Four out of 10 people with Dutch health insurance would be better off increasing their own risk payments to the maximum, according to researchers at Erasmus University.

Just 11% of people opt for the maximum charge of €860 a year. However, far more people would benefit from making the switch because they make few claims on their insurance.

Next year the minimum own risk payment will go up €15 to €375. By opting for the maximum payment of €875, people can cut their premiums by up to €250 a year. Not all insurance companies offer such a large discount.

This is of particular benefit to young men and people with a good health record, the Erasmus researchers say.