Do you need supplemental insurance if you’re pregnant?

Your basic insurance covers much of your prenatal care. Supplemental insurance is an option for additional coverage. Whether it makes sense for you depends on the additional premium, the terms and conditions, and the costs you expect to incur.

What additional costs do you want to insure?

First, make a list of what you might need. Consider reimbursement for copayments, a prenatal class, or breastfeeding support. Not every plan covers all of these items. De Verloskundige provides an overview of pregnancy-related care and potential reimbursements.

Even within a single insurer, plans can vary. For example, the DSW supplemental plans for 2027 show different reimbursement percentages for the copayment for postpartum care. Therefore, be sure to compare the full plan name and the year.

How do you compare premiums and coverage?

Calculate the additional premium for a full year. Then, only include reimbursements for which you meet the eligibility requirements and that you reasonably expect to use.

Here’s a sample calculation using fictional amounts: a supplemental plan costs €20 per month, or €240 per year. If this plan reimburses you €100 in course fees and €150 in copayments, the difference is €10 in your favor. If the course isn’t covered, you’ll have €150 in reimbursements left over compared to €240 in premiums in this example.

This is not a prediction of your healthcare costs. Take into account shared budgets, maximum amounts, and care you may not ultimately use. When switching providers, also compare the base premium and the reimbursement for care from your chosen healthcare providers.

Read more about the difference between the deductible and the copayment.

Which conditions can make a difference?

Check the following for each reimbursement:

• Whether your healthcare provider or course provider is accepted.
• Whether a maximum limit applies per calendar year, pregnancy, or longer period.
• Whether you need prior authorization and what supporting documents are required.
• Whether there is a waiting period or other eligibility requirements.

Supplementary insurance does not have the same obligation to accept applicants as basic insurance. The Dutch government explains this difference. Therefore, being pregnant does not automatically mean you can sign up for any supplementary plan you want mid-term.

What if I want to switch insurers?

First, check the acceptance status and effective date of the new insurance policy. If in doubt, don’t cancel your supplemental insurance until the new insurer has accepted you. You can find the usual switching deadlines and conditions on the Dutch government website.

What if I pay for the course myself?

You can take a course even without course reimbursement. Compare the course price with what you want to learn. Check out the online pregnancy course from Future Mom Academy. A supplemental insurance plan is not required to participate in the course.