Important change: healthcare providers must actively inform about reimbursements

Share this important information with your employees so they, too, can be well prepared and avoid unpleasant surprises.

If the healthcare provider consulted does not have a contract with his client's health insurer, the healthcare provider must now inform that client in advance, before treatment begins. This means that healthcare providers can no longer suffice with just a notice on their website; they must inform clients personally.
For example, via an email, a letter or a message in the personal patient portal. This fulfills the requirements of 'actively' and 'demonstrably' informing.

Research by Patiëntenfederatie Nederland shows that many patients are unaware of the limitations in their healthcare policy. Almost half of the patients who turned to a non-contracted care provider did not know this beforehand. This often leads to unexpected additional payments, which could have been prevented if the patient had been informed earlier.

These new regulations will make it easier to make informed choices in the care process. If the chosen care provider does not have a contract with the health insurer, this will be made known in good time and, if desired, a contracted care provider can be chosen to avoid additional costs.
Please refer to the health insurance company for the exact amount of reimbursement. Do not forget that there may still be excess to pay.
Patiëntenfederatie Nederland will closely monitor whether healthcare providers comply with this tightened information obligation. Make sure that your relations stay well informed and avoid unpleasant surprises by always having them contact the health insurer when in doubt.

Sources: NZa, Patient Federation of the Netherlands