Do I Need Supplemental Insurance for a Chiropractor?

For most chiropractic visits, you need supplemental insurance. Basic health insurance in the Netherlands does not cover chiropractic care. Whether your treatments are reimbursed depends entirely on the type of supplemental insurance you have taken out and with which insurer. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about reimbursement and insurance for a chiropractor.

Does basic health insurance cover chiropractic care?

No, basic health insurance does not cover chiropractic care. In the Netherlands, chiropractic care does not fall under statutory covered healthcare, which means that treatments by a chiropractor are not covered as standard under the mandatory basic insurance. This applies to all health insurers in the Netherlands, regardless of the package.

Basic health insurance only covers forms of care that the government has designated as proven effective and cost-efficient. Chiropractic care currently does not fall into that category, even though many people experience significant relief from complaints such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches. For reimbursement, you are therefore dependent on a supplemental package.

Which supplemental insurance plans cover a chiropractor?

Many health insurers offer supplemental packages that partially cover chiropractic care. Chiropractic care typically falls under the category of alternative medicine or complementary care within supplemental insurance. Not every supplemental package offers this coverage, but higher-tier supplemental packages more often do.

Well-known insurers that include chiropractic care in certain supplemental packages include CZ, Zilveren Kruis, VGZ, Menzis, and ONVZ. However, the terms and reimbursements vary greatly per insurer and per package. It is therefore always advisable to check directly with your insurer whether chiropractic care is included in your supplemental package, and if so, under what conditions.

When comparing supplemental insurance, pay attention to the following points:

• Is chiropractic care explicitly listed among the covered treatments?
• Is there a maximum amount per year or per treatment?
• Are there restrictions on the number of reimbursed sessions?
• Are there requirements regarding the chiropractor’s certification?

How much is reimbursed per treatment?

The reimbursement per chiropractic treatment varies greatly per insurer and supplemental package. On average, supplemental insurance plans reimburse between 20 and 50 euros per treatment, with an annual maximum that typically falls between 250 and 600 euros. With higher supplemental packages, this amount may be higher.

The costs of a chiropractic treatment in the Netherlands typically range between 50 and 100 euros per session, depending on the type of treatment and the practice. Specialist techniques such as the Y-Strap treatment or CFR (Cranial Facial Release) may be priced higher due to the specialist training and certification required for them.

Keep in mind that with most supplemental insurance plans, you pay a co-payment. The reimbursement rarely covers the full treatment costs. Therefore, always check your policy terms before starting a treatment trajectory, so you are not faced with any surprises.

Does a chiropractor need to be AGB-certified for reimbursement?

Yes, in most cases the insurer requires that the chiropractor has a valid AGB code to be eligible for reimbursement. An AGB code is a unique registration number for healthcare providers in the Netherlands and is required to submit claims to health insurers. Without an AGB code, the insurer generally will not reimburse the treatment.

In addition to the AGB code, some insurers also require that the chiropractor is affiliated with a recognised professional association, such as the Nederlandse Chiropractoren Associatie (NCA) or the European Chiropractors’ Union (ECU). These are quality guarantees indicating that the healthcare provider meets certain training requirements and professional standards.

When making an appointment, always check whether the chiropractor has a valid AGB code and whether they meet the specific requirements of your insurer. This prevents disappointment afterwards when a claim is rejected.

What if I don’t have supplemental insurance?

If you don’t have supplemental insurance, you pay for the chiropractic treatment entirely yourself. This means you cover the full treatment costs out of pocket, without any contribution from the health insurer. This is a barrier for many people, but it is good to know that you can simply make an appointment with a chiropractor without a referral or insurance.

If you are considering regular treatments or a longer treatment trajectory, it may be worth looking into whether supplemental insurance is financially beneficial for you. To do this, compare the annual premium of a supplemental package with the expected treatment costs. Sometimes the savings are greater than you think, especially if you expect multiple sessions per year.

Do you have acute complaints and don’t want to wait for an insurance change? Then you can always visit a chiropractor as a self-paying patient. Many practices offer transparent rates and clear explanations of costs in advance, so you know exactly where you stand.

How Ruggensteun helps you with reimbursement and insurance

At our practices in Eindhoven and Valkenswaard, we understand that the financial side of healthcare can sometimes raise questions. We are happy to provide clarity, so you can take the step towards a healthier spine without hesitation. Here is what we offer:

• Transparent rates: We communicate our treatment costs clearly, so you are never faced with surprises.
• AGB-certified chiropractors: Our chiropractors meet the requirements that insurers set for reimbursement.
• No referral needed: You can make an appointment directly, even as a self-paying patient, without the involvement of a GP.
• Specialised treatments: From Y-Strap and CFR to dry needling, we offer treatments for a wide range of complaints at all ages.
• Quick availability: For acute complaints, we ensure a prompt appointment.

Would you like to know what we can do for you, or do you have questions about reimbursement? Contact us and our team will be happy to help. Ready to make an appointment? Book your appointment directly at Ruggensteun and take the first step towards less pain and greater freedom of movement.