Optional sickness insurance coverage outside the Netherlands
If you work outside the Netherlands and are not insured against loss of income due to illness, you can take out sickness insurance. You can take this insurance out with UWV, a benefits organisation in the country where you live or an insurance company. If you become ill, the insurance will mean you still have an income.
If you don’t know whether you are insured against loss of income due to illness or where you are insured, first check where you are insured.
Where do you want to be insured?
You can take out optional insurance with UWV. This insurance provides you with an income if you cannot work due to illness.
Conditions
You can take out optional coverage with UWV only if you meet all the relevant conditions. For example, you must be below the age of retirement (AOW state pension age).
- Find out if you can take out optional insurance with UWV (in Dutch)
- See all conditions (in Dutch)
Apply
You must apply for the insurance in good time. That usually means within 13 weeks of the day you leave to go abroad or within 13 weeks after the compulsory insurance through your employer ends.
Applying for optional insurance from UWV (in Dutch)
What you need to apply
- Your bank account number
- Your citizen service number (BSN)
- Your DigiD
Don’t have a DigiD? Find out how to apply for the insurance by post (information in Dutch).
Cost
You must pay an insurance premium for optional insurance from UWV.
Estimate your premium (in Dutch)
The benefits organisation in the country where you live may also offer optional insurance against loss of income due to illness. Contact that organisation to find out what options are open to you.
If you live in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you can find the relevant benefits organisation on Europa.eu.
You can also take out sickness insurance with an insurance company in the Netherlands or in the country where you live. Contact an insurance company to find out what options are open to you.
If you are moving abroad
Contact
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact UWV (information in Dutch).