What exactly is the deductible and co-payment?
The letter said that I could pick up my lenses at the hospital and that I would then have to pay a deductible of € 112.00. I didn't understand any of this. I was already through my deductible anyway, why do I have to pay something then.
At the hospital, they told me deductible and co-payment were completely different and I could therefore pin this the amount. When I got home, I wanted to find out anyway. What is the difference between deductible and co-payment?
New lenses
Because I have keratoconus, I need new scleral lenses every year. Keratoconus is an annoying eye disease, which pretty much controls my life. These lenses are expensive, very expensive, and every year I go through my deductible in one fell swoop. I know, that sucks, but that's just the way it is and these lenses allow me to get along in society pretty well, so it's worth the cost.
I was shocked the first time when I found out that I still had to pay a contribution of more than a hundred euros.
Own risk v.s own contribution
At first I didn't understand anything about the personal contribution. What is the difference with own contribution and own risk?? I went to look this up.
Assuming of course it would be true, but I would like to know on what I spend my money.
Own risk
- With your basic insurance, you have a mandatory deductible.
- Up to this amount, you have to pay for the healthcare expenses you incur yourself.
- An antal things ( as midwife and district care) are exempt from this rain risk.
- Applies only from 18 years.
- You don't get reimbursed for your deductible.
- Counts only for care under the basic insurance.
Own contribution
- For some care you have to pay a portion yourself
- Including for hearing aids and some medicines.
- applies to all ages
- Some supplementary insurances give a reimbursement for this.
- Pay for both basic and supplemental insurance.
- The government determines the rain contribution applies and how high it is.
pay so
On the site of the rijksoverheid came idd this information:
- € 56 per lens for lenses that last longer than 1 year. If the lenses last 3 years, you pay €56 per lens once in those 3 years;
- € 56 per lens, for lenses that last less than 1 year, with a maximum of € 112 per calendar year. If you need new lenses 3 times in one year you only pay € 56 per lens once that year.
So it all adds up. And I will have to pay these costs myself anyway. For me, it is co-payment v.s own risk now clear.
In case you have had your doubts, I hope it has become clear to you as well.