Freelancers in the Netherlands are not yet required to have disability insurance, but changes are coming, prompting self-employed individuals to consider their options for income protection if they become unable to work due to illness or injury. The government is planning to introduce a mandatory basic disability insurance scheme, though its implementation has been delayed.

Currently, freelancers must rely on private disability insurance policies. These policies vary significantly in cost and coverage. Key considerations include the increasing premiums as you age, the amount of money you’ll receive, and the waiting period before the insurance kicks in.

The planned mandatory system, initially slated for January 2027 but now postponed to at least 2030, is known as BAZ. It aims to provide a safety net for self-employed individuals who do not receive sick pay or disability coverage from an employer or the national benefits agency UWV.

Experts emphasize the importance of carefully reviewing policy conditions to ensure that your specific job is covered. Some policies may exclude individuals doing heavy physical work. Additional coverage for mental health issues and pregnancy may be available through some providers.

Under the current proposal, the mandatory BAZ premium will be around 6.5% of income, up to €195 per month. The insurance will cover up to 70% of income from self-employment, capped at 100% of the minimum wage. However, the Dutch actuary association has suggested the 6.5% may be closer to 5.6%.