What changed on 1 January 2026
From 1 January 2026, people in the Netherlands can take part in a stop-smoking programme up to three times per calendar year, paid for through the basic health insurance package (basisverzekering). Until now, the basic package reimbursed one programme per year.
This change is part of the official update to the 2026 basic benefits package published by the Dutch government and explained by Zorginstituut Nederland (the body that advises on what care belongs in the insured package).
Why the rules were expanded
In the legal explanation published by the government, the reason is practical: many smokers need more than one attempt to quit, and the old “one try per year” limit often meant people had to wait too long after a relapse. The government says it is more effective when someone can continue or restart quickly with guidance, instead of losing momentum and waiting months for a new calendar year.
The same document notes that stop-smoking care has become more professional over time, including clearer quality frameworks through the Dutch care standard for tobacco addiction.
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What counts as a reimbursed “attempt”
The reimbursement is for a recognised stop-smoking programme with professional guidance (for example via your GP/practice nurse or another qualified provider). Zorginstituut Nederland describes this as a programme that includes support and counselling, and can include nicotine replacement or prescribed medicines when they are used as part of the guided programme.
A key point in the insured-care description is that nicotine replacement products or medicines are not reimbursed if used without guidance. In other words: buying patches or other aids on your own typically does not fall under the basic package, unless your insurer covers something extra through supplementary insurance.
Will people really use three programmes in one year
The government itself says this will probably be uncommon. The official explanation notes that a programme can take months, so completing more than two in a single year is expected only in exceptional cases (it gives examples like a major life change such as moving or pregnancy).
Costs and what to check with your insurer
Stop-smoking care sits in the basic package, but practical details can still depend on how your care is organised.
To avoid surprises, it helps to check:
whether the provider is contracted by your insurer (this can affect how much is reimbursed), and
how your insurer handles reimbursement for any prescribed stop-smoking medication within the programme.
If you want a quick official overview of what is included in the basic package, the government lists “help to stop smoking” as part of the insured care and states that the programme can be used three times per year in 2026.
Where the rule is set out in Dutch policy
The underlying change is tied to the annual update of insured care under the Zorgverzekeringswet framework. The government published the 2026 package changes with an official explanation (nota van toelichting), including the section on expanding stop-smoking care to three programmes per year starting 1 January 2026.
