Insurance for Expats in the Netherlands

Moving to the Netherlands brings many practical matters to arrange — from finding a home and registering with the municipality to understanding the Dutch insurance system. For expats, it is not always clear which insurance policies are required, which are recommended, and what the different Dutch terms actually mean.

At ZJHT Risk & Insurance Specialists, we help expats understand their insurance needs and arrange an insurance package that fits their personal situation, lifestyle and circumstances in the Netherlands.

Which insurances are relevant for expats?

The insurance you need depends on your situation, but the following policies are particularly relevant for people living and working in the Netherlands.

Personal liability insurance – Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering voor particulieren (AVP)
A personal liability insurance protects you if you unintentionally cause damage to another person or their belongings in your private life. For example, if you accidentally damage someone else’s property or cause personal injury. This insurance is not legally mandatory in the Netherlands, but it is generally considered an important form of protection.

Home contents insurance – Inboedelverzekering
If you rent or own a home in the Netherlands, a home contents insurance covers your personal belongings against risks such as fire, theft and certain types of water damage. Your household contents are referred to in Dutch as your inboedel.

Buildings insurance – Opstalverzekering
If you buy a house in the Netherlands, buildings insurance covers the building itself and its permanently attached parts. This is known as an opstalverzekering. For homeowners with a mortgage, this insurance is normally an important requirement.

Legal expenses insurance – Rechtsbijstandsverzekering
Legal expenses insurance can provide assistance with certain legal disputes. This may be particularly useful for expats who are unfamiliar with the Dutch legal system and may need professional legal assistance in situations involving, for example, contracts, employment, housing or liability.

Travel insurance – Reisverzekering
If you travel regularly outside the Netherlands, travel insurance can cover risks such as medical expenses abroad, cancellation, lost luggage or assistance during your trip. The exact coverage depends on the policy.

Car insurance – Autoverzekering
If you own or drive a car in the Netherlands, you are required to have at least third-party liability insurance (WA-verzekering). Additional cover can be arranged depending on the age and value of the vehicle and your personal preferences, such as WA + beperkt casco or allriskverzekering.

Your insurance situation as an expat

The Dutch insurance system can be difficult to navigate if you have recently moved to the Netherlands. Existing insurance policies from your home country may not automatically provide the protection you need here, while Dutch policies may use terminology and conditions that are unfamiliar to you.

At ZJHT, we look at your situation as a whole. Rather than simply offering individual insurance policies, we first consider which risks are relevant to you and which need to be insured. We can then advise you on an appropriate insurance package and assist with arranging and managing your policies.

About ZJHT

ZJHT Risk & Insurance Specialists is an independent insurance and risk management advisory firm based in Wassenaar, the Netherlands. We advise private clients, businesses and organisations on managing their risks and arranging appropriate insurance cover.

Our approach is personal and tailored to each client. We believe that good insurance advice starts with understanding your circumstances and identifying the risks that matter to you. ZJHT combines knowledge of the insurance market with personal attention, flexibility and accessibility. We also have experience with complex and international insurance matters.

Our aim is not simply to arrange insurance, but to give you a clear understanding of what you are insured for, why you need it and how your insurance can be managed as your circumstances change.

Questions about insurance in the Netherlands?

If you are an expat and would like to know which insurance policies are relevant to your situation, please feel free to contact Maaike de Koning Gans at ZJHT.

Maaike is happy to discuss your situation, explain the Dutch insurance terminology and help you understand which covers may be appropriate for you.

Maaike de Koning Gans
ZJHT Risk & Insurance Specialists
+31 (0)6 216 34 843
maaike@zjht.nl

You can also contact ZJHT for more information or a personal consultation.

Our advisory and service fee is included in the insurance premium. This means you do not pay any separate fees for our advice and services.