What Is Domestic Staff Insurance in Belgium?
Domestic staff insurance, sometimes referred to as work accident insurance, protects individuals who perform work in your private home. If a worker is injured while carrying out their duties, the insurance can help cover medical expenses and compensation related to the accident.
This insurance is designed to provide protection when domestic workers perform tasks such as:
- Cleaning
- Childcare
- Home maintenance
- Gardening
- Tutoring
- Caring for elderly or dependent family members
In Belgium, homeowners who directly employ domestic staff are generally responsible for ensuring adequate insurance coverage is in place.
Who Is Covered by Domestic Staff Insurance?
Coverage depends on the insurance policy you choose. Typical domestic staff covered include:
- Babysitters
- Nannies
- Caretakers
- Gardeners
- Handymen
- Tutors
- Housekeepers
Some workers may require special coverage or an additional premium, including:
- Au pairs
- Chauffeurs
- Governesses
Before taking out a policy, verify exactly which types of workers are included and excluded under your insurance contract.
Using Service Vouchers (Dienstencheques)
Many residents in Flanders use the dienstencheques system to hire cleaning help.
When you use service vouchers and hire a cleaner through an approved company:
- The cleaning worker is employed by the service voucher company.
- The company is responsible for the worker's insurance.
- You do not need to purchase separate domestic staff insurance.
This makes dienstencheques a convenient option for households that only require cleaning assistance.
Important to note:
As of January 2025, the cost of service vouchers increased:
- First 400 vouchers per calendar year: €10 per voucher
- Additional vouchers above 400: €11 per voucher
Always check the official dienstencheques website for the latest pricing and conditions.
Why Domestic Staff Insurance Matters
Having the correct insurance provides several benefits:
Protection for Workers
If a domestic worker is injured while performing their duties, insurance can help cover costs related to the accident.
Protection for Homeowners
Insurance can reduce your financial liability if an accident occurs in your home while someone is working for you.
Legal Compliance
If you directly employ domestic help, obtaining the required insurance helps ensure you meet your legal obligations in Belgium.
Helpful Dutch Vocabulary
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| De verzekering | Insurance |
| Huispersoneel | Domestic staff |
| Huishoudhulp | Household help |
| De huishoudster | Housekeeper |
| De babysitter | Babysitter |
| De tuinman / de tuinvrouw | Gardener |
| De mantelzorger | Caregiver |
| Arbeidsongeval | Work accident |
| Verzekeringsmaatschappij | Insurance company |
| Dienstencheques | Service vouchers |
| Werkgever | Employer |
| Werknemer | Employee |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is domestic staff insurance mandatory in Belgium?
If you directly hire someone to work in your home, you are generally required to have domestic staff insurance in place to cover accidents occurring during their work.
Do I need insurance for a babysitter?
Yes. Babysitters are typically among the categories of workers covered by domestic staff insurance when they are hired directly.
What happens if my cleaner works through a service voucher company?
You do not need separate domestic staff insurance because the service voucher company insures its employees.
Are au pairs covered by standard domestic staff insurance?
Not always. Some insurers require additional coverage or a special premium for au pairs and similar roles. Check the conditions of your policy.
Can a gardener be covered by domestic staff insurance?
Yes. Gardeners are generally included among the types of domestic workers that may be covered under these policies.
Is the insurance in the worker's name?
No. The insurance is generally linked to the type of activity being performed rather than to a specific domestic worker.