Whether you’re shooting in one location in Europe or orchestrating a more complicated production involving teams and equipment travelling to multiple countries worldwide, there are many considerations when it comes to staying protected while working abroad. Here we talk you through your essential information, from kit, Public and Employers’ Liabilities, Travel insurance and how to navigate high risk locations.
- Equipment
Equipment cover will typically have a territorial limit which may or may not include the country you are shooting in. This could be worldwide, Europe and the UK, UK only or premises only. Make sure your policy covers your equipment for the country you are shooting in. It is generally very simple to extend cover if required.
- Public Liability
Public Liability will also have territorial limits which may restrict cover. This is particularly relevant for shoots in the USA and Canada where insurers will often exclude cover due to the high settlements made for liability claims under these jurisdictions.
- Employers’ Liability
A UK Employers’ Lliability policy will only cover claims made under UK law. If you are hiring a non-UK national for a shoot outside of the UK, any Employers’ Liability claims arising are unlikely to be covered. You must ensure that all contractors provide an invoice for their professional services. This indicates that they are a bona fide subcontractor and any injury claims they bring would be covered under your Public Liability which can be extended to jurisdictions outside of the UK.
- Travel Insurance
You should arrange business travel insurance when going abroad for a shoot to cover medical expenses incurred, travel delays, cancellation and lost luggage. This can generally be arranged annually or for one-off trips. Please be aware, if you are arranging travel for other members of crew or production companies, you may be responsible for arranging travel insurance for them as well.
- High Risk Locations
Most insurance policies will include exclusions for specific countries. These tend to be areas with UK, EU or US trade restrictions (for example Cuba, Russia or Venezuela). Many policies will also exclude cover in areas where the foreign office advises against travel. It is often possible to extend cover but insurers are likely to want details of where and when you are travelling and the security arrangements for the trip.
