AOV insurance in the Netherlands
If you have your own business in the Netherlands you are not automatically covered for income loss. Unlike when your are employed there is no employer or government safety net that continues your salary when you cannot work. An AOV (Arbeidsongeschiktheidsverzekering) is a disability insurance that provides you with monthly income if you are unable to work.
We explore in this section
What is AOV and why do you need it?
If you have your own business in the Netherlands, regardless which business type (eenmanzaak, v.o.f., b.v.) you have means that you are not automatically covered for income loss due to illness or disability. This is very diffrerent when you are an employee because there is no employer or government safety net that continues your salary when you cannot work. Therefore there is an AOV (Arbeidsongeschiktheidsverzekering). This is a disability insurance that provides you with monthly income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
This could be extra important when you are not from the Netherlands, some reasons could be:
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You may not qualify for Dutch social security or only partially
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You often rely entirely on your own income
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You may not have family to support you locally
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Your financial obligations (rent, mortgage, business costs) continue
Is this mandatory and what will change in 2030?
The Dutch government is planning to introduce a mandatory disability insurance for self-employed individuals (ZZP) around 2030. This is not final but the changes are high.
So far the plans are the following:
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A basic AOV will become mandatory for most self-employed people
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The coverage will be limited (basic income level)
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The premium is expected to be income-dependent
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There will likely be a waiting period (around 1 year) before payout starts
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Private insurance will still be allowed as a supplement or alternative
If this will materialize, you will always have a basic safety net but it may not be enough to cover your lifestyle or business costs. So it could be better to take matters in your own hands. Check below insurers for quotes.
Which types of AOV are there?
AOV Basis (Basic coverage)
Key features:
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Covers your income up to €30,000 per year
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Pays out until your retirement age
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Choice of waiting period: 1 to 24 months
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Low monthly premium
Best for:
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Freelancers with lower income
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You have a buffer
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When you want minimum protection at low cost
Get a direct free quote from Centraal Beheer
AOV Compleet (Full coverage)
Key features:
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Covers up to 90% of your income
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Maximum insured income: €250,000
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Payout until retirement age
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Flexible waiting periods
Best for:
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When you have a high income
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Business owners with a lot of financial obligations
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When you just want full income security
AOV Kort & Krachtig (Short-term protection)
This option focuses on temporary coverage.
Key features:
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Covers up to 90% of income (max €250,000)
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Payout duration: 2 to 5 years only
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Short waiting period: 1–3 months
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Lower premium than full coverage
Best for:
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When you have a big buffer
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If you expect to recover quickly
AOV: In short
The mandatory AOV (2030) will provide a basic safety net but it will likely not fully protect your income.
A private AOV gives flexibility and higher coverage, choose one that will help cover your expenses and missed income.
Recommended insurers
Centraal Beheer
Centraal Beheer is one of the biggest insurance companies in the Netherlands with insurances for your business like AOV (aansprakelijkheid) and Liability (rechtsbijstand).
Insify
Insify is an Amsterdam-based insurtech that provides fast, digital-first business insurance specifically tailored for Dutch freelancers and SMEs. They deliver tailored quotes in minutes and allows for flexible, monthly-adjustable policies.
Allianz
The Allianz Group is one of the leading integrated financial services providers worldwide. They offer several different insurances for business owners in the Netherlands.