The CAK has announced that the eligibility criteria for health insurance through the CAK are set to change, expected to come into effect on 1 November 2026. This is a result of the planned revision of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems. The final decision on this will be made at the end of September.
Current situation
At present, people who live in an EU country and receive only an (early) pension or benefit from the Netherlands are eligible for health insurance through the CAK. The same applies to people who receive a (early) pension or benefits from several countries, including the Netherlands but not their country of residence, provided that the highest amount comes from the Netherlands.
What is changing?
Once the revision of the Regulation comes into force – which, according to the CAK, will be on 1 November 2026 – the group of people eligible for health insurance through the CAK will be reduced. You will then no longer be entitled to health insurance via the CAK if you receive only an early retirement pension (early occupational pensions, the RVU scheme, etc.).
You will only remain eligible if you are receiving a statutory benefit (WAO, WIA, Wajong) or a statutory pension (AOW, Anw).
Who is affected?
The new rules apply only to people who:
- are due to emigrate to an EU country on or after 1 November 2026 whilst receiving an early retirement pension, or
- already live in an EU country and will start receiving an early retirement pension on or after 1 November 2026.
What does this mean for existing CAK policyholders?
The change has no impact on existing insurance policies held through the CAK. So, if you are currently insured through the CAK whilst receiving an early retirement pension, nothing will change for you!
Further information can be found on the CAK website:
Emigrating while on early retirement? Entitlement to CAK health insurance ceases | CAK