Before you decide to pack your bag and start a new chapter abroad, it is important to find out how the insurance works in the country you will be working in. Whether you choose to work a longer or shorter period abroad, insurance is something you need to look into.
In general, you are insured in the country you work in. This means that you have the right to social security benefits in that country. If you are temporarily working in another EU / EEA country normally you continue to be insured in Sweden if you are self-employed person.
In some contexts it may be desirable that a person's insurance does not change if you only work a short time abroad. Therefore, there are possibilities in self-employment to be insured in Sweden when temporary working in another country.
However, there are certain requirements if you are self-employed and want to continue to be insured in Sweden. The work for example should not be expected to take longer than 12 months and before you start working you should have done significant activities in Sweden.
If the work abroad is extended for any reason, you can continue to be insured in Sweden for a maximum of 12 months. The extension requires that the competent authority in the country leaves a temporary consent.
Many entrepreneurs wonder what it means to be insured in Sweden if they choose to work abroad for a period of time. What is included in the insurance is health care, care during a work injury, contribution to families, pension and unemployment insurance. It is important to know that as long as you belong to the Swedish social insurance you must pay social security contributions in accordance with the Swedish law.
It happens that conditions abroad changes, and in order for the insurance to be effective you must always notify any changes to the insurance company. Do not hesitate to continuously ensure that your insurance has not expired and that everything is right according to your agreement. Rules can also distinguish between countries, so find out what applies to the country you will find yourself in both a longer or shorter period.
Tony Harkén
Source: www.forsakringskassan.se Sweden