In a significant milestone for the welfare and financial security of sex workers in the Netherlands, Nationale-Nederlanden (NN) has emerged as a trailblazer by offering additional coverage to this professional community, provided they are duly registered with the Chamber of Commerce. This progressive decision, focusing primarily on coverage for fires and liability insurance, positions NN as the inaugural mainstream insurance firm to extend its services to sex workers.
The Netherlands, home to approximately 20,000 sex workers as reported by NN, has witnessed a transformative shift in insurance options for this demographic. Historically limited to De Vereende, which offered policies with elevated premiums as a form of last resort for those with limited alternatives, sex workers now have a more conventional avenue for insurance coverage.
Richard Weurding, Chair of the Insurers association VvV, expressed satisfaction at the introduction of a "regular alternative" for sex workers. He remarked, "This will hopefully contribute to removing the stigma for which this profession suffers."
Caretaker Justice and Security State Secretary Eric van der Burg welcomed NN's decision, highlighting the disparities faced by sex workers in comparison to their counterparts in other professions. He noted, "Too often, sex workers are not treated the same as other workers. This leads to distressing situations, such as sex workers being uninsured."
The SWAD, an alliance dedicated to destigmatizing sex work since 2021, expressed pleasure at the newfound protection for sex workers against unforeseen events. They emphasized that empowered sex workers are better shielded against exploitation and human trafficking.
The industry garnered additional support from key financial institutions, with the Dutch banking association, NVB, and De Nederlandsche Bank, the country's central bank, endorsing the notion that it should be more accessible for sex workers to open business bank accounts. This collective recognition underscores a broader societal shift toward fostering inclusivity and equal treatment for individuals engaged in diverse professions.