As an employee, your employer arranges a lot: pay when you are ill, insurance for damage at work, and a pension. As a self-employed person (zzp’er) you arrange all of this yourself. Many newcomers start a business in the Netherlands – often without knowing which risks are suddenly theirs.
The main risks to think about
- Illness or disability: no income when you cannot work. A disability insurance (AOV) or a broodfonds can help.
- Damage to clients: business liability insurance.
- Mistakes in your work: professional liability insurance – important for advisers, IT and creative work.
- Your equipment: business contents insurance for tools, stock and laptops.
- Legal conflicts: business legal expenses insurance, for unpaid invoices or contract disputes.
Choose by your work
Builders & technicians
Business liability is a must. Check cover for work at clients’ locations.
Advisers & IT
Professional liability for financial damage from mistakes.
Shops & hospitality
Business contents, liability and interruption of business.
Delivery & transport
Vehicle insurance for business use and goods in transit.
Questions
Is disability insurance required for self-employed people?
Not yet. The government plans a mandatory basic disability insurance for self-employed people, but it is not expected before 2030. Until then it is your own choice – and your own risk.
What is the difference between business and professional liability?
Business liability (bedrijfsaansprakelijkheid) covers damage to people or property, for example in a client’s home. Professional liability (beroepsaansprakelijkheid) covers financial damage from a mistake in your advice or work. Clients sometimes require one or both.
Is my health insurance different as a self-employed person?
The policy is the same, but you pay an income-related contribution for the Health Insurance Act through your tax return, which an employer would otherwise arrange.
Can I deduct insurance premiums?
Business insurance premiums are usually business costs. Premiums for disability insurance (AOV) are often deductible in your income tax. Ask your accountant for your situation.
123 Insurance gives general information and refers you to licensed insurers and advisers. We are not an insurer, we do not sell policies and we do not give personal insurance advice. Amounts are for 2026 unless stated otherwise – always check the official source and your policy conditions.