Seeking nutritional advice is a form of self-care or nutrition education. Similar to going to a hairdresser, a beauty salon, a gym, or taking a cooking class.

Nutrition and exercise are essential in the prevention of many chronic diseases. As a result, several health insurers offer supplementary health insurance plans that cover nutrition counselling for healthy individuals. Read more on https://gewichtsconsulenten.nl/vergoeding-via-je-zorgverzekering (Dutch)

>>Check with your health insurance company to determine if you may submit your invoice as a claim. Their customer service consultants can directly answer this question, as reimbursement depends on the terms of your health insurance plan.<<

Some background on Health Insurance Coverage & Preventative Nutrition Services

One frequently asked question is whether the health insurance company will reimburse. Continue reading to learn more about how and why preventative care is reimbursed.

General situation: Self-Care

Seeking nutritional advice falls into the self-care category. Similar to a visit to a hairdresser, a beauty salon, or a gym.

After your nutrition counselling session(s), you will receive an invoice for the session (s). And as a client, you pay a regular rate for the knowledge, skills, and time.

Loketgezondleven.nl recognises the lifestyle interventions used during the sessions. And the sessions take in a neutral and confidential environment.

Covered Healthcare Costs

Health-Related Costs Measures

In some cases, expenses are health-related, and you can count them as healthcare costs. In those instances, you can submit your invoice as a claim to your health insurer. And the insurer will reimburse the expenses you have incurred.

Reimbursements are determined by the type of care service, your care profile, and the insurance plan you have chosen.

Examples of Insured Care

Health insurance will cover the costs of many routine hospital procedures. Furthermore, insurance enables people to afford health care. Monthly insurance premiums help to fund national healthcare costs and make health care affordable.

You could expect a routine operation to costs between €1.000,00 and €6.000,00. Fees vary depending on the type of operation and treatment required. Other common health-care costs can be found on this page. Dit zijn de kosten van opname en behandeling in het ziekenhuis (zorgwijzer.nl).

Preventive care

Nutrition services without medical necessities are included for coverage in various health insurers’ supplementary health insurance plans.

Obtaining nutritional advice is included in preventive services because it helps reduce health issues by making more deliberate food choices and focusing on your health. Keeping a healthy diet (and exercising) lowers your chances of developing preventable health problems.

Health care insurance companies recognise the role of diet (and exercise) in preventing many chronic diseases. Maintaining one’s health also contributes to reducing future national healthcare expenses. If insurers can avoid preventable diseases, the national health care costs associated with unhealthy behaviour, such as poor eating habits, can be reduced.

Expert nutritional advice helps policyholders maintain a balanced diet and stay healthy.

Preventive care is (partially) covered in the supplementary health insurance plans. Check your health insurance policy to find out how much and under what conditions.

Supplementary Health Insurance and Coverage

Supplementary health insurance is extra insurance for which an additional fee is paid.

There are personal reasons for purchasing supplementary health insurance, such as high health expenses or medical expenses abroad.

Several insurers have incorporated (partial) coverage of the nutrition services provided by the BGN-affiliated nutrition advisor in their complementary plans, https://gewichtsconsulenten.nl/vergoeding-via-je-zorgverzekering (Dutch)

PLEASE NOTE: To obtain nutritional advice, you do not have to buy additional insurance.

Non-insured Care

Health insurance companies don’t cover all medical bills.

The Health Insurance Act (Zvw) governs what constitutes covered healthcare expenses. It determines whether treatments, services, or products are considered insured care. And health insurers implement the Zvw for their clients.

Examples

Uninsured medical or health-related expenses include:

• a monthly deductible of € 32,- (annually € 384).
• over-the-counter medication
• costs for food and meals
• personal care products and services such as toiletries and hairdresser costs.

Tip:

Set a budget for medical, cleaning, and personal care needs ahead of time.
Make a list of the healthcare services you want to insure and how you want to insure them with a health insurance company. (NIBUD)