THE ESSENTIALS
Before you start
- Specify the destination, complete period and tasks you will perform.
- Ask for written clarification before travelling.
- Keep the confirmation and clarify the request again if the plan changes.
Start with the country and duration
The rules for self-employed workers provide for work in the European Union for up to 15 days. Longer periods, or work outside the European Union, require a contracted extension.
Note the intended start and end dates of the work and the countries involved. If you do not yet know when the job will finish, explain that uncertainty. Identify an estimate as an estimate, rather than presenting it as a confirmed date.
Describe the work as well as the destination
The standard policy refers to the professional activity identified in the contract. Prepare a description of the work you will actually perform.
Fictional example: Rui is asked to install equipment at a client's premises. His diary only says 'technical visit'. To prepare the discussion, he adds what he will do on site, for how many days and whether the job includes other tasks. A concrete description helps raise more useful questions than a general label.
Prepare a request that can be answered
You could begin: 'I am self-employed and will provide a service in [country], between [dates]. The planned tasks are [description]. Please confirm how my insurance addresses this and what needs to be arranged before departure.'
This is a preparation example, not a request to post these details in comments. Share them through the channel indicated by the intermediary. If you already have a policy, locate it and the relevant terms for the discussion.
Do not replace an answer with an assumption
If you receive a proposal, check that the reply addresses the same destination, period and activity you described. A reply about an earlier trip does not automatically clarify a different plan.
Ask for an explanation of what has been agreed, the applicable effective date and where to find that information in the documents. If you are also considering travel insurance, raise it separately and ask for an explanation of each solution's purpose.
Has the plan changed since the discussion?
Imagine that the client asks for extra days or adds work at another location. Before assuming the initial reply still fits, explain the change and request fresh confirmation.
Keep the plan you submitted and the reply together. Recording the version and date helps avoid comparing a proposal with a work description that has since changed.
Before packing your bag
Check that the reply and useful contact details will be accessible during the trip. Note any unresolved questions and address them before leaving.
Visit the Occupational Accidents guide on rmachado.group and use the website request to explain your situation. A quotation request does not confirm cover or the start of insurance.
KEEP THESE QUESTIONS
Your checklist for the next conversation
- Country or countries specified.
- Dates and uncertainties noted.
- Tasks and work locations described.
- Existing policy located, where applicable.
- Written reply matches the current plan.
- Terms, effective date and contacts clarified before departure.
FROM THE ARTICLE TO YOUR SITUATION
Let us discuss your situation
Tell us what you want to protect. We review your request and help compare relevant terms. Requesting a quotation does not activate insurance.
Sources and transparency
Sources consulted on 18 October 2026. Numerical examples are fictional and explain concepts. Editorial interpretations are identified in the text.
- Diário da República — Decree-Law No. 159/99, Article 3 ↗
- Diário da República — Regulatory Standard No. 3/2009-R, professional activity ↗
Information from RMACHADO GROUP. This is not an insurance offer or individual advice. Covers, acceptance, exclusions, sums insured and costs depend on the policy. The intermediary does not underwrite the risks.