How Many Chiropractic Treatments Are Covered by Insurance?

The number of chiropractic treatments covered depends on your supplemental health insurance. Basic health insurance does not cover chiropractic care in the Netherlands. With a supplemental plan, typically between four and twelve treatments per year are covered, depending on the insurer and the chosen plan. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about coverage, costs, and access to chiropractic care.

Does health insurance cover chiropractic care in the Netherlands?

Basic health insurance does not cover chiropractic care in the Netherlands. Chiropractic care falls outside the basic insurance package, which means that for coverage you are dependent on supplemental insurance. If you do not have a supplemental plan, you pay for treatments entirely out of pocket.

This is an important fact to know in advance. Many people assume that their regular health insurance provides sufficient coverage, but chiropractic care is classified by insurers as alternative or complementary care. This means you need to actively choose an insurance plan that includes this type of care. Check your policy or contact your insurer to find out exactly what applies in your situation.

How many treatments are covered through supplemental insurance?

Through supplemental insurance, typically four to twelve chiropractic treatments per year are covered. The exact number varies by insurer and by plan. Cheaper supplemental plans often cover fewer treatments and a lower amount per session than more comprehensive options.

In addition to the number of treatments, the reimbursed amount per session also plays a role. Some insurers reimburse a fixed amount per treatment, for example 30 to 50 euros, while the actual costs may be higher. It is therefore wise to look not only at the number of covered treatments, but also at the maximum reimbursement amount per year. This way you will not be faced with unexpected costs.

Which insurers cover chiropractic care in the Netherlands?

Several major Dutch health insurers cover chiropractic care through a supplemental plan, including CZ, VGZ, Menzis, Zilveren Kruis, and ONVZ. However, the conditions, the reimbursed amount, and the number of treatments vary significantly by provider and plan type.

It is advisable to consult the policy conditions every year, as insurers can adjust their reimbursements annually. Some insurers require that the chiropractor is affiliated with a recognized professional association, such as the Nederlandse Chiropractoren Associatie (NCA) or the Chiropractie Associatie Nederland (CAN). Therefore, always check whether the chiropractor you visit meets the requirements of your insurer.

What are the costs if the treatment is not covered?

If chiropractic care is not covered by your insurance, you pay for the treatment entirely yourself. The costs for a chiropractic treatment in the Netherlands average between 50 and 100 euros per session. An initial consultation is often slightly more expensive than follow-up treatments, as it involves an extensive examination.

How many treatments you need varies by complaint and by person. Some complaints respond quickly to treatment, while chronic or complex problems may require a longer course of care. It is worthwhile to ask at the first consultation for an estimate of the number of treatments needed, so you get a realistic picture of the total costs. This allows you to make an informed decision, even if you are paying for the treatments yourself.

Do you need a referral to see a chiropractor?

No, you do not need a referral from your GP to see a chiropractor. You can make an appointment directly without the involvement of a doctor. This makes chiropractic care easily accessible, even for acute complaints.

This is a major advantage compared to some other forms of care where a referral letter is required. If you are suffering from acute back or neck pain, you do not need to first make an appointment with your GP before you can be helped. Some insurers do require a referral as a condition for reimbursement, so check this in advance in your policy conditions if reimbursement is important to you.

When is it smart to compare your supplemental insurance?

It is smart to compare your supplemental insurance at the end of the year, before the switching deadline of 31 December. During this period, you can switch to an insurer or plan that covers chiropractic care better at no extra cost. Do this especially if you expect to need multiple chiropractic treatments in the coming year.

Comparing is also worthwhile if you already have a supplemental plan but are not sure whether chiropractic care is included. Health insurers adjust their reimbursements annually, so what applied in 2025 may no longer apply in 2026. Use comparison websites or contact your insurer directly to check the current conditions. Pay attention to:

• The maximum reimbursement amount per year
• The number of treatments included
• Whether the chiropractor you visit is recognized by the insurer
• Whether a referral is required for reimbursement

By checking this annually, you prevent unnecessarily high costs or unexpectedly being without coverage.

How we at Ruggensteun help you with coverage and insurance

At Ruggensteun, we understand that questions about coverage and costs can be a barrier to taking the step towards chiropractic care. That is why we are happy to help you, so you know where you stand before making an appointment.

• No referral needed: You can come to us directly, even for acute complaints, without the involvement of a GP.
• Free parking: At our locations in Eindhoven and Valkenswaard, parking is free, so a visit takes as little effort as possible.
• Quick availability: For urgent complaints, we aim to offer an appointment at short notice, so you do not have to wait long.
• Transparent explanation: During the first consultation, we discuss your complaints extensively and provide an honest picture of the expected treatment plan and associated costs.
• Recognized chiropractors: Our chiropractors are affiliated with recognized professional associations, which is a requirement for reimbursement with many insurers.

Would you like to know what we can do for you, or do you have a question about coverage? contact us or make an appointment directly. We are happy to help you.