Health insurance company DSW is putting up the premium for its basic policy by €9.50 next year, taking the price to €158.50 per month.

DSW is traditionally the first insurer to publish its new premiums ahead of the six week window for switching policies at the end of the year.

The health ministry said earlier this month it expected premiums to rise by a similar amount, and average around €156.

DSW director Aad de Grootsaid the increase is due to rising wage costs, increasing demand for care for the elderly and new methods of treatment. “Healthcare premiums have been rising for years and are pressuring affordability,” he said. “We have reached the limit of what people are willing to pay.”

Healthcare benefits for low-income households will also rise next year to a maximum of €130 for a single person, an increase of €6.50 per month.

The own risk element remains unchanged at €385 this year, but the government has said it will cut it in half in 2027. However, experts have warned that premiums will have to rise to make up for the shortfall in income.

The government determines the makeup of the basic policy and the own risk payment. Insurance companies are free to set their own prices and to determine the cost and composition of top-up policies, covering items like dental services and extra physiotherapy.

Four companies Achmea (Zilveren Kruis), VGZ, CZ and Menzis control 90% of the market and last year consumers had a choice out of 60 basic policies offered by 20 different healthcare providers.

Earlier this year, consumers authority ACM and national health council NZA warned that health insurance policies are so similar that it can be difficult for consumers to spot the differences and get the best value for money.

Last year, three in five consumers could have saved an average of €103 a year by studying the policies on offer in more detail, the agencies said. Most of those who could have cut their bills had a basic insurance policy which was extremely similar to a cheaper alternative.