CZ vs Zilveren Kruis: Dutch health insurance compared (2026)
At a glance
CZ and Zilveren Kruis are two of the largest health insurers in the Netherlands. Both offer the same legally mandated basic coverage, but they differ in premium pricing, supplementary dental and physiotherapy packages, deductible flexibility, and customer service reputation. CZ tends to be slightly more affordable on the basic premium, while Zilveren Kruis has the largest provider network in the country.
Last verified: 2026-03-24.
Quick comparison table
| Feature | CZ | Zilveren Kruis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic monthly premium | ~EUR 139/month | ~EUR 141/month |
| Annual basic cost | ~EUR 1,668 | ~EUR 1,692 |
| Standard deductible | EUR 385 | EUR 385 |
| Deductible options | EUR 385 - EUR 885 (6 levels) | EUR 385 - EUR 885 (6 levels) |
| Supplementary coverage | Health, dental | Health, dental |
| Dental add-on | From ~EUR 8/month | From ~EUR 10/month |
| Headquarters | Netherlands | Netherlands |
| Founded | 1930 | Part of Achmea group |
| Best for | Price-conscious with dental needs | Widest provider network |
Introduction
Choosing between Dutch health insurers can seem pointless at first, since every basic package covers the same medical treatments by law. However, the differences in monthly premiums, supplementary options, customer service, and provider networks add up over time. CZ and Zilveren Kruis are both established Dutch insurers with millions of policyholders.
This comparison is aimed at expats and residents in the Netherlands who are deciding between these two major providers for 2026.
CZ overview
CZ was founded in 1930 and is headquartered in the Netherlands. It offers basic health insurance with a monthly premium of approximately EUR 139 per month. CZ provides dental and physiotherapy supplementary packages starting from around EUR 8 per month, making it one of the more affordable options for dental add-ons.
CZ offers six levels of voluntary deductible, ranging from the standard EUR 385 up to EUR 885 in EUR 100 increments. This gives policyholders flexibility to trade a higher deductible for a lower monthly premium. CZ focuses on health and dental coverage, and its supplementary packages are straightforward without bundling other insurance types.
CZ has invested in digital tools and a user-friendly app, which can be helpful for expats who prefer managing their insurance online. The insurer has a solid reputation for claims processing and customer service within the Netherlands.
Zilveren Kruis overview
Zilveren Kruis is the largest health insurer in the Netherlands by number of policyholders. It is part of the Achmea group, one of the biggest insurance conglomerates in the country. The basic monthly premium is approximately EUR 141 per month, about EUR 2 more per month than CZ.
Zilveren Kruis offers dental supplementary packages and the same six-level deductible structure as CZ, from EUR 385 to EUR 885. Dental add-ons start from approximately EUR 10 per month, slightly higher than CZ.
The main advantage of Zilveren Kruis is its extensive network of contracted healthcare providers. As the market leader, it typically has contracts with the widest range of hospitals, specialists, and GPs across the Netherlands. This can matter if you live in a specific region or want maximum choice in where you receive care.
Fee comparison
| Cost element | CZ | Zilveren Kruis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic monthly premium | EUR 139 | EUR 141 |
| Annual basic cost | EUR 1,668 | EUR 1,692 |
| Annual difference | CZ is EUR 24/year cheaper | |
| Standard deductible | EUR 385 | EUR 385 |
| Maximum voluntary deductible | EUR 885 | EUR 885 |
| Dental add-on (starting from) | ~EUR 8/month | ~EUR 10/month |
| Annual dental add-on cost (approx.) | ~EUR 96 | ~EUR 120 |
Feature comparison
| Feature | CZ | Zilveren Kruis |
|---|---|---|
| Online portal and app | Yes | Yes |
| Dental supplementary | Yes | Yes |
| Physiotherapy supplementary | Yes | Yes |
| Number of deductible levels | 6 | 6 |
| Provider network size | Large | Largest in NL |
| English-language support | Partial | Partial |
| Bundling with other insurance types | Limited | Via Achmea group |
| Part of larger group | Independent | Achmea |
Who should consider which
If you primarily want the lower basic premium and affordable dental coverage, CZ saves you approximately EUR 24 per year on the basic package and offers dental add-ons from around EUR 8 per month compared to EUR 10 at Zilveren Kruis. Over a year, choosing CZ with dental coverage could save you roughly EUR 48 compared to the same setup at Zilveren Kruis.
If you prioritise having the widest possible choice of contracted healthcare providers, especially specialists and hospitals, Zilveren Kruis has the largest network in the Netherlands. This can be particularly relevant if you live outside the Randstad or have specific medical needs that require specialist care.
For expats who rarely use supplementary services and want the simplest, most affordable basic package, CZ has a slight edge on price. For those who value the reassurance of the largest insurer and broadest network, Zilveren Kruis may be worth the small premium difference.
Both insurers offer the same government-mandated basic coverage. Neither is objectively better - the right choice depends on your personal priorities around cost, dental needs, and provider network preferences.
Conclusion
CZ and Zilveren Kruis are both reliable, well-established Dutch health insurers. The differences between them are modest: approximately EUR 24 per year on the basic premium and small variations in supplementary pricing. For most expats, either insurer will provide solid basic coverage. Compare your specific supplementary needs and check which providers are contracted in your area before making your decision.
You can find more details on both platforms: CZ and Zilveren Kruis. For a broader comparison, see our guide to the best health insurance in the Netherlands for expats. Browse all insurers on the insurance comparison page.
This article is educational content, not financial advice. Always do your own research before making financial decisions. Fees and features may change - verify current details on the platform's official website. Last verified: 2026-03-24.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Capmap.eu is an independent comparison platform - we do not provide personal recommendations. Always verify current fees, rates, and regulations with the provider or a qualified adviser before making financial decisions. Information was accurate at the time of writing but may have changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is CZ or Zilveren Kruis cheaper for Dutch health insurance?
- Premiums vary annually, but CZ and Zilveren Kruis are usually within a few euros of each other for the basic package. In 2026, both charge approximately EUR 140-150 per month for basic coverage. The real cost difference comes from supplementary packages, deductible choices, and group discounts.
- Does it matter which Dutch health insurer I choose?
- All Dutch health insurers must offer the same legally mandated basic coverage (basispakket). The differences lie in customer service quality, supplementary coverage options (dental, physiotherapy), preferred provider networks, and premium pricing. Switching insurers is free once per year during the open enrollment period (November-December).
- Can I switch from CZ to Zilveren Kruis mid-year?
- No, you can only switch Dutch health insurers during the annual open enrollment period, which runs from mid-November to 31 December. Your new policy starts on 1 January of the following year. The only exception is if you move to the Netherlands mid-year or turn 18.
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Compare CZ and Zilveren KruisWritten by Capmap Editorial · Independent financial guides for expats in Europe.