All you need to know about Supplemental Unemployment Insurance

Will my insurance still cover me if I switch jobs?

When you switch jobs, it's essential to remember that there should be no more than 14 days between your last day and your first day at your new job. Remain unemployed for more than 14 days. You will have to start over again and fulfil the requirement (employment demand) of being continuously employed for at least 12 months to become eligible for compensation.

If you switch jobs with no more than a 14-day gap, your insurance keeps covering you in your new role - as long as you've worked for at least 12 months before the change.

If you decide to change jobs, please get in touch with Topdanmark Lønsikring by phone. +45 44 74 35 50 or update your information yourself on Min Lønsikring.

Am I covered in the event of a strike or lockout?

No, supplemental unemployment insurance does not cover strikes or lockouts.

However, a possible strike or lockout will not affect the waiting period and employment demand, not even if you lose your job during the strike/lockout period.

What is the duration for which supplemental unemployment insurance provides coverage?

Your insurance coverage will continue until the end of the month in which one of the following events occurs:

• You turn 65, unless you become unemployed before then.
• You are granted early retirement or transferred to a flexi-job.
• You retire from the labour market.
• Your membership in the unemployment insurance fund (A-kasse) ends.
• You don't pay the insurance premium.

When does the insurance policy not provide coverage?

The insurance policy will not cover you in the following situations:

• You purchased the insurance knowing you would be unemployed, or at least anticipating that you would become jobless.
• You become unemployed or receive notice of unemployment within nine months after you purchase the insurance policy.
• Under unemployment legislation, you resigned or became unemployed voluntarily without a valid reason.
• Your employer dismissed or expelled you for reasons related to your conduct.
• You left your job due to your apprenticeship contract or similar arrangements.
• You work in a seasonal occupation where unemployment is a fixed part of the job, and you become unemployed within two years of working with your employer.
• You are a project employee or hired on a fixed-term contract for less than two years.

Please note that the insurance policy will not cover the above situations.

When is it a good idea to purchase supplemental unemployment insurance?

Deciding whether to invest in this insurance can take time and effort. However, you can take into account the following factors:

• Can you realistically survive on unemployment benefits for a prolonged period?
• Do unemployment benefits cover your monthly fixed expenses?
• Is having a stable income essential for you, or can you manage with less money if you lose your job?
• Have you been employed continuously for at least 12 months? (This is a requirement for receiving supplemental compensation from the insurance.)

Can your partner or spouse buy the insurance?

Supplemental unemployment insurance provides additional security for our members' partners or spouses in daily life. However, you and your partner must have at least one insurance policy with us in advance.

Can I work temporarily or part-time?

You can work part-time for up to 29.6 hours a week while receiving compensation. However, the compensation you can receive is still limited to a minimum of 90% of the salary you received before you became unemployed.

If you're interested in part-time work, contact Topdanmark Lønsikring at +45 44 74 35 50. Alternatively, if your working conditions change, you can update your compensation plan on Min Lønsikring.

Will my insurance premium decrease if I lose my job?

No. 

Am I allowed to claim my insurance costs as a tax deduction? 

Yes, approximately one-third of the insurance premium is tax-deductible. Our partner, Topdanmark, reports this to the Danish Tax Agency; you do not need to take any action.

Requirements for Your Supplemental Unemployment Insurance

To obtain insurance from IDA Forsikring, you must first be between 18 and 60 years old. However, you must purchase and accept the insurance before you reach the age of 59 years and 11 months. If you have received benefits from similar insurance within the past two years, you will not be eligible for coverage. 

Additionally, we have outlined other requirements below.

Do I need to be a member of an unemployment insurance fund (A-kasse) to purchase the insurance?

You must be a member of a Danish unemployment insurance fund to receive coverage in the event of involuntary unemployment.

What is the minimum number of hours I must work to be eligible for the insurance?

You must work at least 16 hours per week to be eligible for supplemental compensation in the event of unemployment.

Can I purchase insurance while living abroad?

If you live abroad and want to purchase supplemental unemployment insurance, note that it only covers you when you work under the Danish labour model. In other words, you must remain available to the Danish labour market in accordance with the unemployment insurance fund's rules. Therefore, you should return to Denmark if you lose your job to keep your coverage.

Can I receive insurance money if I've been living abroad for several years?

Since January 1, 2021, you must have lived in Denmark (or the EEA, Switzerland, the Faroe Islands, or Greenland) for at least 7 out of the past 12 years to qualify for unemployment benefits as a regular wage earner. Certain periods abroad may count under specific exemptions, for example, if you:

• were posted abroad by a Danish employer,
• worked for a Danish company abroad,
• are married to someone who falls under an exemption, and so forth.

Can I purchase insurance as a self-employed individual?

You must be an employee to buy and be covered by the insurance.

How to easily switch your insurance to IDA Forsikring

Are you interested in obtaining a low-cost supplemental unemployment insurance policy in Denmark? If so, you can easily switch to IDA Forsikring. However, if you already have a policy with another provider, you must cancel it directly with that provider.

If you previously had this type of insurance with a different company, you do not need to provide your seniority from that previous insurance. However, you should be able to provide documentation upon request from Topdanmark.

Terminating your current insurance on the same day your new insurance with us takes effect is essential. This crossing typically happens on the first day of the following month. By doing so, you not only avoid paying for two insurance policies at once but also ensure that you retain the seniority you've gained from your previous insurance policy, giving you confidence in your decision.

Where can I see my supplemental unemployment insurance?

As we offer our Supplemental Unemployment Insurance in cooperation with Topdanmark, you can view the insurance on 'My Topdanmark'.