Having a baby is an exciting event! But there’s a lot you’ll need to take care of before the baby arrives, because the baby’s room, the midwife and maternity care won’t appear by magic. You’ll also need to take care of important financial matters, including after the birth. This checklist will help you figure out what you need to take care of and when.
Be sure to check what cover your health insurance provides, so you can change your package or switch insurers during your pregnancy, if necessary. For instance, your basic health insurance will cover the costs of a midwife, but you’ll have to pay a personal contribution for maternity care, unless you have additional insurance.
If you want to give birth in a hospital without a specific medical reason, you’ll need to pay a personal contribution. The same applies for a birth in a birth clinic.
If you need childcare, arrange it in good time as the facility of your choice might unfortunately have a very long waiting list. You can register from the third month of your pregnancy. You can also register with several facilities to be on the safe side, but don’t forget to cancel your registration once you’ve got a place.
You could also opt for an informal alternative, such as an au pair, a babysitter from your neighbourhood or having your own parents look after your child now and then. But be aware that you won’t be entitled to childcare benefit if you choose the last option.
If you’re pregnant and have a job or receive benefits, you’re entitled to 6 weeks’ pregnancy leave and at least 10 weeks’ maternity leave. If you work, you need to request the leave through your employer by submitting a statement from your doctor or midwife, specifying your due date. Pregnancy leave starts no later than 4 weeks before the due date, but can start 2 weeks earlier than that. Request the leave no later than 3 weeks before you take it.
During your leave, you’ll receive a maternity benefit, which your employer will request for you. If you’re on benefits, you need to request the maternity benefit from the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) at least 8 weeks before your due date. If you’re self-employed and pregnant, you’ll probably be entitled to a ‘ZEZ’ benefit from the UWV.
If your partner is pregnant, you’re entitled to 2 days’ paid birth leave. Let your employer know as soon as possible after the birth when you want to take this leave. You’re also entitled to 3 days’ unpaid parental leave (known as partner leave). Tell your employer no later than 2 months before the due date that you want to take this leave.
Both types of leave have to be taken within 4 weeks of your child coming home. As of 1 January 2019, you’re entitled to 5 days of paid leave as a partner. And as of 1 June 2020, you get an additional 5 weeks’ leave paid at 70% of your usual salary.
If you’re married or in a registered partnership, the father automatically becomes the child’s legal parent. In all other cases, the father will need to ‘recognise’ the child. The same applies to two women who have a child together (dual motherhood). You can recognise a child in any Dutch municipality, at the same time as registering the birth, for instance.
Since both parents need to be present, it’s a good idea to do this before the birth. Otherwise, the mother can give written consent. After recognising the child, you can request parental authority from the court. The Dutch government’s website tells you all you need to know about recognising a child.
When you register the birth, a civil servant will draw up the birth certificate, which is legal proof of your child’s birth. It is compulsory for one of the parents to register the birth. Without a birth certificate, you can’t insure your child or enrol them at school. The birth must be registered within 3 days, in the municipality where your child is born.
The day of the birth itself doesn’t count as part of the 3-day deadline, and if the third day is at the weekend or on a public holiday, you get an extra 2 days. The Dutch government’s website tells you all you need to know about registering a birth.
The government supports you by paying part of the costs of raising your child. Make sure you know what you’re entitled to.
You’ll be notified about the following automatically:
You may also be entitled to the following:
Your baby will also need health insurance, as this is compulsory for everyone in the Netherlands. Make sure your baby is registered with your or your partner’s health insurer within 4 months of the birth. If you register your baby later, you as the parents will be responsible for paying any healthcare costs incurred.
You don’t have to pay a premium for basic health insurance for children under 18.
You don’t need to register your child under every insurance policy you have, but this is a good time to check whether your insurance is still right for your family situation. For instance, you can have your child added to your liability, legal expenses, funeral, annual travel and home (contents) insurance. You can let ABN AMRO know about your new family member online.
If you have questions about your specific situation, feel free to call one of our advisers on 0900 - 00 24 (normal call rates apply) or, even easier, call us directly from your ABN AMRO app.
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