance even if they are insured for healthcare in their homeland also.
Dutch insurance companies are obliged by law to offer you the basic package. They can not deny coverage because of gender, age or health profile.
Almere-Digest
