CAK Administrative Premium in Den Haag
The CAK administrative premium is a sanction surcharge levied by the Central Administration Office (CAK) on residents of Den Haag with outstanding health insurance premiums. This discourages payment arrears and ensures continuous insurance coverage. The CAK collects on behalf of health insurers under the Health Insurance Act (Zvw). For residents of Den Haag, we explain the rules, including your options at the Rechtbank Den Haag and assistance via the Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
What is the CAK administrative premium?
This premium acts as an administrative fine for insured residents of Den Haag who fail to pay or delay payment of the nominal health insurance premium. After six months of arrears, your health insurer transfers the claim to the CAK. The CAK then collects the arrears, current premiums, and an additional surcharge. In 2024, this is €75 per month on top of the nominal premium of €144. This encourages timely payment and prevents uninsured status in the region.
You recognize it from a CAK letter with a 'collection decision', stating the total amount including surcharge. Failure to pay may lead to coercive collection, such as wage or benefit garnishment.
Legal basis for the premium
The legislation is set out in the Health Insurance Act (Zvw), including:
- Article 68 Zvw: Transfer of premium claim to CAK by the insurer after six months of arrears.
- Article 69 Zvw: Determination and levy of the surcharge, up to €75 monthly (possibly indexed).
- Article 66a Zvw: Obligation to insure and pay premiums.
- Article 70 Zvw: Cessation of collection after arrears are cleared.
Procedures follow the General Administrative Law Act (Awb). The CAK acts as an administrative body, so its decisions are subject to administrative law, not private law.
How does the CAK establish and collect the premium?
- Detect arrears: Health insurer transfers after reminders.
- CAK reminder: You have 8 weeks to pay yourself.
- Collection decision: CAK formalizes the debt including surcharge.
- Coercive collection: Bailiff involvement, wage garnishment, or suspension of benefits.
Example for Den Haag: For €1,440 arrears (10 months at €144), the CAK collects this plus €75 extra. You pay €219 monthly (nominal + surcharge) until the balance is zero.
Rights and obligations regarding the CAK premium in Den Haag
Rights
- File an objection: Within 6 weeks of the decision (Awb art. 6:3), e.g., with proof of payment.
- Appeal to Rechtbank Den Haag: After objection rejection, within 6 weeks at Rechtbank Den Haag, administrative law sector.
- Interim relief: Request suspension of collection (Awb art. 8:81).
- Remission: Possible for low income via CAK; also check with Municipality of Den Haag for special assistance.
Obligations
- Pay on time to avoid issues.
- Report changes in address or income.
- Make a payment arrangement if needed.
Case example Den Haag: Mrs. De Vries from the Schilderswijk had arrears due to temporary unemployment. After transfer to CAK, she filed an objection with income details via Juridisch Loket Den Haag. The CAK reduced the surcharge and granted deferral, preventing garnishment of her benefit.
Comparison: Standard vs. administrative premium
| Aspect | Standard premium | CAK Administrative premium |
|---|---|---|
| Collection | Health insurer | CAK after transfer |
| Amount 2024 | €144/month | €144 + €75 = €219/month |
| Procedure | Private law | Administrative law (objection/appeal) |
| Sanction for non-payment | Reminder | Coercive collection, garnishment |
Frequently asked questions for Den Haag
Can I avoid the CAK surcharge?
Yes, make an arrangement with your insurer in time before CAK transfer (mandatory after six months). See also health insurance payment arrears.
No money for the premium?
Apply to CAK for remission or deferral with income details. Get help via Juridisch Loket Den Haag or Municipality of Den Haag for financial support.
Objection to CAK decision?
Within 6 weeks, send objection letter to CAK with arguments and evidence. Decision in 6-12 weeks; then appeal to Rechtbank Den Haag. Keep everything.
Does the surcharge stop with a new insurer?
No, it continues until the debt is cleared, even if you switch insurers. Report arrangements to CAK.
Tips for residents of Den Haag
- Prevent transfer: Use direct debit and review your policy annually.
- Consult Juridisch Loket Den Haag for issues (Laan van Wateringsveld 62).
- Check with Municipality of Den Haag for benefit remission.
- Get help from local legal advisors for objections.