Groningen

Types of Insurance Available in Groningen

1. Health Insurance (Zorgverzekering):

   • Mandatory for all residents in the Netherlands.
   • Covers basic medical care, including visits to the general practitioner, hospital care, and prescription medications.
   • Optional supplementary insurance can cover additional services like dental care, physiotherapy, and alternative medicine.

2. Liability Insurance (Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering):

   • Covers damages you may cause to others or their property.
   • Highly recommended for both individuals and families.

3. Home Insurance (Inboedelverzekering):

   • Covers personal belongings against theft, fire, and water damage.
   • Often bundled with building insurance (Opstalverzekering) for homeowners.

4. Car Insurance (Autoverzekering):

   • Required if you own a vehicle.
   • Types include liability (WA), limited coverage (WA + Beperkt Casco), and full coverage (WA + Volledig Casco).

5. Travel Insurance (Reisverzekering):

   • Covers unexpected events while traveling, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.

6. Life Insurance (Levensverzekering):

   • Provides financial support to beneficiaries in the event of the policyholder's death.

Major Insurance Providers in Groningen

1. Zilveren Kruis:

   • Offers a range of health insurance plans and supplementary options.
   • Known for good customer service and extensive network.

2. VGZ:

   • Provides various health insurance packages, including basic and supplementary options.
   • Offers discounts for families and students.

3. Achmea:

   • One of the largest insurance groups in the Netherlands, offering health, home, and car insurance.

4. Interpolis:

   • Offers a variety of insurance products, including home and liability insurance.
   • Known for its user-friendly online services.

5. Centraal Beheer:

   • Provides comprehensive insurance options, including health, home, and travel insurance.

Typical Costs

• Health Insurance: Monthly premiums range from €100 to €150 for basic coverage, depending on the provider and plan. Supplementary insurance can add €10 to €50 per month.
• Liability Insurance: Costs around €5 to €15 per month.
• Home Insurance: Typically ranges from €10 to €30 per month, depending on the value of the insured items.
• Car Insurance: Costs vary widely based on the vehicle, driver’s age, and driving history, typically ranging from €50 to €150 per month.
• Travel Insurance: Costs around €5 to €20 per trip, depending on coverage.

How to Apply or Register

1. Health Insurance:

   • You can apply online through the provider’s website or visit their local office in Groningen.
   • You will need your BSN (Burger Service Nummer), proof of residence, and identification.

2. Liability and Home Insurance:

   • Applications can be completed online or via phone.
   • Provide details about your living situation and the value of your belongings.

3. Car Insurance:

   • You can apply online or through an insurance agent.
   • Required documents include your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and previous insurance details.

4. Travel Insurance:

   • Purchase online before your trip or through travel agencies.

Local Considerations and Procedures

• Language: Most insurance providers offer services in English, but it’s beneficial to have a basic understanding of Dutch.
• Registration: Ensure you register with the local municipality (Gemeente) upon moving to Groningen, as this is necessary for obtaining a BSN, which is required for health insurance.
• Comparing Providers: Use comparison websites like Independer.nl or Zorgwijzer.nl to compare different insurance plans and prices.
• Student Insurance: If you are a student, check if your university offers specific insurance packages or discounts.

Conclusion

Navigating the insurance landscape in Groningen is essential for both residents and newcomers. Understanding the types of insurance available, knowing the major providers, and being aware of the costs and application processes will help you make informed decisions. Always read the terms and conditions carefully and consider your specific needs when choosing an insurance provider. If you have further questions or need assistance, local expat groups and community centers can be valuable resources.