Zorgtoeslag in 2026: Can You Get Dutch Healthcare Allowance and How Do You Apply?

Netherlands · Healthcare allowance · Verified September 22, 2026

Zorgtoeslag is the Dutch healthcare allowance that helps eligible adults pay for Dutch basic health insurance. International residents can qualify, but you need the right insurance, your 2026 income and assets must stay within the official limits, and your residence situation must meet the normal Toeslagen rules.

The 2026 limits at a glance

• Maximum income without a toeslagpartner: €40,857.
• Maximum combined income with a toeslagpartner: €51,142.
• Maximum assets on January 1, 2026 without a toeslagpartner: €146,011.
• Maximum combined assets with a toeslagpartner: €184,633.
• Age: you must generally be 18 or older.
• Insurance: you need qualifying Dutch healthcare insurance before applying.

Your income is based on toetsingsinkomen

Dienst Toeslagen uses your toetsingsinkomen, which is close to annual gross income but is not always identical. Holiday allowance and some other amounts can count. If you have a toeslagpartner, their toetsingsinkomen is included too.

The amount falls as income rises. For 2026, a person without a toeslagpartner with a toetsingsinkomen up to €29,500 can receive up to €129 per month; above that level the allowance steps down until entitlement ends at the income limit.

The January 1 asset test matters

The asset test uses your position on January 1, 2026. If you were above the relevant limit on that date, you normally cannot receive zorgtoeslag for 2026 even if your savings later fall. Savings and investments can count, and some other property can count too.

You need Dutch health insurance first

Zorgtoeslag is linked to the cost of qualifying Dutch healthcare insurance. Dienst Toeslagen says you can apply after you have taken out the required insurance. If you have just moved and are still working out whether Dutch basic insurance applies to you, read our Dutch health insurance guide for newcomers first.

How to apply in Mijn Toeslagen

1. Check that your Dutch health-insurance policy is active.
2. Estimate your 2026 annual income and your partner’s income if applicable.
3. Check your January 1 assets.
4. Run the official proefberekening if you want an estimate first.
5. Sign in to Mijn Toeslagen.
6. Choose Zorgtoeslag → Aanvragen.
7. Review the pre-filled information, submit the application and save the confirmation.

Zorgtoeslag is not automatic. You apply once and, if you continue meeting the conditions, it can carry forward into the next year. If your income, partner status or other details change, update Mijn Toeslagen promptly to reduce the risk of a repayment later.

When can payments start?

Dienst Toeslagen says zorgtoeslag can start on the first day of the month in which you meet all conditions. If you only meet them after the first day—for example your Dutch insurance begins on the 15th—the allowance normally starts from the first day of the following month.

Five mistakes newcomers should avoid

1. Applying before Dutch insurance is active.
2. Using monthly salary instead of estimating annual toetsingsinkomen.
3. Forgetting a toeslagpartner’s income or assets.
4. Ignoring the January 1 asset test.
5. Leaving an old income estimate unchanged after a raise, bonus or job change.

If you are also renting, the rules are different for huurtoeslag. See our 2026 huurtoeslag guide.

Official sources checked

• Dienst Toeslagen — zorgtoeslag conditions
• Dienst Toeslagen — 2026 income limits
• Dienst Toeslagen — 2026 asset limits
• Dienst Toeslagen — how to apply