Au-pairs, sabbaticals, and training periods: Extended periods spent abroad need the right insurance
As happens every year, this summer thousands of young people will be taking up jobs as au-pairs. Long holidays are also becoming more and more popular. For greater peace of mind when travelling, thought needs to be given to the right insurance protection.
Every year many thousands of young people the world over set out on journeys to see the world or to live and work in a foreign country. The opportunity of living with a guest family as an au-pair in particular is a unique experience. In this situation, however, it is absolutely essential to think about the right kind of insurance protection, especially when it comes to private health and third-party liability.
Au-pairs in Austria and abroad
Au-pairs in Austria must be between 18 and 28 years old, and under the Foreign Citizens Employment Law may be engaged for a maximum period of one year. Any person wishing to introduce a foreign au-pair to Austria must make an application to the AMS at the latest two weeks before the start of employment, and must ensure that a private health insurance policy has been concluded. Although not obligatory but a very sensible idea is also the securing of private third-party liability cover. This would cover the damages incurred to third parties by the au-pair (material damages and personal injury). As a part of the guest family, the au-pair may, after agreement with the insurance company, be adopted into the existing third-party cover of a household insurance policy.
If an Austrian au-pair goes abroad, in the EU/EEA area and Switzerland, they must as a minimum have statutory health insurance, with the e-Card serving as proof. However, since the e-Card is often not accepted at medical practices or hospitals abroad, and in some countries, such as the USA, is not valid at all, it is essential before embarking on the journey for private travel health insurance to be concluded. This provides protection against the financial consequences of acute illness or an accident, and as well as treatment costs may, under certain circumstances, also cover the return transport of the sick person to Austria if this proves necessary. And because there is also the possibility of someone being careless when abroad, it is also advisable to conclude a private third-party liability policy. Specifically, coverage under household insurance does not extend to incidents abroad.
For au-pairs, individual wide-ranging insurance packages are on offer, and travel protection by way of credit cards or letters of protection are in most cases not sufficient.
Travelling round the world – the Sabbatical
What are referred to as “sabbaticals”, under which a vacation can be taken for an extended period with a “job-back guarantee”, are becoming increasingly popular in Austria. The “training period” too, with which an individual is granted a vacation for the purposes of further training, are offered by some companies. In both cases there is no continuation in the payment of remuneration, and the employee is de-registered from Social Security. While during a training period with further training payment being provided Social Security protection may be included, this is not provided for a sabbatical. Extended insurance is very strongly to be advised for a stay abroad in any event. With a longer holiday, wide-reaching annual travel cover offers the best security. In most cases this includes insurance protection for health, accidents, private third-party liability, luggage, and cancellation, as well as a variety of assistance services, such as assistance in the event of a person being imprisoned or threatened with imprisonment. In this context there is also the possibility of the joint insurance of other persons, such as a spouse or family travelling with the insured.
Tips for travelling abroad:
- Before starting on the journey, check on the existing insurance cover and make sure any loopholes are filled.
- Take care when travelling in unfamiliar areas or countries which are involved with any warlike activities. They may be excluded from the insurance protection.
- If there is no Social Security protection available, it must be assumed that there will be excesses to pay for travel health insurance.
- Always carry a list of emergency telephone numbers, and inform the insurance company immediately of an illness or accident.
- Always keep original bills and invoices (e.g. from hospitals), and make sure that they are as detailed as possible.
- On no account forget to pay the premiums in good time, as otherwise there is no insurance cover.
Top