Which insurances are compulsory in the Netherlands?

Compulsory by law

The basic health insurance for everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands.

The Third-party liability insurance for motor vehicles under the Dutch Motor Insurance Liability Act. That applies for as long as a registration is in your name, even if you do not drive.

Required by contract

Your mortgage lender almost always requires buildings insurance (opstalverzekering) with itself as interested party.

Your landlord can require liability insurance; your client public and employers' liability insurance (AVB) with a minimum sum insured.

A contractual requirement is just as binding as a statutory one. The only difference is who enforces it.

Required by profession

Some professional registers require professional indemnity insurance (BAV) with a minimum level of cover. Without that policy your registration is at risk.

In regulated professions (lawyers, civil-law notaries, accountants, healthcare providers) that is the norm.

What is not compulsory but still counts

The personal liability insurance. Not compulsory, but a single injury claim can exceed your assets because the loss is calculated over the whole of the victim's life.