Exceptions to AOW Voluntary Insurance Abroad

The AOW voluntary insurance has various exceptions that are crucial for emigrants. For example, if you reside in a treaty country such as Australia or Canada, automatic coverage often applies without voluntary premium payment. For non-treaty countries such as Thailand or the US, voluntary insurance is mandatory to prevent gaps. An important exception is the 'fictitious insurance' for those who resided in the Netherlands before 1951 and emigrated. EU citizens also benefit from more lenient rules under Regulation 883/2004. If you are absent for longer than six months, you risk losing entitlement, unless you submit an application to the SVB in time. Important: in the case of dual nationality, your right may lapse if you declare another country as your country of residence. Practical advice: check your situation via the SVB portal. If you exceed the reference date (five years before AOW age), you must still pay premiums, sometimes with retroactive effect. These exceptions prevent financial surprises and safeguard your pension rights.