Speech therapists have to pay high insurance premiums. Their work is low-risk, but the amounts paid have increased by 20–60 percent.
The speech therapists' association does not understand why the costs are so high. They are not getting a clear answer from the insurance company. Inflation is mentioned, but less about the risks of different professions.
Speech therapists work alongside doctors and their work is safe. They listen to patients and use simple tools like cotton swabs. How could a speech therapist harm a patient?
The insurance company says that claims by speech therapists are rare. Yet the costs remain high. The company claims it evaluates everyone fairly and speech therapists' costs are lower than others.
Dentists also face problems with high insurance premiums. Dentists in smaller towns are in a particularly difficult situation. Their costs are higher than in large hospitals.
Speech therapists and dentists hope the state will change the laws. Currently, there is a monopoly in the insurance market and prices cannot be negotiated. A new analysis will be conducted in 2029.
The Ministry of Social Affairs says that speech therapists' costs are now at the same level as other healthcare workers. Speech therapists deal with various serious issues, such as speech and swallowing disorders.