Cancelling, changing or switching maternity care: how does it work?
11-09-2026 — Kraamplein
Report changes in writing
If something in your situation changes — a different health insurer, a different address, a revised due date — report it to your maternity care provider in writing, not just by phone. That way it's on record and there can be no misunderstanding about what was reported when.
Cancelling is possible, but costs can be attached
This is the point that catches people out most often: many maternity care providers charge cancellation costs if you withdraw your registration, even if you do so early in the pregnancy. The amount and the conditions vary per provider and are set out in their terms and conditions.
That's why it's wise to read those terms before you register — or simply to ask about them at first contact. See also What to look out for when choosing maternity care? for the broader considerations in that choice.
Two exceptions that often apply
With most providers, no cancellation costs are charged in these two situations:
- Cancellation on medical grounds — usually a statement from your midwife or obstetrician is required.
- Moving outside the provider's service area — usually proof of registration in your new municipality is required.
The precise requirements vary per provider, so ask what proof they need.
Moving house during your pregnancy
If you move during the pregnancy, contact your maternity care provider and report the move. If the provider can't deliver care at your new address — every provider has its own service area — your request there is cancelled and you register with a provider that does serve your new place of residence.
Switching to a different provider
Switching during the pregnancy is possible: you cancel with one and register with another. Do bear two things in mind. First, the cancellation conditions above simply apply. Second, availability at the new provider isn't a given, certainly not late in the pregnancy — see Can't find maternity care? for what you can do then. So preferably arrange the new registration before you cancel the old one.
In short
- Report changes (insurer, address, date) to your provider in writing.
- Cancelling can incur cancellation costs; the amount and conditions vary per provider and are in the terms and conditions.
- Two common exceptions: cancellation on medical grounds, and moving outside the service area — usually with supporting proof.
- If you move: report it, and register with a provider that serves your new place of residence.
- If you switch: arrange the new registration first, and only then cancel.
Also read What to look out for when choosing maternity care?
This article is general and informational and may be out of date or incomplete. It is not medical or personal advice; for your situation, what your midwife, GP or maternity care provider says applies. You cannot derive any rights from the content, and Kraamplein accepts no liability for damage arising from its use.
See also our Terms and conditions.