huisstofmijt

Dust mite covers reimbursed by health insurance? How it works in the Netherlands

By Jurre Klein Nijenhuis · 22 October 2026

Short answer

In the Netherlands, allergen-proof covers against dust mites have not been reimbursed by basic health insurance since 2009. Some supplementary policies reimburse part of the cost or offer a discount at a specific supplier, usually only if your allergy has been confirmed. You can also ask your municipality about the Wmo scheme. Always check this year's policy conditions, as reimbursements change every year.

Does basic health insurance cover dust mite covers?

No. Dust mite-proof covers for mattresses, duvets and pillows have not been part of the Dutch basic package since 1 January 2009. This applies to everyone, even if a doctor or respiratory nurse recommends the covers.

Which supplementary policies reimburse allergen-proof covers?

That varies per insurer and per year. In practice you will come across three forms:

Partial reimbursement

A supplementary package reimburses an amount or percentage of allergen-free bedding, sometimes up to an annual maximum.

Supplier discount

You get a discount at an online shop the insurer has an agreement with. In 2026, for example, Anderzorg and Nationale-Nederlanden offer such a discount to their customers.

No reimbursement

Many packages don't include allergen-free bedding at all. In that case you pay for the covers yourself.

Comparison sites and your own insurer's reimbursement finder give the current overview. Search for terms such as "allergeenvrij beddengoed" or "allergeendichte hoezen".

What do you need to get reimbursed?

A confirmed dust mite allergyInsurers usually ask for an allergy test result or a statement from your GP, pulmonologist or paediatrician.
Sometimes a referral or remediation adviceSome schemes only reimburse on the advice of, for example, a respiratory nurse.
Purchase from the right supplierFor discount schemes you often have to buy from a contracted online shop.
The receiptKeep the invoice and claim via your insurer's app or website.

Check this first

Is it covered by my current supplementary package, and up to what amount?
Do I need a statement or referral?
Do I have to buy from a specific supplier?
Does it apply to mattress, duvet and pillow, or only some of them?

Are there other schemes besides health insurance?

Wmo via your municipality: some Dutch municipalities partly reimburse remediation measures through the Social Support Act (Wmo). Ask your municipality about the conditions.
Funds: hospital leaflets mention the ANGO fund as a possible contribution towards remediation costs not covered by the Wmo.
Tax deduction: whether costs are deductible as specific healthcare costs depends on your situation. Check with the Dutch tax information line (BelastingTelefoon).

Outside the Netherlands the rules are different; check with your own health insurer.

Are allergen-proof covers worth it?

An honest answer: it varies. According to the Dutch GP guidance site Thuisarts, a special cover only makes sense if basic measures, such as washing at 60 °C and keeping textiles in the bedroom to a minimum, aren't enough, and it is uncertain whether you will notice a difference. Hospitals do often recommend covers as part of a package of measures. What a cover does compared with cleaning is explained in mattress cover or mattress cleaning? And whether a new mattress is an alternative is covered in does an anti-allergy mattress help against dust mites?

Frequently asked questions about reimbursement of dust mite covers

Does reimbursement for covers count towards my deductible?

In the Netherlands, reimbursements from supplementary insurance normally don't fall under the compulsory deductible (eigen risico). Do check your policy conditions.

Is a dust mite vacuum cleaner reimbursed?

No, as far as we know no basic insurance reimburses a vacuum cleaner. An occasional supplementary scheme or discount may include air purifiers or cleaning products; check your own insurer's conditions.

What do allergen-proof covers cost?

Prices vary widely by size and brand. A complete set for mattress, duvet and pillow can easily cost several hundred euros. So first compare what your insurance or municipality reimburses.

Sources (in Dutch)

Reimbursements change every year. This article gives a general overview and does not replace your own insurer's policy conditions.