Insurance

Insurance is essential if you are self-employed or an independent contractor. Some types of insurance are compulsory. There are also other types of insurance you can choose to take out to make sure you are properly protected. 

Compulsory insurance 

• Health insurance is compulsory for everyone who lives and/or works in the Netherlands. This insurance covers costs charged by doctors and hospitals and the costs of medicines. 
• Third-party insurance is compulsory if you have a company car. 
• People who work in certain professions, such as lawyers or doctors, have to take out additional insurance. Ask your professional association about this. 

Insurance you can choose to take out 

1. Business liability insurance 
This insurance provides protection if you cause damage in the course of your work, for example if you break something that belongs to a customer. 

2. Professional indemnity insurance 
This insurance covers you in the event of damage caused by mistakes you made in your work, for example if you are an accountant or architect and you make an error in a calculation. 

3. Legal expenses insurance 
If you have a problem with a customer or your landlord, this insurance helps you pay for legal advice and a lawyer. 

4. Cyber insurance 
This provides protection if your business suffers damage caused by hackers or computer viruses. 

5. Insurance for your things 
You can insure your business premises, stock, equipment and belongings against damage caused by fire, storm or theft. 

6. Business interruption insurance 
If you are temporarily unable to work due to damage caused by an unexpected event, this insurance helps you pay fixed costs, such as rent and staff. 

7. Business partner insurance 
If your business is a partnership and your business partner dies, this insurance pays out money so you can keep the business going. 

Insurance for yourself 

1. Disability insurance (AOV) 
If you become sick and you can no longer work, you will not have any income. However, you will still get money if you have disability insurance (AOV). This insurance is not compulsory at the moment but that will change in future. For more information, go to Rijksoverheid.nl. 

2. Pension 
When you retire, you will get AOW from the government. However, this might not be enough money for you. You can build up more pension by taking out pension insurance. Make sure you start this on time. 

3. Term life insurance 
If you have a partner or children, this insurance ensures they get money if you die. 

Top tip 

If there is a change in your work, such as a new service or new customers, tell your insurer and update the information held by KVK. This will ensure you remain properly insured. 

Help with choosing insurance 

You do not have to insure every risk. Think carefully about which risks you can bear yourself and which risks you want to insure. Do the KVK Insurance Check on kvk.nl to see what would be best for you. You can also get advice from an independent insurance advisor.