Absenteeism insurance in the Netherlands

When an employee becomes ill, Dutch employers are generally required to continue paying salary for up to two years. For many businesses, this can create a significant financial risk.

Absenteeism insurance helps protect your company against these costs. Depending on the coverage you choose, the insurer reimburses part or all of the salary costs during an employee’s sickness absence.

At VMD Koster, we help employers find absenteeism insurance that fits their organisation, workforce and financial risk appetite.

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Why do employers need absenteeism insurance?

The costs of employee sickness often extend beyond salary continuation alone. Employers may also face pension contributions, social security charges, temporary replacement costs, reduced productivity and additional reintegration expenses.

For small and medium-sized businesses, one long-term sickness case can already have a major financial impact. A well-chosen absenteeism insurance policy provides financial certainty and helps protect the continuity of your business.

What does absenteeism insurance cover?

Absenteeism insurance, also known as sickness absence insurance or employee absence insurance, reimburses salary costs when an employee is unable to work due to illness.

The exact coverage depends on the policy conditions. Important choices include:

• the percentage of salary you want to insure;
• the waiting period before reimbursement starts;
• the maximum duration of coverage;
• whether reintegration support is included;
• how the premium is calculated.

Our advisers help you compare these options and select a solution that matches your organisation.

Salary continuation insurance for Dutch employers

International employers are often surprised by the Dutch rules on salary continuation during illness. In the Netherlands, the financial responsibility for a sick employee largely remains with the employer for a long period.

This is why absenteeism insurance is sometimes also described as salary continuation insurance. The purpose is the same: protecting your business against the ongoing wage costs of employee sickness.

More than insurance alone

Managing absenteeism is not only about reimbursing salary costs. Preventing long-term absence and supporting employees during recovery are equally important.

Many insurers therefore offer access to reintegration services, occupational health professionals and absence management support. We help you understand which services are included in the policy and how they can contribute to reducing sickness absence within your organisation.

For occupational health and absence management services, we work closely with specialist partners such as invita arbo.

Tailored absenteeism insurance advice

Every company faces different risks. The right absenteeism insurance depends on factors such as the number of employees, your industry, working conditions, absence history, financial reserves and risk tolerance.

We analyse your situation and compare suitable insurance solutions from multiple insurers. This gives you a clear view of your options, costs and conditions.

Why choose VMD Koster?

• independent insurance advice;
• access to multiple insurers;
• support during the application process;
• guidance on absenteeism-related risks;
• personal service and long-term support.

Our goal is simple: helping employers manage absenteeism risks while maintaining continuity within their business.

Request a quote for absenteeism insurance

Looking for absenteeism insurance in the Netherlands? We will be happy to review your situation and provide a tailored proposal.

Request a quote