What does your insurance cover?
On Bonaire, the Dutch basic health insurance does not apply. Instead there is the BES health insurance, run by ZJCN (Zorg en Jeugd Caribisch Nederland), the public health insurer for the Caribbean Netherlands, formerly known as the Zorgverzekeringskantoor (ZVK). You will always hear in advance what your treatment costs.
How are you insured?
You live on Bonaire
Then you are insured through ZJCN by law. Dentures are part of the coverage; below you can read what is and is not covered.
You have Dutch health insurance
Dutch basic health insurance does not apply on Bonaire. Ask your own insurer beforehand what they cover for care here, and keep the invoice.
You are insured elsewhere or not at all
Then you pay for the treatment yourself. You hear in advance what it costs, so you can check what your own insurance will reimburse.
What ZJCN covers from age 18
For adults, the BES health insurance covers a removable denture. Fixed solutions, such as a bridge, are not included.
- A full denture for the upper or lower jaw
- A plastic partial denture, if you still have some of your own teeth
What you pay yourself
For adults, these treatments are not covered by the BES health insurance.
- Bridges and crowns
- Placing implants — except for a severely shrunken jaw without teeth, and only if ZJCN gives approval in advance
- Removing teeth, if there are no complications
- Gum surgery
Questions about coverage
Based on the BES health insurance regulations (Regeling aanspraken zorgverzekering BES) as they apply since January 1, 2026. If in doubt, ask us or visit zorgenjeugdcn.nl.
Is an implant-retained denture covered?
For more information, you are welcome to make an appointment, with no obligation. The denturist will then explain what the options are for you.
Do I pay anything myself for a denture?
The regulations do not mention a personal contribution for a denture. Whether anything is still at your own expense in your situation, you will hear from us in advance.
Is a partial denture with a metal frame covered?
The regulations only mention plastic partial dentures. A partial denture with a metal frame is different. Whether ZJCN covers it in your case is something we will find out for you before you start.
I am under 18. What applies to me?
Until you turn 18, ZJCN covers all dental care, including a removable denture. If you are missing a permanent front tooth or canine, fixed replacement or an implant may also be covered until you turn 23, provided this was determined before your 18th birthday and ZJCN gives approval in advance.
Can I lose my coverage?
Yes. If you do not follow the instructions of your care provider, or seriously neglect your mouth, ZJCN will not cover the treatment.
I am on vacation on Bonaire. What now?
Then you pay for the treatment yourself and submit the invoice to your own insurer. Dutch health insurance does not work the same way here as it does at home either: ask in advance what will be reimbursed, possibly through your travel insurance.
Would you rather check first?
Feel free to call us. We will find out what is covered in your situation before you start anything.