You can arrange insurance through your employer or a private insurance company (See the national association of insurers at www.verzekeraars.nl).

Aside from obligatory medical insurance, you may need specific insurance if you are self-employed (and pregnant while self-employed) although there may be an applicable welfare benefit.

House and home

If you own your home, you should take out homeowner’s insurance — woonhuisverzekering and/or opstalverzekering — on the building. Frequently properties in the Netherlands are sold without the actual land, so your focus is on the building itself. A standard policy covers fire, storm, flood and theft. In terms of flood, there is a distinction between rainwater flooding and damage (covered) and water damage due to a breakdown in the dykes, for example (not covered). Houseboat dwellers come under separate conditions.

In terms of flood coverage, a distinction is made between rainwater damage and flooding, which is covered, and damage and flooding caused by breakdowns in the dike systems, which is covered by the government. Also not included are damages accrued through lack of upkeep or essential repairs.

If you are a tenant, you should find out the details of your landlord's insurance covering damage caused by natural disasters to the building and if your contents are included.

Also bear in mind that you are not generally allowed to make significant alternations to rented apartments. Significant changes may invalidate your policy, which is based on an estimate of total costs and values. Speak to both your insurance company and your landlord if you intend to make major changes.

Belongings

Regardless of whether you are homeowner or a tenant, insure your belongings and the contents of your home with inboedelverzekering. Contents insurance should cover most of your furniture, glass breakage and general contents such as computers and other appliances. An annual household contents policy starts at about EUR 20 depending on what is covered.  For high-value items such as art, jewellery and antiques you will need a separate kostbaarhedenverzekering.

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