We have recently received a number of enquiries from clients whose employees travel outside the UK on business.

We have come across instances where individual employees have been stuck outside the UK due to the travel restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic and are, therefore, working in another country.

With the UK having now left the European Union along with the impact of Covid-19, many insurers have reviewed their position.

While the specific terms and conditions will differ between insurers of group life assurance, income protection and critical illness, the broad guidelines are the same.

The important point is that employees who are either temporarily or permanently resident abroad can still be covered under the standard policy terms, provided they retain a current contract of employment in the UK, with a UK-based employer.

This applies to employees located in the ‘Standard Territories’. These are usually the EU and EFTA countries, Andorra, Australia, Canada, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Singapore, UAE, USA and Vatican City.

If employees are working in any other countries they can still be covered, however, this will require a specific disclosure and agreement from the insurer.

Cover is still provided for employees who travel outside the UK for conferences, company meetings, client visits or while on holiday.

It can be provided for employees of companies registered in the UK at Companies House, even if the parent company is registered outside the UK or the company registered is a UK branch.

The other good news is that international multipool arrangements are unaffected. Indeed, these are even more attractive now, given the reduced premium costs, higher free cover limits and historically strong dividends.

We can help

For a review of your existing employee benefits package, or to put new policies in place, give me a call on 01483 205890