If you come to work in the Netherlands through Charlie works, you naturally want everything to be well arranged. Not just at work, but also outside of it. One of the most important things you need to arrange is your insurance. In the Netherlands, some insurances are mandatory, while others are useful for extra protection. In this blog, we explain which insurances you need and how Charlie works helps you with this.
Health Insurance: Mandatory for Everyone Working in the Netherlands
Health insurance is the most important and only truly mandatory insurance in the Netherlands. Everyone who lives or works here must take out basic insurance. This covers the most important medical costs, such as visits to the general practitioner, emergency care, and hospital care.
Without health insurance, you cannot use most medical services. Moreover, the government can impose a fine if you are not insured. The basic insurance costs on average between €130 and €180 per month (2025).
If you work through Charlie works, we will help you take out health insurance as soon as you start. This way, you know for sure that you are well insured. Charlie works offers a collective health insurance through Holland Zorg. The basic (nominal) premium for this in 2025 is €38.00 per week (€164.70 per month). We will arrange it for you, and the premium will be automatically deducted from your salary. You can also choose to take out health insurance yourself.
You can find more information about this on the Dutch government’s website.
Insured in Case of Illness
As an employee in the Netherlands, you are automatically insured if you fall ill. This is called the Sickness Benefits Act Insurance. If you work through Charlie works, you fall under Dutch rules and are therefore protected in case of illness. We ensure that everything is well arranged, so you don’t have to worry about your income if you temporarily cannot work.
The UWV (the Dutch benefits agency) explains how this scheme works: illness and work – UWV.
Additional Insurances that are Wise
Besides the mandatory health insurance, there are insurances that are not mandatory but are wise to consider.
- Liability insurance:
This insurance covers damage you accidentally cause to someone else. Think of a broken device or damage at someone’s home. This insurance is not mandatory but prevents a lot of stress and high costs. You can easily take one out with a Dutch insurer.
- Contents insurance:
Contents insurance can be useful, especially if you’re staying in a Charlie works accommodation. The accommodation itself is insured, but your personal belongings usually aren’t. With contents insurance, your belongings are protected against fire, damage, or theft.
- Travel or accident insurance:
For seasonal workers or employees who regularly travel between the Netherlands and their home country, travel or accident insurance is recommended. This way, you’re also insured while traveling, for example, if something happens during your trip or if you lose your luggage.
How Does Charlie works Help?
At Charlie works, we find it important that you not only work well but are also well protected. That’s why we help you with:
- Taking out health insurance as soon as you start in the Netherlands.
- Information about other insurances that might be useful in your situation.
- Guidance in understanding your rights in case of illness or accidents.
- Help with practical questions about payments or policy documents.
We want you to be able to work with peace of mind, knowing that everything is properly arranged.
Conclusion
In the Netherlands, health insurance is mandatory for everyone who works here. Additionally, you are automatically insured in case of illness, and you can get extra security with additional insurances such as liability or contents insurance. At Charlie works, we help you with every step from taking out your health insurance to answering your questions about additional coverage.
Start Working without Worries
Do you want to work in the Netherlands with the certainty that you are well insured? At Charlie works we arrange the most important matters for you, so you can focus on your work. Check out our vacancies at Charlie works and start safely and well-prepared in your new job.
