Over one million people changed health insurance company at the end of last year, but fewer made the switch than in previous years, according to figures from health insurance umbrella group ZN.

In total 5.9% of policy holders moved to a different insurance package, down from 6.4% in 2016, ZN said. That is the lowest figure since 2011.

The actual total may be higher. People have until the end of January to chose a new health insurance company if they have informed their old one that they are leaving.

The main reasons for making the switch are high premiums, different healthcare needs, unhappiness about coverage and poor service, according to research by comparison website Zorgwijzer.nl.

The government determines the make-up of the basic healthcare package but companies are free to compete on price, freedom of choice and supplementary insurance.