Mandatory Health Insurance in Delft
In the Netherlands, including for residents of Delft, health insurance is mandatory for everyone living or working in the country. Every Delft resident must take out a **basic insurance policy** with a health insurer to access essential medical care. The **Dutch Health Insurance Act (Zorgverzekeringswet, Zvw)** governs this system, ensuring no one in the city is left without care and that healthcare costs are fairly distributed across the community. This article explains the obligations specifically for Delft residents, including local support through institutions like the **Juridisch Loket Delft** (Delft Legal Aid Office).
What Does Mandatory Health Insurance Mean for Delft Residents?
The mandatory health insurance requires all Dutch residents—including those in Delft—to take out a **basic policy**. This covers standard care such as GP visits, hospital treatments, and prescription medications. The principle of **solidarity** is central: healthy Delft residents contribute to the care of the sick, with no exclusions based on health status or budget. **Insured individuals** pay a fixed premium to their insurer and an income-related contribution via taxes.
The basic coverage is uniform nationwide, but insurers differ in service quality, excess amounts (*eigen risico*), and optional add-ons. For children under 18 in Delft, parents pre-pay the premium, but the government covers the cost for free. Exceptions apply to specific groups, such as military personnel or diplomats, who have alternative coverage arrangements.
Legal Framework
The obligation is established under the **Dutch Health Insurance Act (Zvw)**, introduced in 2006 and regularly updated. Key provisions include:
- Article 2 Zvw: Defines who is insured, such as Delft residents or foreign workers in the region.
- Article 11 Zvw: Mandates taking out a basic insurance policy.
- Article 66 Zvw: Regulates the income-dependent premium via the Dutch Tax Authority (*Belastingdienst*).
- Article 69 Zvw: Imposes penalties for uninsured individuals, including fines or reimbursement of costs.
Oversight is conducted by the **Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa)** and the **Health Insurance Board (CVZ)**. The government sets annual premiums and excess amounts effective January 1st. In 2023, the average premium was **€1,390**, with a mandatory excess of **€385**. Delft residents with enforcement questions can turn to the **District Court of The Hague** or the **Juridisch Loket Delft** for free advice.
Who Must Be Insured in Delft?
Not everyone is automatically covered. Below is an overview for Delft:
| Group | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Delft residents | Yes | From age 18, a basic policy is required; register via the **Municipality of Delft** upon moving. |
| EU/EER workers in Delft | Yes (unless double-insured) | Working in Delft? Covered under Zvw, except with foreign pension schemes or an **A1 certificate**. |
| Asylum seekers | No | Covered by the government via **AWBZ** or **COA**; in Delft through local shelters. |
| Students abroad | Yes | Remain insured if registered in the **Personal Records Database (BRP)** of the Municipality of Delft. |
| Military personnel | No | Covered by the **Ministry of Defence**; relevant for personnel at Delft bases. |
When emigrating from Delft: cancel your policy and consider travel insurance. For more on being uninsured, see our article on **[uninsured for health insurance](link)**. The Municipality of Delft can assist with registration.
Rights and Obligations for Delft Residents
As an insured resident in Delft, you have **rights** and **obligations**:
Rights
- **Guaranteed basic coverage**: Insurers cannot reject you based on medical history.
- **Annual switch**: Change insurers between **November 1 and December 31**.
- **Retroactive reimbursement**: If uninsured, your insurer will reimburse costs after enrollment.
- **Appeals procedure**: Challenge insurer decisions via the **Social Insurance Appeals Board (SKGZ)**; local advice available at **Juridisch Loket Delft**.
Obligations
- Take out basic insurance **within four months** of moving to Delft.
- Pay premiums: Monthly nominal premium + income-related contribution via taxes.
- Cover the **excess (€385 in 2024)** out-of-pocket.
- Report changes: Notify the **Tax Authority**, insurer, and **Municipality of Delft** of address updates.
Failure to comply may result in a fine of up to **€458 (2023)** plus liability for healthcare costs. The **Juridisch Loket Delft** offers support in disputes.
Practical Examples for Delft
**Scenario 1**: You’re a 25-year-old new hire at a Delft tech company. You must insure within four months to avoid penalties. Choose a **restitution policy** for flexibility or a **naturapolis** for contracted regional care (often cheaper in Delft).
**Scenario 2**: A German expat works at **TU Delft**. As an EU citizen, they’re mandatorily insured under Zvw unless they have an **A1 certificate**. Uninsured in an accident? Personal costs could run into thousands—recoverable via the **District Court of The Hague**.
**For Delft families**: Parents pay the child premium, but low-income households benefit from **healthcare subsidies**. In 2023, up to **€140/month** for households earning under **€38,000**; check via the **Municipality of Delft** or **Tax Authority**.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.