Insurance in the Netherlands
When you move to the Netherlands and you work for a Dutch employer you are required to have health insurance. Another example is when you own a car, you will need to have liability insurance. To get insured you can contact your bank or an insurance company. In this section we explore Insurances in the Netherlands.
We explore in this section
Car insurance
If you have a car, vehicle insurance with WA coverage (Wettelijke aansprakelijkheid) is compulsory. Insurance that covers damage done to third parties is mandatory limited casco and all-risk are optional.
Health insurance
In the Netherlands you have two forms of health insurance. Zorgverzkeringwet (Zvw) is a basic insurance which covers common media care which is mandatory for Dutch residents.
Wet langdurige zorg (Wlz) is for long-term nursing and care which is covered by the government for all Dutch Residents.
Home Insurance
There are several options for insurance concerning houses (in dutch called Opstal). For example, a bricks and mortar insurance (called opstalverzekering) covers damage to your house, such as damage caused by fire. This type of insurance is not compulsory in the Netherlands. However, if you wish to get a mortgage, a homeowner's insurance policy will most likely be required.
Legal insurance
Legal insurance (called Rechtbijstandverzekering restructuring dutch) is an insurance that offers help and advice concerning legal problems. For example when you are fired because of company restructuring.
Self-employed insurance
When you are working as freelancer (zzp-er) or self-employed with employees in the Netherlands it is not, mandatory to have insurance for illness, invalidity or unemployment. You have to make arrangements for social insurances yourself if you want to receive any benefit if you become ill or unable to work. However. Maternity leave and childcare is however possible when you are not insured. Check UWV for more information.