Working abroad · PI
PI insurance for UK professionals working abroad
Reviewed by Apex Insurance Brokers · Published 15 July 2026
Working outside the UK triggers territorial and jurisdictional questions your standard PI wording may not answer well. Get the extensions right before the trip.
Territorial scope on standard UK PI
Most UK PI wordings default to UK-only territorial scope.
EU work usually extendable at modest cost.
US and Canada work almost always requires specific extension — and materially higher premium.
Rest-of-world work varies widely by insurer and by client jurisdiction.
Why US/Canada matters more
- US claim frequency is materially higher than UK.
- Defence costs are much higher in US courts.
- Contingency-fee culture means more speculative claims are brought.
- State-by-state law variation adds complexity.
- Product-liability and IPR claim treatment differs materially.
Working across jurisdictions — what to check
- Client contract jurisdiction — which country's law governs disputes.
- Where work is physically done — on-the-ground presence may trigger local regulator requirements.
- Where claims might be brought — may be different from contract jurisdiction.
- Whether cover includes defence costs in the relevant jurisdiction.
- Whether local regulator (e.g., SEC for financial advisers in US) requires local PI cover.
Practical approach
For occasional overseas work: territorial extension on UK PI.
For regular overseas work: local placement in the relevant jurisdiction may be needed.
For US/Canada work: layered placement often required (UK base + US layer).
Broker involvement essential — jurisdictional mistakes are expensive.
Frequently asked
Does UK PI cover work done abroad?
Standard UK PI typically excludes work outside the UK — territorial extensions are needed.
Is EU work easy to cover?
Usually yes — EU territorial extension is straightforward and modest-cost on most UK PI.
What about post-Brexit implications?
UK PI still recognises EU work as a territorial extension. No material change from Brexit for cover.
Do I need US-domiciled PI?
For substantial US work, usually yes. Layered placements are standard for cross-border UK/US firms.
What triggers a US claim risk?
US-based clients, US-based work, or US-domiciled personnel typically bring US-law claim exposure.
What about advice via video conference to overseas clients?
Depends on the jurisdiction and where the client is receiving the advice. Broker involvement matters.
Related
- Cross-border PI for UK professionals
- PI vs Professional Indemnity vs Errors & Omissions
- International legal work PI implications
Apex Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm reference number 724952. Registered in England and Wales, company number 07014570.