What does a rehab clinic cost? Costs of help explained

This article provides an overview of the costs of rehab, both in the United and abroad. We discuss the prices for treatments covered by basic insurance, as well as the costs of private clinics. We also explore the rates of rehab clinics in Europe, Thailand, and South Africa.

Furthermore, we address how health insurance covers costs and what additional financing options are available, such as private financing, support via the WMO, and aid from foundations, funds, or employers. This gives you a clear view of the financial aspects of addiction treatment.

What are the costs for rehab in the Netherlands?

The costs for rehab in the Netherlands vary depending on whether you use the basic insurance (insured care) or opt for a private clinic (uninsured care).

Below are the costs for both options.

Basic Insurance

Outpatient Care

With outpatient care, you follow a treatment plan where you do not stay internally but regularly visit the clinic. The costs for this care are fully covered by the basic insurance, where you only pay the mandatory deductible (usually € 385 per year).

Residential Treatment

With residential treatment, you temporarily stay in a clinic. This treatment can also be reimbursed by the basic insurance, provided the clinic has a contract with your health insurer. The costs for residential treatment (without extra luxury) generally range between € 200 and € 300 per day.

For intensive programs lasting several weeks to months, the costs at regular, contracted clinics are usually between € 10,000 and € 20,000. These costs are typically fully covered by the health insurer, with the exception of the deductible.

Deductible

The deductible is usually € 385 per year. If you haven’t reached this amount, you pay the first € 385 yourself. Afterwards, your health insurer covers the further costs.

Private Clinic

A private clinic can be handy when you want quick help and have the financial means to pay for it.

Standard Clinic

If you opt for a stay in a standard private clinic without a contract with your insurer, you must pay the costs yourself. The price for a month’s stay can range between € 5,000 and € 15,000, including basic treatments, counseling, and detoxification.

Luxury Clinic

For a stay in a luxury clinic with additional facilities such as a private room, spa facilities, and intensive personal guidance, costs can be significantly higher, namely between € 25,000 and € 50,000 per month. You also pay these costs yourself.

Additional insurances may potentially offer extra coverage for services not included in the basic insurance.

Private Clinic Yes We Can

Yes We Can is one of the best-known clinics in the Netherlands, with costs around € 30,000 for a 10-week program. This clinic has a very intensive program with a lot of focus on young people.

What are the costs for rehab abroad?

The costs for rehab abroad vary greatly depending on the location and type of clinic. These costs are also usually covered by most health insurers.

Below are the costs of various rehab clinics in Europe and beyond.

Rehab in Europe

In countries such as Spain and Portugal, there are many private clinics with Dutch guidance. The costs for a month of treatment range between € 3,000 and € 15,000. These clinics often offer beautiful accommodations and serene environments.

The Balance (Mallorca, Spain) is a very luxurious clinic with a holistic approach, where costs can go up to € 90,000 per month, depending on the program and additional services you choose.

Switzerland is known for its very luxurious rehab clinics, where costs can exceed € 50,000 per month, especially if you opt for exclusive treatment with personalized care.

Rehab outside Europe (Thailand)

In Thailand, the costs for a month of treatment are often lower, ranging from € 5,000 to € 10,000. The clinics are usually located in quiet, natural environments, which can be very appealing to some.

If you prefer a high-end clinic with private villas, pool facilities, personal chefs, and a wide range of additional therapies such as yoga, meditation, and massages, costs can range from €10,000 to €30,000 per month or even more.

Rehab in South Africa

Clinics in South Africa are relatively affordable, with costs from € 3,000 to € 8,000 per month. Treatments here often also take place in a beautiful, natural setting.

Again, you have the option to choose a luxury clinic offering extensive facilities and a longer stay duration. Costs can range from €7,000 to over €15,000 per month.

The 5 most popular clinics in South Africa are as follows.

• Changes GGZ, Cape Town: Clinical admission for 6 weeks, with treatments for both adults and young people (18-25 years).
• Whiteriver Recovery, Mpumalanga: 3-month treatment focused on alcohol, drug, and behavioral addictions, with possible luxury accommodations.
• Recovery MHC, Cape Town: Recognized mental health care institution with a 6-week treatment following the 12-step Minnesota Model, 24/7 support.
• Kosher & Halaal Rehabilitation Centre for Drugs & Alcohol, Johannesburg: This clinic in Gauteng – Houghton House offers specific treatments for Jewish and Muslim clients.
• Anker Huis: This is our clinic. Here we offer excellent care at an affordable rate in our beautiful facility near Cape Town.

Coverage from your health insurance

Your health insurance covers treatment in a rehab clinic only if you have a referral from your GP. In the Netherlands, all health insurers cover at least the treatment at Jellinek (part of Arkin). Even if you follow a treatment at Castle Craig, it is covered by the basic insurance, as they have contracts with almost all Dutch health insurers.

A handy website for comparing health insurer reimbursements is GGZ Interventie. Here, you can select your health insurer and immediately see how much of your treatment is covered (in the Netherlands and in Portugal).

Financing Options

If you are looking for financing options for treatment in a rehabilitation clinic, there are various options available.

Health Insurance

As mentioned earlier, a significant portion of the treatment is generally covered by your basic insurance, provided you have a referral from your GP or specialist. This coverage often includes detox, clinical admission, and outpatient care, with the deductible applying.

Supplementary insurance can offer additional coverage, such as access to more luxurious facilities or alternative treatment methods not covered by the basic insurance.

Private Financing

You can choose to use your savings or take out a loan to cover the costs of treatment, especially if the care is not fully covered by your insurance. It is also possible to ask for help from family and friends.

Private Clinics with Payment Plans

Some private clinics offer the possibility of setting up a payment plan, allowing you to pay the costs in installments.

WMO

In certain situations, the municipality can contribute to the cost of treatment through the WMO. This is especially applicable if there are multiple care needs (source: Rijksoverheid).

Debt Assistance

People with financial problems can turn to debt assistance services. Here, a repayment plan can be set up, or they can receive financial help from agencies (source: Nibud).

Foundations and Funds

There are foundations and funds that aim to help people with financial difficulties pay for addiction care.

Employer

In some cases, your employer may be willing to cover part of the costs, especially if the addiction is work-related or if you are of significant value to the company.

Conclusion

This article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the financial aspects of addiction care, both in the Netherlands and abroad. The costs for rehabilitation vary greatly, depending on the chosen treatment option, such as outpatient care or clinical admission, and whether you use basic insurance or opt for a private clinic.

In the Netherlands, many of these costs are covered by the basic insurance, except for the deductible. Private clinics, both in the Netherlands and abroad, often offer more luxurious facilities but also come with higher costs.

There are various financing options available, ranging from health insurance and private financing to municipal support via the WMO, and even assistance from foundations or employers.

By being well-informed about these options, you can make better-prepared decisions about the best path to recovery that suits your financial situation.