The government will present its 2019 spending plans to parliament next Tuesday and, as every year, leaks have already begun.

The AD quotes sources as saying the government estimates basic healthcare insurance premiums will rise around €10 a month, to an average of €1,432 a year in 2019/

However, there will be no increase in the own risk element, which is currently €385, the sources said. At the same time, the maximum health insurance benefit will rise to €92 a month for a single person, the AD said.

Health insurance companies are responsible for setting their own fees for the basic health package, although the government determines the contents.

The government forecast a similar rise in premiums last year, although most insurance companies kept well below that figure.

Cyber crime

Broadcaster NOS says the government is planning to spend an additional €30m on tackling cyber crime, following warnings from the counter-terrorism unit NCTV. The NCTV said earlier this year that cyber crime poses a major threat to the Netherlands.

The police will also get an additional €58m next year. The money is to be spent on recruitment drives and other measures to offset the number of police soon coming up for retirement.