Healthcare premiums are rising by an average of €11 per month in 2025, but the gap between cheapest and most expensive has stretched to €433, according to research by comparison website Zorgwijzer.

Tuesday was the deadline for publishing next year’s fees, kicking off a six-week period during which people can switch to a new provider.

Zorgwijzer calculates that the average new payment will be €158.72 a month.

Four health insurers – Zilveren Kruis, CZ, VGZ and Menzies – control some 85% of the market. Zilveren Kruis premiums are rising by an average of €9.62 a month, the lowest of the big four, while CZ is the most expensive, with a rise of €15.53.

Health insurers are also scrapping the type of policy known as a “restitution” policy completely. This allowed people a completely free choice about where to get treatment.

Policy holders instead are being offered a combination policy, which covers between 75% and 90% of the cost of care at providers the insurance company does not have a contract with.

This will have most impact on people who use psychiatric care and community nursing services, Zorgwijzer said, because it means they will have to pay more for the cost of their treatment themselves.

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.