What are healthcare-funded hearing aids?
Hearing aids –you might think you know exactly what they are, but as soon as you look into the subject, you come across terms such as: reimbursement, care protocol, categories 1 to 5, Amsterdam Questionnaire, co-payment (or none), healthcare hearing aids and private hearing aids. For many people, this can quickly become confusing.
BEEKS Vision and Hearing does not have contracts with health insurance companies. This means we are always free to choose the best hearing aid for you, regardless of category or reimbursement rules. Your personal situation and hearing needs are our priority.
In addition to healthcare-funded hearing aids, there are also private hearing aids. Click here for more information.
Reimbursement of hearing aids
Until 2013, things were simple: anyone with a hearing loss of 35 dB or more was entitled to reimbursement through basic health insurance. Additional insurance sometimes provided extra coverage. Together with the audiologist, a hearing aid was selected and reimbursed. All devices were up to date with the technology of that time.
Since 2013, the hearing care protocol has been in place. Your hearing loss is now classified into one of five categories (1 to 5), based on the Amsterdam Questionnaire (AVL). Category 1 gives access to the least advanced devices, while category 5 gives access to the most advanced devices within the healthcare system.
The hearing aids in each category come from the Dutch Hearing Aid Database, where all devices are assessed based on technical specifications. The brand does not play a role in this selection.
Deductible and personal contribution
In the Netherlands, a deductible applies unless you have additional insurance that covers this. If your deductible has not yet been used, it will be charged first. On top of this, a personal contribution applies per category, as stated in your health insurer’s reimbursement information.
Freedom of choice
Because BEEKS Vision and Hearing has no contracts with health insurers, we are free to recommend the best hearing aid for you, without restrictions caused by categories or contractual rules. We can therefore always advise hearing aids that best match your hearing, comfort and lifestyle.
The most advanced hearing aids fall outside the healthcare categories. These are known as private hearing aids and offer the latest technology and additional features. More and more customers consciously choose these devices for their superior performance and customisation.
What you should know
At BEEKS Vision and Hearing, we make sure you clearly understand: • what a healthcare-funded hearing aid is • the difference between healthcare and private hearing aids • what your deductible and personal contribution mean • how we can always advise the best hearing aid for you
With this information, you can make a well-informed choice and find a hearing aid that truly suits you.