Other financial arrangements and insurance

In addition to travel reimbursements, there may be other schemes that provide financial support.

Double child benefit

If your child needs more care than usual, you can apply for double child benefit. Your child must be between the ages of 3 and 18, and treatment must last longer than six months. You can apply online using your DigiD via the Social Insurance Bank (SVB). The CIZ (Centre for Care Assessment) reviews the application. Your medical social worker can send a medical statement in support of the request.

Supplementary health insurance

Some expenses may be reimbursed through your supplementary health insurance, such as visiting costs, accommodation costs, and membership of a patient association. You may also be reimbursed for physiotherapy or psychosocial therapy for yourself. Check your policy conditions or contact your health insurer for details.

Tax deduction for healthcare expenses

Certain costs that are not covered by insurance may be deductible as healthcare expenses on your income tax return. Examples include travel expenses, parking costs, and extra bedding. Specific conditions apply. You can read more about this on the Dutch Tax Administration website.

Personal Budget (PGB)

A Personal Budget (PGB) is a government-funded budget that allows people to arrange and purchase the care they need themselves. With a PGB, you can choose and hire your own care providers. Parents can also pay themselves for the extra care they provide, as long as this is properly justified. A PGB is not a benefit or reimbursement; the money must be spent on care that exceeds what is normally required for a child, and you must account for all spending.

A Personal Budget (PGB) can be granted by different authorities or under different laws, depending on your child’s care needs. It may be awarded under: the Health Insurance Act (Zorgverzekeringswet – application through your home care nurse), the Youth Act (Jeugdwet - application through your municipality, local youth team, or Youth and Family Centre), the Long-term Care Act (WLZ) – application through the Centre for Care Assessment (CIZ)

You can find detailed information and guidance on www.pgb.nl, where you can also check which type of PGB best suits your situation.

Applying for and managing a PGB can be complicated. Medical social work can help you find your way but cannot submit the application for you. Every municipality has independent client advisers who can support you with the process.

You can check your supplementary health insurance to see whether you are eligible for the help of a care consultant (mantelzorgmakelaar), who can assist with the PGB application.

You can also visit www.pgb-test.nl to see whether you qualify for a PGB.

Special assistance (Bijzondere bijstand)

If you live on a minimum income, you may be eligible for special assistance from your municipality to help cover costs such as travel, additional clothing, or parking. Each municipality has its own rules and procedures. Contact your local municipal team (wijkteam) for help with the application.

Support funds

If your family faces severe financial difficulties due to your child’s illness or treatment, you may be eligible for financial help from a support fund. Applications are submitted together with medical social work. The fund may ask for insight into your financial situation to assess your request.

Disability insurance

Both self-employed persons and employees can take out (supplementary) disability insurance. This can serve as a financial safety net if you are unable to work, or can work less, because of your child’s illness. Some employers offer the option to take out this insurance through them.

Funeral insurance

When your child has cancer, you become acutely aware of how fragile life can be. You may start thinking about how things are arranged for your family. It is good to know that children under the age of 18 are usually covered free of charge under your existing funeral insurance policy, if you have one. You must, however, register them yourself with your insurer. If you do not have funeral insurance, you can still take one out. Most insurers only pay out after you have paid premiums for a certain period. Some require a medical assessment and may reject your application or increase the premium if there is a medical history. In some cases, saving the money yourself may be more cost-effective than taking out insurance. Make sure to get proper advice before you decide.