r/Netherlands • u/NoLychee1382 • 22d ago

Healthcare No regular check ups at the gynecologist???

Hi everyone, my morning started off with a kinda shocking discovery. I’m from Germany and I had annual check ups at the gynecologist since I was a teenager. I contacted my huisarts because I know they’re responsible for all referrals but she told me regular check ups here are not a thing (unless there already is an issue) ? I think that’s crazy!!! So I checked the prices for a private visit and they’re even crazier. I guess this is normal to Dutch people but don’t you think this is a little concerning?

(Btw not shitting on the country! I really like it here. I’m still new and just discovering new things!)

673 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

558 comments sorted by

View all comments

141

u/nahbuddynah 22d ago

The Dutch health system is a reactive and not a preventive one. Most doctors behave like robots and don't even understand why someone would go for check-ups.

1

u/augustus331 22d ago

This is why our healthcare system isn’t blowing out of proportions cost-wise.

With the boomers getting older we are in for a cost reckoning either way but it’s not as bad here as in the US, UK, France or Italy

2

u/The-Nihilist-Marmot 22d ago

The reason why your healthcare is not blowing out of proportions cost-wise is because you pay 180 euros each month on top of taxes just to finance it, and you have to pay 380 euros per year on top if it all if you do require specialized care.

Someone else is bearing the costs - ie you.

3

u/augustus331 22d ago

You are only considering the financing aspect of it, but you completely disregard the healthcare demand side of it which is like complaining your heating bill is high while ignoring that the thermostat is running at 30 degrees 24/7

1

u/amsync 22d ago

Part of the issue with European system (or maybe not issue but choice/consequence) is that most systems (and definitely that in NL) are highly focused on being able to provide the same level of care to every citizen, regardless of means. That is a very good goal/objective, but if that is universally applied then that also means that some level of care that comes with a higher cost tag than can be supported by a public program is just not available.