Which insurances are mandatory
Distinguish between three situations: legally required if the conditions apply, such as basic healthcare insurance and third-party liability insurance for a motor vehicle subject to compulsory insurance; required by a client, financier or professional regulation; and voluntary to cover a risk. Your self-employed status alone does not automatically make a public liability insurance (AVB) or professional indemnity insurance (BAV) legally required. Check your profession, contract and actual activities.
Health insurance
Anyone who lives or works in the Netherlands is generally subject to mandatory basic healthcare insurance. In special or cross-border situations, check which rules apply. The premium varies per insurer and policy; also compare the excess and supplementary cover. The healthcare premium is not a deductible business expense.
Non-mandatory insurance
Besides compulsory insurance, there are several voluntary options that protect your business and income. While these are not compulsory, they can prevent major financial problems. Consider illness, liability or damage to your belongings. It is wise to consider per risk whether you can bear it yourself or better insure it. This way, you build a solid safety net for your business.
Disability insurance
A AOV provides an income if you cannot work due to illness or an accident. You decide the waiting period, term and amount of the benefit yourself. The premium depends, among other things, on your occupation, age, insured income, waiting period and term. If you are unable to take out an AOV (disability insurance), alternatives such as a 'broodfonds' (mutual bread fund) or voluntary UWV insurance are possible.
Business liability insurance
With a AVB you are insured for damage that you or your employees cause to others. Think of material damage or injury during work. One mistake can lead to high claims for damages. The cover, exclusions, excess and your activities determine what is insured and what it costs.
Professional liability insurance
The professional liability insurance is intended for business owners who advise or design. It covers financial loss caused by professional negligence, such as incorrect advice or miscalculation. This insurance may be required by your professional regulations or client. For others, it is a sensible choice when carrying out high-risk advisory work.
Legal expenses insurance
A legal expenses insurance offers help with disputes concerning contracts, invoices or rent. Check the covered legal areas, waiting period and maximum payout; not every dispute or choice of lawyer is covered.
Inventory and property insurance
This insurance covers damage to your business inventory and stock, for example as a result of fire, theft or water. Weigh up the value of your belongings, the excess and the potential damage against the premium and your own reserves.
Business car insurance
A motor vehicle subject to compulsory insurance must have at least third-party liability insurance. Whether you need a commercial policy depends on use and policy conditions. Report business trips to the insurer. Third-party fire and theft and comprehensive insurance offer additional cover; compare exclusions, excess and insured use. Read more about the business car insurance.
Is an AOV mandatory?
On 14 September 2026, the proposed basic disability insurance for the self-employed is not yet in effect. The proposal includes conditions and exceptions; a future obligation is not current cover. Check the current information about compulsory insurance and determine your current protection based on your own situation.
Zzp health insurance law explained
In addition to the premium for your health insurance, as a self-employed person you generally pay an income-dependent Zvw contribution via the Tax and Customs Administration. Neither the health insurance premium nor this contribution are deductible as business expenses or personal deductions. An AOV with periodic payments may, under certain conditions, be privately deductible as expenditure for income provisions: that is a different scheme. See the explanation of healthcare premiums.
What is the cost of insurance for self-employed people? (Compare)
There is no fixed percentage of your profit or general monthly amount that suits every self-employed person. Request quotes with the same work, cover, insured amount and excess. Also check insurance tax and additional costs.
| Insurance | Risk | Main premium factors |
|---|---|---|
| Health insurance | Healthcare costs covered by the policy | Policy, excess and additional cover |
| AOV | Loss of income due to incapacity for work | Occupation, age, insured income, waiting period and term |
| AVB | Personal injury and property damage to others | Activities, turnover, insured amount and excess |
| BAV | Financial losses due to professional misconduct | Profession, assignments, turnover and coverage |
| Legal expenses insurance | Legal assistance for covered disputes | Areas of law, waiting period and reimbursement limit |
| Inventory and goods | Damage to business property | Value, location, security and excess |
| Car insurance | Liability and any own damage | Vehicle, use, mileage, claim-free years and cover |
Business insurance costs and AOV are handled differently for tax purposes. Read the explanation about VAT on insurance.
Income security and pension accrual for self-employed workers
Check what pension rights and disability cover you already have from previous work or a professional scheme. Calculate which private and business expenses will continue, what reliable other income is available and how long you can bear a waiting period. A fixed buffer of six months does not suit every entrepreneur. Supplementing your pension via, for example, an annuity has its own tax conditions. For help with processing costs you can contact us view our accounting package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which insurances are really necessary?
Health insurance is compulsory. In addition, disability insurance and liability insurance are the most important for the self-employed.
Are premiums deductible?
Premiums for business risks are generally business expenses. A disability insurance policy (AOV) with periodic payouts can, under certain conditions, be tax-deductible as personal expenditure for income provisions. Healthcare insurance premiums and the income-related Zvw (Health Insurance Act) contribution are not deductible.
Am I insured if I work from home?
Check your policy: business equipment or home use may be covered to a limited extent or excluded. Damage to belongings, liability and cyber incidents require different types of cover. Describe your actual activities accurately when requesting a quote.
