Compensation for stem cell donation

One of the key principles of stem cell donation is that it is entirely voluntary and unpaid. This is enshrined in law to protect the safety of both donors and patients. In practice, this means that as a stem cell donor you cannot receive any financial or other material benefit from your donation.

Reimbursement of expenses 

If you incur any expenses in connection with the donation, these will be reimbursed. This may include travel expenses, additional childcare costs, etc. The reimbursement will be arranged in consultation with you and on a reasonable basis. We ask you to keep all receipts and submit them with your claim.

If no one is available on the day of your stem cell donation to take you to and from the hospital, Matchis will arrange a taxi for you. If you live far from the hospital in Leiden or Nijmegen, you may, if necessary, stay in a nearby hotel at Matchis’ expense.

Absence from work

The most significant expenses may arise from absence from work due to stem cell donation. Fortunately, this is well arranged for donors:

• If you are employed, the Sickness Benefits Act (Ziektewet) applies. Under this scheme, 100% of your daily wage is reimbursed (without a waiting period) from the moment you are absent due to the donation until you have recovered from any side effects.
• If you are self-employed, you can claim compensation for loss of income through Matchis. This is arranged in consultation and upon submission of supporting documents. The daily benefit provided by the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) and a period of absence of five days are used as a basis. If the daily benefit is insufficient, please indicate this in advance. It may be difficult to arrange an appropriate solution afterwards.

Insurance

All medical procedures carried out in the hospital are covered by the hospital’s liability insurance. In addition, Matchis has a special donor insurance policy. All costs associated with a donation are paid by Matchis. This includes costs for blood tests, medical examinations, blood sampling, hospital admission and stem cell collection. These costs are ultimately charged to the health insurer of the patient for whom you are donating. 

Your own health insurance will not be charged, and the stem cell donation will therefore not affect your deductible (Eigen Risico). If your health insurer is unexpectedly charged, please send the invoices with an explanation to Matchis and we will take care of it.