Health insurance and pregnancy: everything you need to know!

Health insurance and pregnancy: everything you need to know!

Getting health insurance

Expecting a little miracle? Then it is certain that your health care costs will increase. A large part of these costs is (probably) included in the basic package of your health insurance, which you are legally obliged to have. Still, there is no harm in taking out additional health insurance during your pregnancy. After all, you don't have a crystal ball and you don't know what the future will bring for your pregnancy and the postpartum period (although you would like to). But which costs are covered by your basic insurance, what additional insurance can you take out and when can you change health insurer?

What will your basic insurance cover during pregnancy?

Let's start with the good news, and first list all the things that are covered by the basic package of your health insurance:

  • Appointments and check-ups with the midwife;
  • Ultrasounds prescribed by the family doctor, midwife, or obstetrician;
  • Blood tests;
  • Medical aftercare after childbirth (by gynecologist);
  • Hospital birth with medical necessity;
  • Gynecological and obstetric care;
  • NIPT test, amniocentesis, and chorionic villus testing on medical grounds;
  • Medication;
  • Maternity care (minus personal contribution);
  • Hospital admissions during pregnancy due to complications

That is quite a list, right? Supplementary health insurance, therefore, seems unnecessary, because it means extra costs. However, it may be wise to consider supplementary health insurance. After all, you can't plan your entire pregnancy, and unexpected things can happen. In that case, you are glad that these additional costs are reimbursed.

What can I take out supplementary health insurance for?

It is good to know that a large number of health insurance companies even offer supplementary health insurance policies specifically for pregnant women. Usually, the following are covered by these insurances:

  • Pregnancy courses;
  • Maternity package;
  • Personal contribution to maternity care;
  • Pelvic physiotherapy;
  • Prenatal testing without medical indication;
  • Baby massage;
  • Help with breastfeeding problems;
  • Childbirth in the hospital without medical necessity

After going through this list, supplemental health insurance sounds pretty interesting, right? For unexpected complications, but also for attending a pregnancy course you might have in mind. Add it to the list to consider!

What does the deductible mean?

The deductible is the amount you pay for health care costs that are covered by your basic insurance. In 2022 this equals €385. Do you exceed €385 in healthcare costs? Then the rest of the amount will be reimbursed by your health insurer.

It is good to know that certain pregnancy costs reimbursed by the basic health insurance package are not covered by your deductible. For example, hospitalization for childbirth and the 20-week ultrasound is not covered by the deductible, while blood tests and gynecological assistance are. Do you doubt which costs are covered by the deductible excess and which are not? Independer helps you by answering this question for many pregnancy costs. Because of course, we like to help pregnant women ;) 

What does the co-payment entail?

Besides the deductible, there is also such a thing as the co-payment. This means that for some treatments you have to pay part of the health care costs yourself. For example, you have to pay part of the cost of maternity care yourself. Do you have supplementary health insurance? Then this personal contribution will also be reimbursed by supplementary health insurance.

When can I change my health insurance?

It is important to check whether your current health insurance still fits your situation when you are pregnant. Perhaps you have concluded that your current health insurance is the best option, but there is also a chance that you would like to change your health insurance company. The best time of the year to make this change is November or December. Simply because most health insurers do not allow you to switch at other times of the year. Of course, it can be difficult to switch precisely in these months, for example, if you have a positive pregnancy test in January. That is why some health insurers allow you to switch at another time of year.

Golden tip: do you and your partner want to have children? Check in time whether your current health insurance is suitable for pregnancy and make sure you switch in time if necessary!

Tips for health insurance during pregnancy

Do you want to become a mother soon, or are you already pregnant? These tips can be very useful when choosing suitable health insurance!

  • I wish it were otherwise, but unfortunately, there is no such thing as a perfect health insurance company for mommies to be. On that front, we, unfortunately, can't give you a hand. Simply because every pregnant woman is different, both in her wishes and in her personal situation. That's why it's good to look at yourself and ask yourself what your wishes are and what kind of health insurance is necessary for your personal situation.
  • Do you choose to take out supplementary health insurance? Keep in mind that this is time-bound: most health insurers only offer the possibility to take out additional health insurance on January 1st.
  • Do you choose not to take out additional health insurance? Then make sure you fatten up your old friend the piggy bank for situations when you unexpectedly have to incur expenses.
  • Health insurance companies enter into so-called care contracts with health care providers. It is therefore always a good idea to check whether your health insurer has concluded a care contract with your care provider. Is this not the case? There is a possibility that your care costs will not be reimbursed or reimbursed only partially.
  • Take your time to make a good choice regarding your health insurance. Comparing different health insurance companies is an important step. You can save a lot of money by doing so. Because let's be honest, you'd rather spend that money on baby stuff.
  • Here's one to mark in your diary in bold letters: health insurance for the baby. You have to register your baby with your health insurance company within 4 months after the birth. If you do not do this within this period, you will have to pay all health care costs yourself. Better early than late and expensive!

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