Country Correspondent: Marthe Haverkamp
Medical marijuana will not be reimbursed under Dutch statutory insurance policies because of a lack of evidence demonstrating its effectiveness for treating chronic pain and the side effects of chemotherapy. The National Health Care Institute submitted these recommendations based on an analysis of the latest scientific evidence. Major Dutch insurers typically follow the Institute’s recommendations, and are therefore not expected to cover medical marijuana in voluntary, supplemental insurance packages, held by 84 percent of Dutch residents. Medical cannabis can be obtained in pharmacies with a doctor’s prescription, with patients responsible for covering the full costs out of pocket.
