Many physiotherapists undertake short periods of overseas work as a Team Physiotherapist for a British-based delegation.
The CSP PLI scheme does have specific terms and conditions for overseas work which may influence how you undertake these activities and who you can treat.
Frequently asked questions
Read our FAQs to find out more.
Can I work temporarily overseas as part of a British-based delegation?
Yes. The scheme allows up to 180 days of temporary overseas work. If you are working overseas for longer than 180 days, or you are permanently based overseas, you are not covered by the CSP professional liability insurance (PLI) scheme and you must seek alternative insurance for your work.
What about trips to Australia?
You can provide treatment to British-based delegations only. You may not treat any other person at all, as no cover is provided for any work undertaken in Australia except when retained to provide physiotherapy services for a British-based delegation’s needs only. The British-based team or organisation may also include non-UK nationals. There is no cover under the policy for any claim brought within Australia, or any Court within Australian jurisdiction, regardless of the claimant’s nationality and regardless of where in the world they were treated.
What about trips to the United States of America?
You can provide treatment to British-based delegations. You can treat other people too but you are not insured to treat US citizens in the US. This may be important to you if your British-based team/organisation has American citizens in it, as you will not be insured to treat US citizen delegation members in the USA. There is no cover under the policy for any claim brought within the USA, or any Court within US jurisdiction, regardless of the claimant’s nationality and regardless of where in the world they were treated.
What about trips to Canada?
You can provide treatment to British-based delegations. You can treat other people, too, but you are not insured to treat Canadian citizens in Canada. This may be important to you if your British-based team/organisation has Canadian citizens in it, as you will not be insured to treat Canadian citizen delegation members in Canada. There is no cover under the policy for any claim brought within Canada, or any Court within Canadian jurisdiction, regardless of the claimant’s nationality and regardless of where in the world they were treated.
Do I need to register to work in the country the British Team is visiting?
Possibly. The CSP PLI scheme requires you to register in any overseas country that you wish to work in, if registration to practise is required by that country. It is your responsibility to find out what the local registration requirements are. In some countries, if you are visiting the country but will only be treating British-based delegation members, you may not need to register.
If you are providing telemedicine (e.g. online, telephone or other digital) services, some countries require separate registration for this activity. Please see our website, digital and print guidance.
It’s only a short trip, say two weeks. Do I still need to register if required?
Yes. Regardless of how long you are visiting for, you must register if the country you are visiting requires registration to practise. This is to ensure you comply with the terms and conditions of the CSP PLI scheme.
I’m working as an employee/contractor – what should I do?
If you are being employed or otherwise engaged by a British-based sports team or other organisation, you should check with them what arrangements they have in place for insurance for your work. They also may have measures in place to assist with local registration where you are required to have it.
Does the Team Delegation leader need to notify the CSP of the physios travelling abroad?
No. There is no requirement for the CSP to be informed when British-based delegations are travelling abroad and/or who the physiotherapist delegation members are. It is your individual responsibility to ensure the PLI scheme meets your requirements and that your circumstances fit with the terms and conditions of the scheme.
My team and/or organisation is not based in the UK. Am I covered?
The CSP PLI scheme is a British-based policy which allows for temporary overseas work. You may therefore be able to do so under the 180-day rule. If you intend to work permanently overseas, you must seek your own advice and alternative insurance.
Further information
For specific insurance-related enquiries, contact the CSP insurance brokers:
James Hallam
Saxon House
Duke Street
Chelmsford
Essex CM1 1HT