With globalization and international trade increasing, more United States-based organizations are sending their employees to other countries on both short- and long-term assignments. For employers sending their employees abroad to work, making sure employees have workers' compensation insurance and appropriate liability insurance is as important as ensuring their physical security and making sure they are up to date with medical needs like vaccinations.
Sending anyone abroad without suitable insurance is a disaster waiting to happen because the organization is responsible for its U.S. workers when they are injured anywhere in the world. There are many issues to consider when a company has employees traveling to foreign countries or stationed outside the United States. Let's look at workers' compensation insurance first.
The first step is to make sure your domestic workers' comp carrier will extend coverage to the territories where your employees may be traveling. Employees need to be covered in all countries they are visiting or conducting business. The position on this issue will vary by carrier. For instance, coverage for an occurrence in Canada varies, and not all carriers provide coverage under a controlled master program. If you're aware of specific travel plans, report at plan inception, an estimated amount of payroll. (workersxzcompxzkit)
Make sure all subsidiaries, including those outside the U.S., are covered. That is, the words, "the named insured" must include all foreign subsidiaries. Also, include all employees from foreign U.S. Consider placing those employees with a U.S. operation if they will be in the U.S. longer than a few days so they will be covered under the United States workers' comp policies.
Podcast/Webcast: How To Prevent Fraudulent Workers' Compensation Claims Click here: http://www.workerscompkit.com/gallagher/podcast/Fraudulent_Workers_Compensation_Claims/index.php
WC Books: http://www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/workers-comp-books-manuals.php
WC Calculator: http://www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/calculator.php
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.
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