Healthcare allowance is financial support from the government for your health insurance premiums. The amount is determined by your income and assets.
What is healthcare allowance?
Healthcare allowance is a contribution from the Tax and Customs Administration to ease the premium of your health insurance. In the Netherlands, everyone must have basic health insurance, and healthcare allowance helps people with lower incomes to cover these costs.
Conditions for healthcare allowance in 2024
- You are at least 18 years old
- You have health insurance in the Netherlands
- You are a Dutch citizen or have a valid residence permit
- Your income does not exceed the limit (see table)
- Your assets are within the permitted limit (see table)
Income limits 2024
| Situation | Maximum income limit |
|---|---|
| Single | € 37,496 |
| With tax partner | € 47,368 (joint) |
Asset limits 2024
| Situation | Maximum permitted assets |
|---|---|
| Single | € 127,582 |
| With tax partner | € 161,329 (joint) |
How much healthcare allowance do you receive?
Maximum healthcare allowance amounts for 2024:
- Single: € 123 per month (€ 1,476 annually)
- With partner: € 239 per month jointly (€ 2,868 annually)
A higher income means a lower allowance.
Frequently asked questions about healthcare allowance
When is the healthcare allowance paid out?
The payment usually takes place around the 20th of the month. You receive an advance based on your expected income.
Do I have to repay healthcare allowance?
If your income turns out to be higher than expected afterwards, you must repay the excess amount received. Therefore, report changes immediately.
Can I apply for healthcare allowance retrospectively?
Yes, you can apply for healthcare allowance up to 1 September of the following year for the previous year.
How do I apply for healthcare allowance in Utrecht?
You can apply for healthcare allowance via the Tax and Customs Administration website with your DigiD. Enter your details such as income and assets. After approval, you receive a monthly advance. Keep your details up to date to avoid problems. Processing often takes a few weeks.
What if my income changes?
If there is a change in income, you must report this immediately via 'My Allowances' at the Tax and Customs Administration. This prevents you from receiving too much or missing out on allowance. The Tax and Customs Administration adjusts your allowance amount based on the new situation.
How are my assets determined?
For healthcare allowance, your savings, investments, and any additional properties count as assets. Debts are deducted. Your own home and pension assets are not included. Ensure you stay below the limit (€127,582 for singles, €161,329 with a partner).
Can students in Utrecht get healthcare allowance?
Yes, students aged 18 and older with Dutch health insurance can apply for allowance, provided they stay below the income and asset limits. Income from a part-time job or student finance must be reported. A DUO loan does not count as income, but savings do count as assets.
What is a tax partner?
A tax partner is someone you live with or are married to and share finances with. Your incomes and assets are combined, which affects the amount of the allowance. With a partner, higher limits and allowance amounts apply.
Healthcare allowance and living abroad
With Dutch health insurance, you can apply for healthcare allowance, even if you live outside the Netherlands, provided you are tax liable in the Netherlands. Report your foreign address to the Tax and Customs Administration to prevent payment issues.
Not receiving healthcare allowance?
Check via 'My Allowances' whether your application has been processed. If payment is delayed, there may be an error in your details or a delay. Contact the Tax and Customs Administration and have your BSN and application number ready.
Local information Utrecht
For legal questions about healthcare allowance, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Utrecht, Catharijnesingel 55. For court cases, the Rechtbank Midden-Nederland, Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, is the designated location.