Mandatory AOV

There has been talk of compulsory disability insurance for self-employed workers for some time. Outgoing Minister Van Gennip made public the draft bill for compulsory disability insurance for the self-employed. The core of the proposal Wet Basisverzekering Arbeidsongeschiktheid Zelfstandigen (BAZ) (Basic Disability Insurance for the Self-Employed Act) is that there will be a basic insurance with an opt-out option. 

The proposal in brief: 

- Self-employed workers receive 70% of income up to 100% of the minimum wage as benefits. 
- Self-employed people pay about 6.5% of income in premiums, with a maximum of €195 per month. This premium is tax deductible. 
- Benefits start after one year of illness, with no end time, unlike a bread fund (up to two years). 
- Basic disability insurance is through the government (UWV). For higher sickness benefits, you need to take out private insurance. 
- Zzp'ers are insured until retirement age, with guaranteed acceptance regardless of (medical) situation. 

Mandatory AOV for the self-employed is not going to be introduced until 2027 at the earliest. The Arts Union tested the plans for affordability (too high), freedom of choice (too low) and accessibility (insufficient).