Arranging Insurance When Starting a Family: The Parent's Guide

Health Insurance & the 4-Month BSN Registration Rule

In the Netherlands, children under 18 are co-insured for free under their parents' basic health insurance. However, this registration is not automatic. Once your child is born and registered with the municipality, you will receive their Citizen Service Number (BSN). You must register your infant with your health insurer within 4 months of their birth.

If you miss this 4-month window, your child will only be covered from the actual day of registration. Any medical expenses incurred prior to that date (such as hospital stays, midwife checkups, or specialized care) will have to be paid entirely out of pocket. Be sure to submit the registration as soon as you receive the child's BSN.

Personal Liability (AVP): Upgrading to Family Cover

Under Dutch law, children under 14 are not legally liable for their actions; their parents are. If your toddler pulls a hot cup of coffee off a table onto a guest's laptop, or hits a parked car with their balance bike, you are financially responsible for the repair or medical costs.

Verify that your Personal Liability Insurance (AVP) without commission is set to 'family cover' (gezinsdekking). This variant covers all household members, including newborns and pets, for third-party property damage or bodily injury claims up to €1.25 million or €2.5 million.

Baby Gear & Raising Your Contents Insured Sum

A complete baby setup is a major investment. Purchasing a premium stroller (€800 - €1,200), nursery furniture, car seats, clothes, and baby monitors easily adds €2,500 to €4,000 to the value of your household possessions.

Failing to update your contents insurance without commission to reflect this higher value puts you at risk of underinsurance. If a fire or water leak occurs, the insurer will only pay a percentage of the total claim. Use a contents valuation checklist to update your policy and lock in an underinsurance guarantee.

The Family Vehicle: Opt for SVI Over OVI

Welcoming a child often prompts the purchase of a larger family vehicle. When selecting car insurance without commission, consider the impact of your claim-free years and evaluate the passenger add-on. There is a critical difference between standard Passenger Accident Insurance (OVI) and Passenger Damage Insurance (SVI):

• OVI (Ongevallenverzekering Inzittenden): Pays out a fixed, pre-determined lump sum only in the event of permanent disability or death of an occupant. It does not cover actual medical bills or loss of income.
• SVI (Schadeverzekering voor Inzittenden): This is the premium, recommended choice for families. SVI covers the actual financial damage (medical bills, luggage damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering) for all occupants (including the driver and children in car seats), regardless of who caused the accident.