It's December again and that means it's time to take a critical look at your health insurance. We can hear you thinking: "Phew, another to-do in this very busy month", but it is important that your health insurance fits your specific needs . Female health issues such as incontinence, menstrual complaints and menopause can have a major impact on daily life.
That is why it is important to know which health insurance offers you the best support. To what extent do health insurances in the Netherlands cover women-related conditions? Which insurers have your health on the agenda and which do not? In this blog you will discover everything you need to know to make a well-considered choice.
Reimbursement of incontinence products: are Moodies incontinence pants reimbursed by my insurance?
Incontinence products are usually reimbursed from basic insurance, provided that certain conditions are met. For example, the urine loss must last longer than two months or the loss of stool must last longer than two weeks, and daily life must be seriously disrupted.
However, not all types of incontinence material are eligible for
reimbursement. Washable incontinence products, such as the Everyday incontinence pants from Moodies , are not always reimbursed, while they do, like other incontinence products, ensure the collection of urine. In addition, the incontinence pants from the Everyday line from Moodies are also treated with an antibacterial wash so that they release as few odors as possible. Therefore, check with your (future) insurer which incontinence products they do reimburse.
Does my insurance cover pelvic floor physiotherapy for incontinence?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be effective in treating incontinence complaints. Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on training and improving the pelvic floor muscles, which are essential for maintaining 
supporting the bladder and controlling urine loss. In addition, bladder training and advice on posture and movement can further reduce the symptoms. For women who experience incontinence, for example after childbirth or during menopause, pelvic floor physiotherapy can be an effective way to regain control and confidence. The basic insurance often reimburses a maximum of the first nine pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments for urine loss. It is important to note that this reimbursement is covered by the deductible in most cases.
Referral to specialists for severe menstrual complaints
Women with severe menstrual complaints, such as PCOS , endometriosis or PMDD , are hopefully referred to the right specialists. The GP acts as the first point of contact and can refer to gynaecologists or other relevant specialists for further diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, it still often happens that the complaints of women who have severe menstrual complaints are not properly assessed, which means that they are not referred to the right specialists.
In case of complaints of heavy menstruation, women are usually referred to a gynecologist. This specialist can determine the cause of the complaints and propose appropriate treatments, such as medication, hormonal therapies or surgical interventions if necessary.
Treatments and interventions prescribed by a gynaecologist for severe menstrual complaints are usually reimbursed from the basic insurance, provided there is a medical indication. This includes diagnostic and surgical procedures and medication. All reimbursements fall under the deductible. Always check the policy conditions to avoid unexpected costs.
For women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), a dietician can play an important role in improving symptoms through nutritional advice, for example aimed at weight management or regulating blood sugar levels. In addition, laser treatments are sometimes used to reduce excessive hair growth (hirsutism), a common symptom of PCOS. These treatments are not reimbursed as standard from the basic insurance, but are included in supplementary packages with some health insurers. Reimbursements can differ per insurer, for example with regard to the number of treatments or the coverage for a dietician. It is therefore important to carefully compare the policy conditions when choosing a health insurance policy.
For PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), antidepressants can be prescribed to treat severe mood swings and depressive symptoms. This medication is usually reimbursed from basic insurance for medical reasons, but is subject to the deductible. For women with endometriosis, pain relief, such as prescribed painkillers or hormonal therapies, is also covered by basic insurance if prescribed by a specialist. Because both conditions have a significant impact on daily life, it is advisable to discuss treatment options and reimbursements with a general practitioner or specialist.
Health insurance policies that best support women during menopause, incontinence and menstrual complaints
Coverage for women's health issues varies per health insurer and policy. Some supplementary insurance policies offer reimbursement for menopause consultants or specialized care for hormonal changes. For example, VGZ offers a budget for prevention that can be used for care for hormonal changes, such as menopause or menstruation. Zilveren Kruis offers reimbursement from its supplementary insurance for consultations with healthcare providers affiliated with the Association of Nursing Menopause Consultants (VVOC). OHRA reimburses consultations and advice focused on menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and cancer prevention from its supplementary insurance, up to a maximum amount per year. Zorg en Zekerheid offers reimbursement from a number of supplementary insurance policies for menopause and PMS consultations with healthcare providers affiliated with the VVOC or Care for Women. ASR offers supplementary insurance policies with reimbursement for physiotherapy, alternative medicine and preventive courses, which may be relevant for women's care. We therefore recommend that you carefully compare the policy conditions when choosing a health insurance policy and pay attention to reimbursements for specific women-related care.
Although there are reimbursements for various women-related conditions, there are still areas where coverage is limited. For example, alternative treatments for menstrual complaints, such as acupuncture or naturopathy, are often not reimbursed or only covered to a limited extent. It is therefore essential for women to read up on the reimbursements that their health insurance offers for women-related health issues. By carefully studying the policy conditions and possibly taking out additional insurance, you can ensure that the care you need is accessible and affordable.
