1Health and income cover in a nutshell
2Basic health insurance
- Compulsory
- For every Dutch resident, employed or not.
- Premium
- Set by each insurer every November; in 2026 roughly €140 to €185 a month.
- Same cover everywhere
- The basic package is set by law; only price, service and supplementary packages differ.
- Switch yearly
- Cancel by 31 December and choose a new insurer by 1 February.
3The healthcare contribution you pay yourself
| Employee | Freelancer | |
|---|---|---|
| Health insurance premium | Paid by you | Paid by you |
| Income-related contribution (Zvw) | Paid by your employer | Paid by you, through a separate assessment |
Example: on €70,000 profit the contribution is about €3,395 a year (2026). Include it in your provisional assessment so it does not come as a surprise.
4Healthcare allowance
€129maximum per month, single
€40,857income limit, single
€146,011asset limit, single
5If you get sick
| Employee | Freelancer without AOV | |
|---|---|---|
| First two years | At least 70% of salary from the employer | No income |
| After that | WIA benefit if still unable to work | Social assistance as a last resort, with income and asset tests |
6Disability insurance (AOV)
- What it pays
- A share of your income, often 70% to 80%, if you cannot work through illness or injury.
- Waiting period
- Often 30 to 365 days that you bear yourself; a longer period means a lower premium.
- Premium
- Depends on age, occupation, insured income and waiting period.
- Tax
- Premiums are deductible in Box 1 as an income provision; payouts are taxed as income.
Which cover fits you?
You just left employmentThe UWV voluntary insurance may be possible if you apply within 13 weeks after your job ended.
You want full cover for your own occupationA private AOV, usually the most expensive but broadest.
You want something affordableA collective scheme (broodfonds or sector scheme) or a basic AOV with a long waiting period.
7A compulsory scheme is planned
The government plans a compulsory basic disability insurance for all self-employed people, expected later this decade. Until it starts, insuring yourself is your own choice and responsibility.
8Common questions
Is my health insurance premium deductible?
No, the basic premium is not deductible, but you may get healthcare allowance.
Is the Zvw contribution deductible?
No, it is calculated over your taxable profit and paid on top.
What is a broodfonds?
A group of freelancers who support each other with monthly gifts during illness, for up to two years.
Where do I start as a freelancer?
Sources
This article is based on these official pages. If anything here differs from them, the official page is right.
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