An employee who goes abroad for a few weeks or months is not necessarily seconded or expatriated. He simply leaves on a professional mission; his interests remain in his home country.
The case of the employee who goes abroad to telework is a little different still, and his status will depend on the length of time he teleworks abroad. The Covid-19 health crisis has led to an unprecedented boom in teleworking. It still raises questions about the applicable labor laws and social security schemes.
Can an employee telework abroad?
Yes, you can telework from abroad. However, if the employee decides to telework, he or she must notify the employer and obtain approval before leaving. You still have a health and safety obligation towards your employees, and must therefore ensure that the workplace is safe.
Teleworking from abroad is not without consequences, both for the employee who benefits from it and for the employer who authorizes it.
This has an impact not only on taxation, but also on social security. The teleworker may have to pay taxes and social security contributions in the host country. In the event of a work-related accident while teleworking, it will not automatically be considered as such… The employer and teleworker must therefore enter into a written agreement specifying the teleworking location and the period during which teleworking may take place.
What social security protection is there for a teleworking employee?
In terms of social protection, the principle is that the employee is subject to social security in the country where the activity is physically carried out. However, international social security agreements (European regulations, bilateral conventions, coordinating decrees) may make it possible to derogate from this principle.
For each employee, and depending on the country concerned, you need to analyse which collective bargaining provisions apply;
The application of these agreements can sometimes prove restrictive, particularly in cases of multi-activity. If a substantial part of the activity is carried out in the employee’s State of residence, the employee must necessarily be affiliated to the social security scheme of the Member State of residence;
The employer may then be required to register and run payroll locally.
What kind of health insurance do I need if I telework abroad?
Unlike seconded employees, expatriates no longer benefit from the social security system in their country of origin. Expatriates can make use of the local healthcare system. Nonetheless, waiting times are often long and guarantees fairly low. The best solution is to take out international health insurance. Mondassur, an insurance broker for 20 years, offers a range of insurance packages to suit all budgets. You’ll be covered up to 100% for hospitalization and routine medical care, depending on the expatriation insurance plan you choose. When teleworking, it’s often a good idea to choose international health insurance from our Goldstart range.
The case of a professional assignment abroad
In the context of a professional assignment abroad (secondment of less than 3 months), the employer must take the necessary measures to ensure the safety and protect the physical and mental health of employees. Under the French Social Security Code, all employees working abroad must be covered by social security. Any accident sustained by an employee while on assignment is considered an accident in the workplace and is the responsibility of the company.
Detachment is characterized by :
A change of workplace
A short stay abroad
Social protection for employees on professional assignments abroad
Employees on professional missions abroad remain under the employer’s responsibility. The employee remains part of the workforce of the company in his or her country of origin. His contract is executed abroad, but he continues to be paid by his company in his home country. The employee therefore remains affiliated to the social security system of his or her country of origin, unlike an expatriate employee. As far as Social Security is concerned, it’s as if he hadn’t left at all.
Seconded workers are insured against all risks: old-age, sickness-maternity-disability, unemployment, death, industrial accidents and occupational diseases. Virtually the same contribution rate as for the general scheme.
Health insurance for employees traveling abroad?
As an employer, you have a responsibility to protect your employees during their business trips abroad. There’s one crucial element you mustn’t overlook: insurance.
You have 2 options:
1) Either you choose a standard individual contract for the professional mission. Depending on the duration of your expatriation, you can take out either travel insurance or expatriate insurance.
2) Or you choose a group contract to insure all company employees globally. From a few employees abroad, we give priority to tailor-made solutions and a specific relationship with a single contact among our advisors. Our aim is to provide you with the best possible support and answer the questions of your employees, HR and financial managers around the world.
By taking out international health insurance, you can limit any expenses that may arise in the event of an incident.
It covers medical expenses and prevents all risks that could result in additional costs to the mission. As you can see, insurance is essential to the organization and success of your employees’ expatriation.
Mondassur advises you on your insurance for professional missions abroad
Mondassur offers you professional mission insurance policies tailored to your needs if you send your employees on missions. Some companies offer a range of cover options, including health expenses, baggage theft or damage, mission cancellation and crisis management. We also offer coverage against the risk of kidnapping or ransom, death benefits and, more generally, provident cover (daily allowances, disability).
Our expertise lies in understanding your needs and knowing the different offers available from insurers. This enables us to offer you the best guarantees at the best price, with a high level of service.
