What You Need to Know
- Be aware of the information that insurers will need from you. It’s in your best interest to have a good conversation with your insurance broker and be prepared to give them details of your trip and/or circumstances. For example, they may want to know whether you have taken hostile environment training.
- You may not get the right quote if you don’t know the implications of your assignment and where you are going. It’s advisable to contact your broker as you are working on your risk assessment – you may decide not to go to certain areas if the cost of insurance is too high.
- Be certain of the countries that are covered in your policy and check to see if changes in government travel advisories will affect the validity of your cover.
- In your dealings with clients, be honest if you do not have appropriate insurance cover and ask if you can be put on their scheme. If you do have insurance, but the country they want you to travel to is not included, consider asking if they will reimburse you for adding it to your policy.
- Remember that insurance should be something you can claim back against your tax bill.
We’ve compiled a short guide with our tops tips on what freelancers should consider when thinking about insurance.
Note: It is vital that you leave your insurance details with at least one colleague and family member before you travel. It is also a good idea to give your client or assigning editor (if relevant) the details of who you are insured with and the numbers to call in case anything goes wrong. (for more information on this, see our resource on Communications Plans to be amended).