How do I apply for Dutch healthcare benefit in 2026?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
Apply for Dutch healthcare benefit yourself through Mijn toeslagen. Check insurance, partner status, annual income, assets and starting month. This preparation does not decide entitlement or submit anything.
On this page
1. Check insurance and residence
You must be at least 18 to receive healthcare benefit. Normally Dutch basic health insurance is required; supplementary cover is not. Insurance through CAK may be an exception. With another nationality, check the residence conditions applicable to you and any partner. Study abroad, detention or military insurance require separate assessment.
Dienst Toeslagen · Voorwaarden ↗
2. Work out annual assessment income
In 2026 the income limit is €40,857 without a toeslagpartner, or €51,142 combined with one. Use toetsingsinkomen for the entire year, even when claiming for only some months. Make a supported estimate using payslips, annual statements and expected changes; net monthly pay alone is insufficient.
3. Check assets on the reference date
The limit on 1 January 2026 is €146,011, or €184,633 jointly with a toeslagpartner. Minor children's assets can count. If you have a partner for only part of the year, their assets are excluded. Check special assets separately; your current bank balance alone is insufficient.
4. Choose the year and first month
The deadline for 2025 is 31 December 2026; an approved tax-return extension may extend it. Check other years separately. When turning 18, benefit starts from the following month if eligible. Compare your insurance date with the intended starting month.
5. Apply through the official portal
In Mijn toeslagen choose 'Aanvragen' under Zorgtoeslag, check the details, submit and save confirmation. Log in yourself, usually with DigiD; official alternatives or authorisation are available. Never share login codes. Our preparation is not an application or automatic entitlement.
6. Check the decision and next step
For the current year, a response usually arrives within five weeks; further checks can take thirteen weeks. For 2025, await the final calculation. Check year, month, partner and income. Update changed income information. If unclear, contact Dienst Toeslagen or use our help request; after refusal, immediately read the remedies in your decision.
I turn 18 on 7 March. Is March my first benefit month?
No. April is the first possible month. Actual entitlement also depends on the other conditions. Record the correct starting month in your preparation.
Documents to prepare
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- Application year and first month
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Contact with a lawyer
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View the current application processSources
Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
Dienst Toeslagen · Zorgtoeslag aanvragen ↗Dienst Toeslagen · Voorwaarden ↗Dienst Toeslagen · Inkomensgrenzen 2026 ↗Dienst Toeslagen · Welke verzekering telt ↗Dienst Toeslagen · Vermogen ↗Dienst Toeslagen · Toetsingsinkomen ↗Dienst Toeslagen · 18 jaar ↗Dienst Toeslagen · Aanvraagtermijn ↗Dienst Toeslagen · Andere nationaliteit ↗Dienst Toeslagen · Bericht na aanvraag ↗Dienst Toeslagen · Inloggen ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.