Optional unemployment insurance coverage outside the Netherlands

Conditions

You can take out optional unemployment insurance coverage 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)
• Find out what the conditions are for optional insurance (in Dutch)

Applying

If you would like to take out optional insurance and you meet all the conditions, go ahead and apply for optional insurance from UWV.

Apply 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 optional insurance by post (information in Dutch).

Apply in good time

If you want to take out optional unemployment insurance, you must do so in good time. Depending on your situation that means within 13 weeks from one of the following:

• the day you go abroad
• the day the compulsory insurance through your employer ends
• the day you started working outside the Netherlands.

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 offer optional insurance against loss of income due to unemployment. 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 take out unemployment 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.