Medicines Reimbursement System: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how the Dutch reimbursement system works for prescription drugs and what you might need to pay out of pocket.
The Medicines Reimbursement System is a framework that determines how much your health insurance will cover for your prescription medications.
Who it's for
This system applies to all patients who have basic health insurance in the Netherlands.
What you get
You receive reimbursement for prescription drugs based on standardized levels. This ensures that the cost of your medication is managed through your insurance coverage.
What it costs you
While the system covers much of the cost, you are still responsible for paying your deductible, known locally as the "eigen risico."
The catch to know
You may not always get the specific brand of medicine you request. Insurance companies often use a "preference policy," which means they may require you to switch to a different brand of the same medication to ensure they are only paying for the most cost-effective option.
How to apply
- Consult with your doctor regarding your necessary prescriptions.
- Check with your specific health insurer to see how they apply their preference policies.
- Visit the official portal to learn more about how coverage is determined.