Excess and insurance
The targeted DNA test (FH variant known in the family, cascade screening) is currently performed free of charge. However, the blood test and any cholesterol measurement are covered by your health insurance and will therefore be subject to your deductible. This is generally only a small amount.
The extensive (panel) DNA test (if no FH variant is yet known in the family) is covered by basic health insurance and is therefore fully reimbursed. However, please note that this will fully count towards your deductible. Everyone aged 18 and older pays a mandatory deductible. This is determined by the government and applies to all insurers. The mandatory deductible is the amount a patient must pay themselves before receiving reimbursement from their health insurer. Always make sure to get clear information from your health insurer, for example, about the agreements they have with hospitals and healthcare providers in your area.
If you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact LEEFH (020-6971014) or your health insurer.
Life and death risk insurance
Sometimes people do not undergo genetic testing or put it off because they are afraid that they will no longer be able to take out insurance afterwards. This fear is usually unfounded. See also documentation from the Erfocentrum.
With FH, it is possible to take out insurance (under standard conditions and at a standard premium from the insurer). However, sometimes a higher premium or adjusted conditions are necessary. Most insurers adjust the premium once the cholesterol level has been normalized through treatment. For more information, please visit the website of the Dutch Association of Insurers. You can also download the brochure.
Frequently Asked Questions
We get these questions more often
What does FH mean in everyday life?
How is FH diagnosed?
Do you feel FH in everyday life?
When is genetic testing advisable?
What does FH mean in everyday life?
How is FH diagnosed?
Do you feel FH in everyday life?
When is genetic testing advisable?
Subtitle
FH means that you "naturally" have higher than average LDL cholesterol, because it is in your genes. In daily life, you often don't notice much of this: you go to work or school, play sports, eat, live like everyone else. The difference is mainly in what happens behind the scenes: you go for blood tests more often, usually take daily medication and pay extra attention to things like smoking, diet and exercise. It sometimes takes some planning (e.g. don't forget medication on vacation), but with good treatment you can live a very normal life.
Subtitle
FH means that you "naturally" have higher than average LDL cholesterol, because it is in your genes. In daily life, you often don't notice much of this: you go to work or school, play sports, eat, live like everyone else. The difference is mainly in what happens behind the scenes: you go for blood tests more often, usually take daily medication and pay extra attention to things like smoking, diet and exercise. It sometimes takes some planning (e.g. don't forget medication on vacation), but with good treatment you can live a very normal life.
Diagnosis
It starts with a suspicion of FH in,
- significantly elevated LDL cholesterol;
- early cardiovascular disease in the patient or family;
- physical characteristics such as tendon xanthomas (fat deposits in tendons) and arcus lipoides (fat ring around the cornea);
- Genetically proven FH in a family member.
A definitive diagnosis can be made through DNA testing, which searches for the defect (disease-causing genetic variant) in genes such as LDLR, APOB, or PCSK9. This test is requested in consultation with a physician or general practioner.
Subtitle
FH itself usually doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms. High cholesterol doesn't hurt and doesn't give you immediate problems. This is exactly what makes FH tricky: you can feel perfectly healthy, but your blood vessels can get damaged faster if you don't get treatment. Many people say: 'I would never have known I had FH without a blood test.' That's why family screening is important, so family members can do something about it early in life.
Subtitle
Testing is wise if:
- FH runs in your family (e.g., a parent, brother/sister, uncle/aunt with FH).
- In your family occur at a young age of heart or vascular disease (before 60), such as myocardial infarction or angioplasty.
- You yourself have unusually high LDL cholesterol, especially if you are young.
In all these situations, it's wise to talk to your doctor (GP) about further tests. This often starts with a cholesterol test, and DNA testing can then follow to confirm FH. The sooner FH is found, the better you can protect your heart and blood vessels for the future.
