Defence Contractors and Consultants may undertake work outside Australia.

Australian insurance can sometimes extend to overseas activities, but overseas work should always be disclosed.

What needs to be checked? #

Important considerations include:

• Countries where work is performed.
• Policy territorial limits.
• Jurisdiction clauses.
• Contract requirements.
• Local insurance laws.
• Sanctions.
• Duration of overseas work.
• Whether employees are permanently based overseas.

Can Professional Indemnity cover overseas work? #

Potentially.

Professional Indemnity policies often contain territorial and jurisdiction provisions.

A policy may cover work performed worldwide but restrict claims brought in certain countries or courts.

The actual wording needs to be checked.

What about Public Liability? #

Public Liability policies can also contain geographical and jurisdictional limitations.

Do not assume Australian cover automatically applies to every overseas location.

Are some countries harder to insure? #

Yes.

Insurance can be more difficult where work involves:

• Conflict zones.
• Sanctioned countries or entities.
• High-risk jurisdictions.
• US contractual exposure.
• Weapons or military equipment.
• Significant local regulatory requirements.

Early disclosure gives the broker time to assess available markets.

What other cover may be needed? #

Depending on the trip or project, businesses may also consider:

• Corporate Travel Insurance.
• Workers Compensation arrangements.
• Kidnap and Ransom Insurance.
• Marine Cargo Insurance.
• Local compulsory insurance.

Specialist advice may be required for complex international operations.