The best health insurance for pregnant women in 2026.

When you're pregnant, your healthcare costs almost always increase. Additional ultrasounds, postpartum care, preparation, possible lactation consultant assistance, physiotherapy, or a hospital birth—it all adds up quickly. That's why it's almost always worthwhile to check your health insurance thoroughly before the new year.

A stronger supplementary policy does cost more in premiums, but it prevents high out-of-pocket costs later . Often, it's even cheaper in the end than paying everything yourself.

Here you can read exactly what you should pay attention to as a (future) parent in 2026 when choosing health insurance, and I have compared the most important health insurance policies for you.

1. Pregnancy courses & preparation

Many insurers partially cover the cost of pregnancy courses. These can include live courses, but also online programs like The Baby School .

The exact amount you'll receive in reimbursement varies by supplementary package. Especially if you're willing to invest in proper preparation, this can save you tens to hundreds of euros.

2. Reimbursement of the statutory personal contribution for maternity care

The statutory personal contribution for maternity care is €5.70 per hour (2026) . A good supplementary insurance policy will cover this in full.

This often saves tens to hundreds of euros compared to a standard maternity week of approximately 49 hours.

3. Lactation care (breastfeeding)

Many mothers have questions about breastfeeding during the first few weeks. A consultation with a lactation consultant can be incredibly valuable.

Some supplementary insurance policies cover lactation services (partially or fully). If you want to breastfeed, this can make a big difference in both costs and support.

4. Incubator care / extended maternity care

Sometimes you can't go home right after giving birth. For example, if your baby needs to stay in the hospital for a while.

Do you have incubator aftercare included in your package? Then you'll still receive maternity care, even if your baby is (temporarily) in the hospital. This prevents you from missing valuable time and ensures you still receive support.

5. Physiotherapy for recovery

Pregnancy and childbirth take a toll on your body. Therefore, supplementary insurance that includes physiotherapy is highly recommended.

Think about:

• preventive guidance

• postpartum recovery

• pelvic floor complaints

• back pain

• support after a cesarean section

With a supplementary package, you will receive most or all of this care reimbursed.

6. Reimbursement for a breast pump

Some supplemental insurance policies cover (part of) the cost of an electric pump. This is useful when you're breastfeeding, returning to work, or want to pump to support your supply.

Not every policy covers this, so check this carefully.

7. Hospital delivery: how does reimbursement work?

Please pay close attention to the rules regarding hospital births:

• Medical indication → fully reimbursed from basic insurance

• No medical indication (outpatient delivery) → a personal contribution applies (unless this is covered by a supplementary package)

This can quickly add up, which is why additional insurance is often smart.

8. Maternity package

Many insurers cover maternity packages through your supplementary insurance. Some even send them automatically after you register your pregnancy.

Check:

• will you receive a maternity package?

• Do you have to apply for it yourself?

• or do you have to submit the costs?

9. Contraception after childbirth

After giving birth, you will again be faced with healthcare costs, including contraception . It is good to know that:

• Contraception is reimbursed from basic health insurance up to the age of 21 .

• From the age of 21, contraception is not covered by basic health insurance and you either pay for it yourself or choose supplementary insurance that covers it.

• Many supplementary policies reimburse (partially or fully):

  • contraceptive pill

  • IUD (placement + the IUD itself)

  • hormone rod

  • condoms (in some packages)

If you want to start or return to contraception after giving birth, supplemental insurance can significantly reduce costs. In some cases, an IUD with insertion can otherwise cost €150–€250+ if you don't have supplemental insurance.

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Comparison of supplementary insurance 2026

Insurer	Premium per month	Hospital delivery	Maternity care personal contribution	Pregnancy course	Physiotherapy	Package name
Menzis	€25	100% reimbursed	100% reimbursed	€50	12 treatments	Extra Care 2
Silver Cross	€22.50	100% reimbursed	€125 reimbursed	max €50	12 treatments	Additional 2 stars
National Netherlands	€12.28	€150 own contribution	€150 reimbursed	€200	6 treatments	NN Start
University	€26	100% reimbursed	€125 reimbursed	€100 per year	12 treatments	Better
VGZ	€28.50	100% reimbursed	€125 reimbursed	€100 per year	16 treatments	Additional Better
CZ	€27.35	100% reimbursed	100% reimbursed	€100 per year	12 treatments	CZ Plus
The Friesland	€31.75	100% reimbursed	80% reimbursed	max €125	18 treatments	AV Extra

Which health insurance is best for pregnant women in 2026?

Of course, the “best choice” depends on your situation, but based on the reimbursements you can say this:

Bobby's pick: Best all-around coverage (complete):

CZ Plus : 100% reimbursement for maternity care personal contribution + 100% reimbursement for hospital delivery + €100 pregnancy course + 12x physiotherapy + maternity package + €200 Lactation consultant care = Strong total package

Best for pregnancy courses/preparation:

NN Start: €200 course fee (highest)

Best if you mainly need physiotherapy:

The Friesland AV Extra: 18 treatments

Why a strong supplementary insurance pays off

Your premium almost always increases during pregnancy. But supplementary insurance with good coverage prevents you from paying hundreds of euros out of pocket later.

And honestly: if there is one time in your life when you would rather be overinsured than underinsured, it is during your pregnancy and postpartum period.