Q&A

Health cover and pensions while working abroad

Identify the applicable insurance arrangements and responsible health and pension organisations before starting employment in another country.
Practical guide · Updated 26 October 2026
Discussion of health coverage and pensions using documents and a timeline.
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Establish which system covers your employment

Examine social protection using the employment country, contractual situation and rules applying to your move. Ask the employer which organisation receives contributions and how healthcare will be covered from the start of the contract. Check the arrangements required for accompanying family members as well as any period between the end of one affiliation and the beginning of another.

Keep evidence of every period of employment

Retain contracts, payslips and contribution records together with the contact details of overseas organisations. These documents will support later discussions about your career history and any rights associated with employment periods. Before purchasing supplementary or voluntary insurance, compare its precise benefits with mandatory coverage and ask the relevant institutions about limitations affecting your particular circumstances rather than assuming continuous protection.

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