Increase in healthcare costs after coronavirus pandemic found to be relatively small

Last year, the Netherlands spent an average of €7,129 per person on care and welfare, including childcare. This is €18 more than in 2021. Statistics Netherlands said the increase in health spending in 2022 will be “relatively small”. The year-on-year increase was better than expected as costs from the coronavirus pandemic decreased. However, compared to 2019, the year before the pandemic, spending increased by 17.5%.

A total of €126.2 billion was spent last year, according to preliminary figures from the Dutch Statistical Office. This is €1.5 billion (1.2%) more than in 2021.

In particular, costs for child care, social welfare (especially care for asylum seekers) and medicines increased. For pharmaceuticals, this is partly due to the inclusion of expensive new drugs in the basic treatment. However, pharmaceuticals dispensed at medical institutions are not yet included.

These costs are covered by the state, but health insurance companies and individuals (i.e. people who buy paracetamol at a pharmacy) also share the cost.