FBTO Health Insurance for Students

What is FBTO Health Insurance?

Friese Boeren en Tuinders Onderlinge (FBTO) was founded in 1956 and is now part of Achmea, one of the largest insurance groups in the Netherlands. FBTO serves over 500,000 customers and is known for its flexible, modular approach to insurance. For students, FBTO offers basic health insurance with the unique ability to add or remove coverage modules based on your specific lifestyle and budget.

Who is FBTO For?

Whether you need Dutch insurance depends on your status as an international student. Under Dutch law, your insurance requirements change based on your daily activities:

• Study-only: If you are in the Netherlands solely to study and do not have a part-time job or paid internship, you are generally not eligible for Dutch basic insurance. You can typically rely on your EHIC (EU students) or private international insurance.
• Working Students & Interns: The moment you start a part-time job, you are usually legally required to take out a Dutch basic health insurance policy. Paid internships require a separate SVB/Wlz check: since 1 September 2025, payment, country group and employee-insurance status matter.

If you fall into the working category, FBTO provides a digital-first experience that appeals to young adults who prefer managing their healthcare via apps and online portals.

FBTO Health Insurance Policies 2026

Use our tool to explore all health insurance plans and premiums offered by FBTO for the 2026 calendar year.

FBTO website

Cost Factors: Deductible and Healthcare Allowance

Your monthly costs are determined by your chosen policy and two major government-regulated factors: the deductible and the allowance.

The mandatory deductible (*eigen risico*) for 2026 is €385. This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket for most medical care before your insurance kicks in. GP visits are always exempt from this. At FBTO, you can increase this voluntarily by up to €500 (reaching a total of €885) to receive a significant discount on your monthly premium.

Most students are also eligible for the healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag). If you have a low income, the Dutch government provides this monthly subsidy to help pay your premium. In 2026, the maximum allowance can cover a large portion of your basic insurance costs.

Supplementary Modules: Customizing Your Care

FBTO is unique because it uses a modular system. Instead of large, fixed packages, you can choose specific modules. Note that while some can be turned on mid-year, others must be selected when your basic insurance starts.

• Dental (Tand): Reimburses costs for the dentist and oral hygienist up to a chosen limit (e.g., €250 or €500). Must be taken out at the start of the year.
• Healthcare Abroad (Zorg in het Buitenland): Reimburses medical costs abroad that exceed the Dutch rate. This is especially useful for students traveling outside the EU.
• Accidents (Ongevallen): Provides a fixed payout in the event of death or permanent disability resulting from an accident.
• Muscles & Joints (Spieren & Gewrichten): Covers physiotherapy or manual therapy sessions. You can typically choose between 3, 6, or 9 sessions.
• Facial Care & Orthodontics: An extensive package covering orthodontics (subject to waiting periods), acne treatment, and even a contribution for glasses or lenses.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the Contracted Network: If you have an in-kind (*natura*) policy, always check if your hospital or clinic is contracted by FBTO to avoid paying 25% or more of the bill yourself.
• Missing the Module Deadlines: Assuming you can add dental insurance mid-year; most core modules must be activated before January 1st (or when your policy begins).
• Forgetting Zorgtoeslag: Many students qualify for the healthcare allowance but forget to apply for it, leaving money on the table.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Plan

1. Verify your obligation: Ensure you are legally required to have Dutch insurance (usually if you have a job or paid internship).
2. Choose your Basic Policy: Decide between Budget, In-kind, or the freedom of a Combination policy.
3. Select your Deductible: Keep the standard €385 or increase it to €885 for a cheaper premium.
4. Add Modules: Select physiotherapy, dental, or other modules relevant to your needs.
5. Complete the Application: Apply via the FBTO website using your DigiD or BSN. If switching before January 1st, FBTO will automatically cancel your old policy.

Contact Details

Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

As part of the Achmea Group, FBTO follows a comprehensive responsible investment policy. Independent studies, such as those by the VBDO (Association of Investors for Sustainable Development), evaluate insurers on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Achmea consistently ranks among the top performers in the Dutch insurance market for its sustainable climate and social policies.