Is a chiropractor covered by insurance?

A chiropractor in the Netherlands is not covered by basic health insurance. Chiropractic care is considered alternative or complementary care and is therefore not reimbursed under the basic package. Reimbursement is possible through supplementary insurance, but the amount and conditions vary considerably between insurers and policies. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about reimbursement and insurance for chiropractic care.

Does basic health insurance cover chiropractic care?

No, basic health insurance does not cover chiropractic treatments. In the Netherlands, chiropractic care falls outside the statutory insured package, which means that for reimbursement you are always dependent on supplementary insurance. This applies to all chiropractic treatments, regardless of the severity of your complaint or the reason for your visit.

Basic health insurance only covers care that is included in the basic package, as determined by the government. Chiropractic care is not included because it is not formally recognised as conventional medicine in the Netherlands, even though it is widely practised worldwide and there is increasing evidence of its effectiveness for complaints such as back pain and neck pain. If you want to be reimbursed for chiropractic care, a supplementary package is the only option.

Which supplementary insurance policies cover a chiropractor?

Many health insurers offer supplementary packages that (partially) reimburse chiropractic care. Most major Dutch insurers, such as CZ, Zilveren Kruis, VGZ, and Menzis, have supplementary policies that cover alternative or complementary care, and chiropractic care is generally included.

The level of reimbursement depends heavily on the chosen supplementary package. Insurers often offer multiple tiers, from a basic supplement to a comprehensive supplementary package. The more extensive the package, the higher the reimbursement for chiropractic care. Do note that some insurers only reimburse chiropractors who are affiliated with a recognised professional association, such as the Nederlandse Chiropractoren Associatie (NCA) or the Dutch Chiropractic Association (DCA).

How much is reimbursed per treatment or per year?

Reimbursement for chiropractic care through supplementary insurance typically ranges between €20 and €50 per treatment, with an annual maximum that can vary from approximately €150 to €500, depending on your policy. Some insurers work with a fixed annual amount for all alternative care combined.

Because insurers regularly adjust their policies, it is wise to check each year what your policy exactly covers. In 2026, several insurers made changes to the reimbursements for supplementary care. Always check the current policy terms or contact your insurer for the exact amounts that apply to you.

How do you check whether your insurance covers chiropractic care?

You can check whether your insurance covers chiropractic care by consulting the policy terms of your supplementary insurance. The quickest way is to log in to your insurer’s portal and search for “chiropractic” or “alternative medicine”. You can also call your insurer directly.

When checking, pay attention to the following points:

• Is chiropractic care explicitly listed as a covered treatment in your policy?
• What requirements does the insurer set for the chiropractor, such as membership of a professional association?
• What is the maximum reimbursement amount per treatment and per year?
• Is there an excess or threshold that applies?
• How many treatments are reimbursed per calendar year?

If you are unsure, ask the chiropractic practice which insurers they believe provide reimbursements. Many practices have experience with this and can point you in the right direction.

What if you have no or limited reimbursement?

If you have no or only limited reimbursement for chiropractic care, this means you pay most of the treatment costs yourself. That does not have to be a reason to forgo treatment. Many people find that chiropractic care saves money in the long run because complaints are addressed structurally rather than being treated repeatedly.

There are a few practical options when reimbursement is limited:

• Switch to a more comprehensive supplementary insurance during the next switching period in November and December.
• Agree on a treatment plan with the chiropractor, so you know how many treatments are needed and what the total costs will be.
• Prioritise based on complaints: start with the treatments that are most urgent and use the reimbursement you do have as effectively as possible.

Chiropractic care requires no referral from a GP, meaning you can make an appointment directly without an additional barrier or waiting time at another healthcare provider.

Does a chiropractor need a referral for reimbursement?

No, you do not need a referral from a GP to visit a chiropractor. You can make an appointment directly. Whether a referral affects reimbursement depends on your insurer. Most insurers do not require a referral for chiropractic care, but some policies set this as a condition for reimbursement.

Always check this in advance in your policy terms. If your insurer requires a referral, it is wise to inform your GP about your complaints and ask for a referral letter. In most cases this is a formality, but it can help you qualify for the reimbursement you are entitled to.

How Ruggensteun helps you with reimbursement and insurance

At Ruggensteun, we understand that questions around reimbursement and insurance can be a barrier for many people. That is why we are happy to help you gain clarity on this. We are based in Eindhoven and Valkenswaard and offer chiropractic treatments for a wide range of complaints, from back pain and neck pain to specialist treatments such as Y-Strap and CFR.

What we can do for you:

• Clarity on costs prior to your treatment, so you are never faced with surprises
• Information about recognised professional associations we are affiliated with, which may be relevant for your insurer
• No referral needed: you can come to us directly, even for acute complaints
• Quick appointment availability, including for urgent cases
• Free parking at both locations

Would you like to know what we can do for you? Contact us for more information or make an appointment directly at Ruggensteun. We are happy to help you on your way to fewer complaints and greater freedom of movement.