See more of Dutch Brief in your Google search results
DSW is the first Dutch health insurer to announce its 2027 rates, and it’s making a record increase. The premium for its basic insurance (basisverzekering) will go up by 14.75 euros a month to 173.25 euros. DSW says this is the biggest premium rise it has ever had to make.
The numbers
This increase means the monthly premium will go from 158.50 euros this year to 173.25 euros next year, which is about 2,079 euros a year. That’s a rise of around 177 euros annually, or 9.3 percent. For a couple both insured with DSW, that's about 354 euros more each year.
In terms of euros, this is a record increase for DSW. “In the eight years I have worked here, I have not experienced such a big rise,” said DSW director Aad de Groot. However, in percentage terms, it’s not the highest ever. The premium went up by 10 percent in 2011.
Why so steep
DSW is a smaller insurer based in Schiedam and is usually the first to announce its premium, so its rates are closely watched. DSW gives several reasons for the large increase. The cost of care keeps going up because demand is rising and labour and other costs are higher. The government has also reduced the national budget for health insurers, which pushes premiums higher.
Timing is a special factor this year. DSW kept its premium the same for 2026 because of a one-time financial windfall, but that benefit is now gone. “In effect, we are seeing two years of care costs in this one increase,” De Groot explained. To help with the higher costs, DSW is using 25 million euros from its reserves, thanks to good investment results last year. This also means its supplementary (aanvullende) insurance premiums do not have to go up.
SPONSORED
You’re overpaying your accountant. And they still don’t call you back.
Neno gives you a dedicated bookkeeper, automated admin, real-time financial insights and a free business bank account. Everything your business needs, in one place.
No chasing. No surprises. No unnecessary costs.
Higher than the government expected
The increase is higher than the government expected. On Prinsjesdag (Budget Day), the health ministry thought the average premium would rise by about 12.50 euros a month to around 169 euros. DSW’s increase is 2.25 euros a month more than that estimate.
Importantly, the care allowance (zorgtoeslag), which helps many lower-income households, does not fully cover the premium increase. The allowance is also going up, but by about 11 euros a month less than the premium. This leaves a gap that will hit the lowest incomes hardest. De Groot warned of “a dead-end street of ever-higher premiums,” and pointed out that those who struggle most are the ones whose allowance does not keep up. CAK figures show about 200,000 people already have premium arrears, up from 172,000 in 2022.
What else is changing, and what to do
Also, the compulsory excess (eigen risico), the amount people pay themselves before insurance starts covering costs, will go up by law from 385 to 400 euros next year. DSW will keep its 10-euro discount, so its policyholders will pay a maximum of 390 euros.
DSW’s announcement is just the beginning. Other health insurers have until 12 November to announce their 2027 rates. Only then will it be clear if they also set premiums above the government’s estimate. Everyone in the Netherlands can switch health insurers until the end of the year, so it’s a good time to compare options.