Insurers have a certain reimbursement for diabetes aids. For example, your insurer can (partially) reimburse you for your new glucose meter or test strips. Of course, certain rules and conditions apply. In this article we describe this process.
Insurers reimburse most meters of all major brands. They pay particular attention to compliance with the ISO standard and whether meters are TÜV approved.
The Dutch Healthcare Institute (ZIN) determines which brands and types of aids are reimbursed from the basic package. Do you have type 2 diabetes and are you not dependent on insulin? Then you will unfortunately come did not eligible for compensation. There are four major insurers in the Netherlands. These are Achmea, VGZ, CZ and Menzis. And these players also have numerous labels. For example, Interpolis falls under Achmea and Univé belongs to VGZ. In total, the big four control 90 percent of the market. There is a good chance that you are affiliated with one of these major insurers.
Contracted supplier
It is important that you know which aid suppliers agreements have been made with so that it is known in advance whether your brand will be fully reimbursed. The insurer will pay the bill for you after settlement of the deductible and any personal contribution. Please note that batteries and charging equipment are always paid for yourself. A health insurer's website often contains an overview of suppliers with whom contracts have been concluded.
Non-contracted supplier
When using a non-contracted supplier, not everything is often reimbursed. However, it can still be advantageous to purchase the blood glucose meter through a non-contracted supplier, for example. They of course offer the same glucose meters (same brands) but often at more competitive rates and a large part of the purchase price is still reimbursed by the insurer. This could be, for example, 75% of the total bill. Please note, after settlement of the deductible.
Refund insurance
If you have reimbursement insurance, it does not matter whether you purchase your diabetes aids from a contracted or non-contracted supplier. With reimbursement insurance, you can choose the supplier and pharmacy yourself. You have free choice of care. You will advance the bill yourself and the invoice can be submitted to the health insurer after payment. Please note that the health insurer uses market-based rates. The full amount may not be reimbursed. Comparing glucose meters online is therefore wise to avoid spending too much.
Whatever the structure with your insurer, you must always declare the invoice for your diabetes aids. So keep that invoice safe. Invoices can be submitted via email or app. With many insurers this can also be done by post, but then the refund will take longer.
Glucose meter selection aid
Recently the selection aid for blood glucose meters available online. This is an initiative of the Dutch Diabetes Federation and Vilans knowledge center. Glucose meters are recommended using a number of questions. The website is a useful tool to make a good decision. This involves looking at what type of measurement you need and what requirements you think the glucose meter should meet. You can complete the selection aid on your own, but the results and choice of a glucose meter should always be made in consultation with your practitioner.
Good Morning,
Can you also order a glucose meter alone? Without test strips etc. Thank you
Dear Jose, to my knowledge this is not possible. It is always a package with at least a lancing device. Often also with lancets and strips.