WILLEMSTAD – The average annual healthcare cost per person insured under Curaçao's Basic Health Insurance (BVZ) rose sharply in 2025, highlighting the growing financial pressure on the island's healthcare system.
According to the 2025 Annual Report of the Social Insurance Bank (SVB), the average cost per BVZ-insured person increased to nearly 4,800 guilders last year, up from just over 4,300 guilders in 2024.
The SVB attributes the increase to rising healthcare costs, an aging population, and higher expenditures throughout the healthcare system.
Total BVZ healthcare spending climbed from nearly 600 million guilders in 2024 to more than 650 million guilders in 2025, representing an increase of almost 57 million guilders in just one year.
Although premium income also increased, it failed to keep pace with healthcare spending. BVZ premium revenues rose by 4.6 percent, from just over 350 million guilders to nearly 368 million guilders, while the number of insured persons grew modestly to nearly 137,000.
The government increased its annual contribution to the BVZ fund by 13 million guilders, bringing total government support to more than 290 million guilders. However, the SVB noted that this additional funding covers only part of the increase in healthcare costs.
The report warns that demographic changes will continue to drive healthcare spending upward, as older residents typically require more medical care than younger age groups.
According to the SVB, maintaining the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system will require structural economic growth, a broader contribution base and continued reforms.