What Does Physiotherapy Cost in 2026? Rates, Insurance Coverage and Deductibles Explained

What does a physiotherapy session cost on average?

Physiotherapy in the Netherlands typically costs between 40 and 65 euros per session, depending on the practice, the region and the type of treatment. An intake session, where the physiotherapist maps out your complaints and goals, usually costs a bit more than a regular follow-up session because it takes longer.

At Physical Studio we work with transparent per-session rates, so you know what to expect upfront, whether or not your insurance covers the treatment.

Single sessions paid out of pocket are generally more expensive per visit than sessions covered through supplementary insurance. If you're unsure, always check with your insurer what applies to your specific policy.

Is physiotherapy covered by basic Dutch health insurance?

For most people, physiotherapy is not covered under the basisverzekering (basic mandatory insurance). The basic package only covers physiotherapy in specific cases, for example certain chronic conditions on the official chronic conditions list, and even then only from the twenty-first session onward.

For most everyday complaints, such as back pain, a sprained ankle or a sports injury, you pay for the first sessions yourself or through supplementary insurance. This is a question we get regularly, so always check your own policy before starting a longer course of treatment.

When does supplementary insurance cover physiotherapy?

Most people in the Netherlands who want physiotherapy covered take out supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering) for it. This typically covers a set number of sessions per year, for example nine, twelve or eighteen, depending on the package you've chosen.

A few things worth knowing:

• Not every supplementary package includes physiotherapy. Some insurers offer it as a separate module.
• The number of covered sessions varies significantly between policies and insurers.
• Manual therapy often falls under a separate coverage rule from regular physiotherapy, so check this separately.

Because conditions can change per insurer and per year, we recommend checking your policy before starting a treatment plan. Our insurance checker on the website lets you quickly look up what applies to your specific policy.

Chronic conditions: the first 20 sessions

If you have a condition on the official chronic conditions list, for example after certain operations or for a limited set of chronic diagnoses, a different rule applies. The first twenty sessions are paid out of pocket or through supplementary insurance, depending on your policy. From the twenty-first session onward, basic insurance may start covering treatment.

Whether a condition is on the chronic list and what that means for your situation is something we're happy to discuss during the intake. It depends on the nature and duration of your symptoms and the diagnosis that fits your specific case.

Does physiotherapy count towards your deductible (eigen risico)?

Physiotherapy covered through supplementary insurance does not count towards your deductible. The deductible only applies to care covered under the basic insurance.

If you fall under the exception for chronic conditions and receive physiotherapy covered by basic insurance from the twenty-first session onward, that portion does count towards your deductible. This is only relevant if your condition is on the chronic list and you need more than twenty sessions.

Contracted vs. non-contracted: what does it mean for you?

Health insurers sign contracts with physiotherapy practices. At a contracted practice, the invoice is often billed directly to the insurer, within the limits of your policy. At a non-contracted practice, you pay the invoice yourself and submit it to your insurer, who then reimburses part or all of it, depending on your policy terms.

Neither option is inherently better or worse, it's mainly a practical difference in how the administration works. Check with your insurer how this applies to your policy and what, if anything, you need to pay upfront yourself.

What does physiotherapy cost at Physical Studio?

At Physical Studio in Amsterdam Centrum, we work with clear per-session rates:

This overview is updated automatically, so you always see our current rates. The full overview of all our services is on the pricing page.

We work with all Dutch health insurers. Whether your treatment is covered, and for what amount, depends on your specific policy. Check this in advance using the insurance checker on our website, or get in touch if you're unsure.

All of our physiotherapists are also trained personal trainers and work according to our Recover, Prevent, Perform approach: first recovery from the complaint, then prevention of recurrence, and where relevant a step towards sustainable sporting performance. We use diagnostics including ultrasound imaging and VALD Force Decks, so the treatment plan is grounded in objective findings.

You don't need a referral from your GP: through direct access physiotherapy you can book an appointment directly.

Frequently asked questions about costs and coverage

How many physiotherapy sessions will be covered?

This depends entirely on your supplementary insurance. Some policies cover nine sessions a year, others eighteen or more. Check your policy terms or use the insurance checker to see what applies to your situation.

Can I pay for physiotherapy without insurance?

Yes, you can also pay for sessions yourself without involving your insurer. At Physical Studio you'd then pay the standard rate per session.

What does manual therapy cost?

Manual therapy often has its own coverage rule within your supplementary policy, separate from regular physiotherapy. You can find our current manual therapy rates in the pricing overview above and on the pricing page. Check with your insurer whether, and how many, manual therapy sessions are covered.

Is personal training covered by my insurance?

No, personal training falls outside health insurance and is not covered. This is also true when your personal trainer is also a qualified physiotherapist.

I have back pain, knee pain, or I'm recovering from surgery. Does that change the cost?

The per-session price stays the same, but how many sessions you'll need, and whether you fall under the chronic conditions list, depends on the nature and duration of your symptoms. For back pain, knee pain or post-surgical rehabilitation we'll discuss this concretely during the intake, the same goes for a sports injury. If you're experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms, fever, unexplained weight loss, or radiating pain with tingling or loss of strength, it's best to speak to your GP first so more serious causes can be ruled out.

Not sure about your coverage, or want a rough idea of what a treatment plan would cost in your situation? Book an appointment and we're happy to think it through with you.