I live in The Netherlands and work as a contractor. I would have to sell my house, my car and eat through all of my savings including most of my retirement fund before I am eligible for long-term unemployment (bijstand). And there isn't any other form of safety net for contractors. Not really an option for me.
We do have private insurance so that you don't bankrupt yourself in case you get cancer.
Because much of Western Europe has a better social safety net (especially healthcare) than many other places, a lot of people seem to think that being out of work for an extended period really isn't a big deal.
We do have private insurance so that you don't bankrupt yourself in case you get cancer.