Several insurers only allow the purchase of specific supplementary insurance if a more expensive basic insurance is chosen. The Dutch Consumers’ Association seeks to end this practice of bundling.
For example, Menzis does not offer standalone dental insurance with their cheapest basic plan. However, it is available with a plan that costs 5 euros more per month.
Consumers seeking comprehensive dental or physiotherapy coverage should be cautious, according to the association. “These restrictions make comparing health insurance unnecessarily difficult,” stated Sandra Molenaar, director of the Consumers’ Association.
“Although it is not illegal, regulators cannot intervene, which is why we call for a legal ban.” The association noted that eight insurance brands engage in bundling while nineteen do not. Regulatory bodies also oppose this.
The Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) and the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) have previously deemed bundling undesirable. They argue that cheaper basic insurance plans are suitable for those forced into bundling, which results in higher costs for certain consumers, undermining the solidarity of the healthcare system.
The ACM and NZa have urged insurers to cease these practices and have called for political action to prohibit bundling.
Source: NOS