KNM: Everyday Insurance
Insurance is part of everyday life in the Netherlands. Some insurance is mandatory, such as health insurance for people who live or work in the Netherland...
Insurance is part of everyday life in the Netherlands. Some insurance is mandatory, such as health insurance for people who live or work in the Netherlands and car insurance for registered car owners. Other insurance is optional but common, because it protects you from large costs after damage, theft, accidents, or travel problems.
| English | Dutch | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Health insurance | Zorgverzekering | Mandatory for everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands |
| Car insurance | Autoverzekering | Mandatory for registered car owners |
| Liability insurance | Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering | Pays if you or your child accidentally damage someone else's property |
| Contents insurance | Inboedelverzekering | Covers belongings in your home after damage or theft |
| Building insurance | Opstalverzekering | Covers the house itself and is usually required with a mortgage |
| Travel insurance | Reisverzekering | Covers travel problems such as lost luggage or urgent costs abroad |
| Insurance Question | Dutch | Simple Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Do I own a car? | Autoverzekering | Yes, this is mandatory for registered car owners |
| Do I have a mortgage? | Opstalverzekering | Usually required by the mortgage lender because it covers the building |
| Did my child break something? | Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering | This can pay for accidental damage to someone else's property |
| Did something happen on holiday? | Reisverzekering | Can help with lost luggage or extra travel costs; health insurance covers only limited medical costs abroad |
| Do I want dental cover? | Tandartsverzekering | For adults, dental care is often supplementary insurance |
Examples
- Een zorgverzekering is verplicht.
- Health insurance is mandatory.
- Heb je een auto? Dan heb je een autoverzekering nodig.
- Do you have a car? Then you need car insurance.
- Mijn spullen zijn verzekerd met een inboedelverzekering.
- My belongings are insured with contents insurance.
- Een aansprakelijkheidsverzekering betaalt schade aan anderen.
- Liability insurance pays for damage to others.
Study note
In KNM questions, pay close attention to the word 'verplicht' (mandatory). Health insurance and car insurance for car owners are mandatory. Liability, contents, building, and travel insurance are often useful, but the exact requirement depends on your situation or contract.
Practice after reading
Train knowledge of Dutch society with timed KNM practice questions.