Menzis Health Insurance for Students

What is Menzis Health Insurance?

‘Every human counts’ is the motto of health insurer Menzis. Established in 2006 following a merger between regional insurance companies, Menzis is currently one of the larger health insurers in the Netherlands, serving approximately 2 million customers. Alongside standard public policies, Menzis offers supplementary packages tailored specifically for young adults and students. They manage their operations primarily from Wageningen, Groningen, and Enschede, and also operate the labels Azivo and Anderzorg.

Who is Menzis For?

Whether you need a Dutch health insurance policy depends on your employment status. If you are an international student solely studying in the Netherlands, you are generally excluded from the Dutch public healthcare system and can use an EHIC or private insurance.

However, the moment you start a part-time job, you are usually required to take out a Dutch public policy. Paid internships require a separate SVB/Wlz check: since 1 September 2025, payment, country group and employee-insurance status matter. Menzis caters to both working international students and Dutch students who need a reliable basic policy with the option to add youth-focused supplementary care.

Example scenario: An international student arrives in August and uses a European Health Insurance Card. In November, they begin a part-time job at a supermarket. From their very first working day, they are obligated to register with a Dutch insurer like Menzis to comply with the Healthcare Insurance Act (Zvw).

Coverage Options: 3 Basic Policies

The Dutch government dictates the contents of the basic health insurance package, meaning the core medical coverage is the same across all providers. Menzis offers three basic policy variations based on your freedom to choose healthcare providers:

• Basis Voordelig (Budget In-kind): A digitally focused policy with a lower monthly premium. You arrange matters online, and non-contracted care is reimbursed at a substantially lower rate.
• Basis (In-kind): A standard policy where contracted care is fully covered. If you visit a non-contracted provider, your reimbursement is typically limited to a set percentage of the standard rate.
• Basis Vrij (Combination): This premium option provides broader freedom of choice. You can visit non-contracted providers and generally receive reimbursement up to the market-conform rate.

Supplementary Insurance for Young Adults

Because the basic package does not cover everything, Menzis provides supplementary packages. For students, the JongerenVerzorgd package is particularly relevant. It is tailored to the average healthcare needs of a young adult, offering coverage for contraception, physiotherapy, and emergency care abroad.

If you require dental care, you can add specific dental modules such as TandVerzorgd 250, 500, or 750, which reimburse standard check-ups and treatments up to the chosen annual limit.

General Exclusions

It is vital to read the policy conditions to understand what is excluded. Standard exclusions in the basic package typically include dental care for adults over 18, specific alternative therapies, and full coverage for non-contracted care on a budget policy. Furthermore, supplementary packages have strict maximum limits per calendar year. Costs exceeding these limits will not be reimbursed.

Menzis Health Insurance Premiums 2026

Below you can view the historical and finalized monthly premiums for Menzis based on the standard mandatory deductible of €385. Coverage, pricing, eligibility, and exact conditions depend on the chosen policy.

Menzis website

Cost Factors: Deductible and Healthcare Allowance

Your total healthcare costs depend on your chosen deductible and whether you qualify for government support.

The standard mandatory deductible (Eigen Risico) in 2026 is €385. This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket for most medical care, such as hospital visits, before your insurance covers the bills. General practitioner (GP) visits are exempt from this deductible. You may choose to voluntarily increase this deductible by up to €500 to receive a discount on your monthly premium.

To help manage the premium costs, many students apply for the healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) via the Belastingdienst. For 2026, the maximum allowance is generally €129 per month per month for eligible individuals earning below €40,857 per year.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Students should be mindful of several common pitfalls when navigating Dutch health insurance:

• Ignoring CAK letters: If you work and fail to register for insurance, the Central Administration Office (CAK) will send warning letters. Ignoring these leads to substantial fines.
• Assuming automatic allowance: The healthcare allowance is not granted automatically. You must actively apply for it via the Dutch tax authority.
• Choosing budget policies blindly: Opting for the Basis Voordelig policy without checking if your local hospital is contracted can result in unexpected bills.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Plan

Arranging your Menzis insurance requires a few standard steps. You will need a Citizen Service Number (BSN) and a Dutch bank account.

1. Determine your obligation: Confirm whether your current work or internship status requires a Dutch public policy.
2. Select a basic policy: Choose between the Voordelig, Basis, or Basis Vrij options based on your budget and preferred hospitals.
3. Set your deductible: Decide if you want to keep the mandatory €385 deductible or increase it voluntarily.
4. Add supplementary care: Review the JongerenVerzorgd or dental modules if you expect extra medical costs.
5. Apply online: Register via the Menzis website using your DigiD.
6. Request zorgtoeslag: Apply for your healthcare allowance via the Toeslagen portal of the Belastingdienst.

Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

Students increasingly consider the ethical investments of their providers. Organizations like the VBDO (Association of Investors for Sustainable Development) regularly evaluate Dutch health insurers on policies regarding the environment, human rights, and society. While older reports showed moderate scores for Menzis, sustainability benchmarks in the insurance sector evolve continuously. To view their current performance, it is advisable to consult the latest independent VBDO rankings.

Contact Details Menzis

Menzis website