Do smokers have to pay more health insurance premiums? † Join the conversation

Rokers

The quality of the Dutch healthcare system is deteriorating. Waiting lists are getting longer, treatment options and medicines are becoming more expensive and there is a high staff shortage among healthcare workers, according to Het Parool. One of the reasons for rising healthcare costs is an unhealthy lifestyle. Poor lifestyle increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers, can be read on Zorgwijzer. Research by the National Health Care Institute shows that 40 percent believe that smokers should contribute more to health care. 20 percent of the Dutch even think that they should be given priority over people with an unhealthy lifestyle.

Prevention

As another solution to the looming healthcare crisis, more attention should be paid to preventing diseases, rather than treating them. That is the opinion of 80 percent of the participants in the Zorginstituut’s survey. For example, the tax on fruit and vegetables can be reduced. Or ban snack vending machines in schools. Preventive measures like this should make the choice to live a healthier life. On the other hand, it may also be the case that people still need the same amount of care, but at a later age. That can be read in Trouw.

Comments

Anneke believes that smokers should receive a discount on health care premiums.

This twitterer thinks that smokers take too much care.

Saskia believes that there should be no difference in care rights.

This tweeter finds the research problematic.

Join the conversation

Do you think that people with an unhealthy lifestyle should contribute more to healthcare? Or do you think that the Netherlands should look more closely at the prevention of an unhealthy lifestyle? Join the conversation on our Facebook-page!

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