For an employee the bAV beats private products for one reason: the employer must contribute. Start by asking HR about the existing scheme and the size of the top-up. Calculate the net effect in both saving and payout.
Saving: Company Pension (bAV)
The company pension is the first choice for employees: part of your gross salary goes into the plan before tax and contributions, and the employer must add at least 15% by law.
✓ Verified: 18/07/2026
WHAT TO DO
› Details and tips
👨🏻💻
Max recommends:
My employer top-up was 20%, not the minimum 15% — I asked HR directly, it was written nowhere. Every euro became 1.20 € before investing.
👩🏼💼
Lea recommends:
Before signing a bAV, ask about the contract costs and job-change rules. An expensive insurance bAV with high commissions sometimes loses to a simple ETF — compare net.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is the bAV the first choice for employees? ▾
A double benefit: contribution from gross (tax and social savings now) plus a mandatory employer top-up from 15%. No private product offers a free employer top-up.
What happens to the bAV when I change jobs? ▾
The contract can move to the new employer or be paused. What is saved does not lapse after probation (vested), though transfer is sometimes bureaucratic.
Are there downsides? ▾
Yes: in retirement the bAV payout is taxable and fully liable to health contributions. For many the upfront benefit outweighs it, and with a high top-up it almost always does.