Country Correspondent: Margje Haverkamp
In March, Paul Blokhuis, the Netherlands health care secretary, expanded the rights of uninsured individuals by removing the prerequisite of “urgency” when it comes to providing care for the uninsured. Until now, health care providers were obligated to deliver only truly urgent medical care to such individuals. Commenting on the decision, Blokhuis said “a thriving country like the Netherlands cannot fail people in their weakest moments.” Residents of the Netherlands must purchase health insurance from a private insurer or pay a fine. Despite generous public subsidies for those who cannot afford premiums, more than 17,000 residents were uninsured in 2017.
- Betere toegang tot medische zorg voor onverzekerden (in Dutch)
- VWS- Verzekerdenmonitor 2018 (in Dutch)
