Dutch might introduce no-claim bonus for health insurance

The Dutch government is supporting plans to introduce a no-claim system into health insurance, giving patients a financial incentive to consume less health care. Patients whose care costs less than an average for their age group could have their health insurance premium refunded by up to €230 (£156; $282) each year.

Health minister Hans Hoogervorst, who this week called for 10% or €4bn efficiency savings in health care, has said the scheme would encourage patients “not to visit their doctor for every little trifle.”

The plans have been drawn up by the rightwing liberal party in the governing coalition with a team of healthcare experts. It emphasises it will reward the economical use of care and in doing socurb demand.

Dutch health minister Hans Hoogervorst says the no-claim scheme would stop patients visiting their doctor “for every little trifle”

Credit: ANP/PA

The plan could be introduced in 2005 and would involve a small increase in all healthcare premiums. It would replace unpopular plans for a compulsory “own risk” fee where patients cover health costs themselves up to a maximum of €230. This is seen as punishing illness, whereas the new plan is being hailed as rewarding health.

Under the plan, use of healthcare services would be recorded on an electronic care card. Patients would be divided into clusters according to age and sex, so old would be compared with old and young with young. Those consuming less than the average for their cluster would be entitled to a refund.

Liberal member of parliament Edith Schippers argues that currently care seems free once the insurance premium is paid; the no-claim system would make people more conscious of cost and the need to lead healthy lives.

The opposition Labour party fears that patients will delay seeking care and that more patients will become uninsured, because of the rise in the cost of premiums.