Table 1 The Dutch health insurance system after the insurance reform of 1 January 2006

Health insurance law

Introduced on 1 January 2006

Abolition of distinction between private and public insurance

Insurance under private law with public limiting conditions

Obligation for every citizen to take out health insurance in form of basic package

Risk adjustment

Insurance policy

Free choice between health plans during annual open enrolment periods

Basic insurance package which is identical for everybody and health plans are obliged to accept everybody against the same premium and conditions

Choice between in-kind and restitution policy

Health plans have the possibility to contract health care selectively

Possibility for citizens to take out an complementary insurance. Health plans are not obliged to accept everybody

Choice of deductible (minimum €100, max. €500); from 2008 obligatory deductible of at least €155

No-claim reimbursement of up to 255 Euros; abolished in 2008

Collectives (via work or other) get premium reduction up to 10%