A joint study by the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) and the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has found that the health-insurance market in the Netherlands offers a significant number of plans that are very similar, making it hard for consumers to choose the most suitable option. In 2023, 61 percent of consumers could have saved an average of 103 euros per year by opting for more economical alternatives to standard health-insurance plans.

The study also revealed that consumers may be forced to choose more expensive standard health-insurance plans to access additional insurance, even when more economical options could meet their needs. This situation can lead to certain individuals paying more for their health insurance, affecting the principle of solidarity in the Dutch health-care system.

Consumers often struggle with understanding health-insurance plans, especially regarding reimbursements for out-of-network providers. Recommendations have been made to simplify the choice process for consumers, including reducing the number of identical insurance policies per insurer and ensuring access to all additional plans offered by the insurer.

ACM plays a role in ensuring well-functioning markets, including the health-care sector, by conducting market studies and overseeing quality, affordability, and accessibility of health care. The Dutch health-care system emphasizes consumer choice, leading to differentiation among health-care providers and insurers based on price, quality, and services.

The study utilized data from ACM's consumer survey in the health-care market, showing that consumers prioritize freedom of choice of health-care providers during the switching period. ACM has updated information on its consumer portal to assist consumers in making informed decisions in the health-insurance market.