The "Game" Is Not Over Yet

THE DUTCH 3-ATTEMPT RULE

1 min read

One of the biggest things holding people back is the fear of failing. You might think that if you don't succeed on the first try, you have "wasted" your opportunity.

Having spent 15 years as a smoker myself, I know that anxiety well. You feel like you have to be perfect from Day 1, or it’s not worth doing. However, the Dutch healthcare system has a much more realistic and supportive approach.

THE RIGHT TO TRY AGAIN

In the Netherlands, the system recognizes that quitting is a journey, not a single event, and it takes time. Because of this, most insurance companies allow up to three quit programs per year.

What this means for you:

  1. Less Pressure: You don't have to be perfect from Day 1. If you have a difficult moment, the support is still there for you.

  2. No Cost to You: These programs are paid for by your basic insurance (basisverzekering). They do not touch your Eigen Risico. You do not pay out of your own pocket.

  3. A Real Partner: Since your insurance already pays for this, it is better to use a certified coach who knows the struggle, instead of trying alone and feeling stressed.


If you’ve tried to quit before and felt like you "failed," I’d like to offer a different perspective. It wasn't a failure; it was part of the process. Let’s check your 2026 coverage together and see how many attempts you have available to use this year.