Working overseas as an instructor or coach can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it can also come with its own set of challenges, particularly for insurance.

All RYA recognised training centres are required to extend their own insurance programme to cover any instructor operating on their behalf and this is usually simple to arrange. However, if you intend to work overseas, you should clarify with your employer whether their insurance will extend to cover you.

It is important to be aware that legal and practical requirements for insurance can vary significantly from one country to another, and what may be sufficient in the UK might not meet the standards or regulations abroad.

For example, in the UK, individuals have up to three years to make a personal injury claim. However, in France, this period extends to up to ten years from the date of the incident. This extended liability period highlights the importance of having suitable insurance coverage when working in different jurisdictions.

Get protection from specialist insurance

To help with these challenges, Gallagher, the RYA’s official club and recognised training centre insurance partner, offers a specialist insurance product.

Gallagher offers tailored insurance solutions specifically designed for instructors and coaches working overseas. Policies are crafted to address the unique risks and requirements faced by professionals in the sailing and boating industry, helping to provide peace of mind while you focus on your work.

What does Gallagher’s overseas instructor insurance cover?

RYA instructors and coaches can benefit from cover for a range of risks, including but not limited to:

• Public liability insurance
  Offering protection against claims made by third parties for injury or property damage caused during your instruction or coaching activities. This includes legal defence costs and expenses.
• Professional indemnity insurance
  Cover extends in respect of claims arising from alleged professional negligence, errors, or omissions in your coaching or instruction. A professional indemnity extension is included in respect of training and instruction, with a maximum limit of £250,000.

Policy limits and exclusions may apply. Please see the policy wording for full terms and conditions.

How much does overseas instructor & coach insurance cost?

Gallagher has negotiated a rating structure specifically for RYA qualified instructors and reflects the tailored nature of the policy and the specialist coverage it provides, helping to ensure that you are adequately protected while working overseas.

Quotation terms can be obtained on a ‘case by case’ basis upon referral, with premiums starting at £625.00* including 12% IPT annually at the time of this article’s publication.

Important terms and conditions to consider

While Gallagher’s overseas instructor insurance has been designed with RYA instructors and coaches in mind, there are specific terms and conditions that policyholders must adhere to. These include:

• Duration of overseas work
  Coverage is limited to a maximum of 182 days per policy year overseas. Policyholders must be UK residents on temporary trips abroad.
• Qualifications and centres 
  The cover is only valid where the insured holds relevant RYA qualifications, and is either working or volunteering within an RYA recognised training centre.
• Territorial restrictions
  Coverage is restricted to specific territories, including France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal.
• Local legislation
  Insurers cannot guarantee that the policy complies with local legislation in the specific territory. Insurance regulations can vary significantly by location and may have complex legal implications. If there are uncertainties about specific requirements, consulting a legal professional specialising in insurance law for that territory is strongly recommended.
• France - Specific cover
  In France, there is a common head of cover called ‘Dommages Immatériels Non Consécutifs’ (DINC), which is available in the Professional Indemnity (PI) market. This covers economic or financial losses where there is no physical damage and may be compulsory for certain professions. Gallagher’s policy includes a Professional Indemnity Extension for training and instruction, with a maximum limit of £250,000. This is the highest limit available under the scheme.

By understanding and adhering to the terms and conditions of cover, you can ensure that your insurance policy provides the protection you need while working overseas.

Got a question? Get in touch!

By taking these steps, you can focus on what you do best, promoting safe boating practices and raising the standards of yachting and sailing worldwide.

If you have any questions about your insurance options, including any needs you have beyond those covered by overseas instructor insurance, get in touch with Gallagher’s specialist team.
Call 0800 612 2282 or email: rya@ajg.com.

Article last updated January 2026.

*Based on UK resident RYA qualified coach/instructors providing RYA syllabus training within France, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and Portugal, no previous claims, standard £5,000,000 Public & Products Liability cover provided.

The sole purpose of this article is to provide information on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links that were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss that may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.

Royal Yachting Association is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Spectrum Building, 55 Blythswood Street, Glasgow, G2 7AT. Registered in Scotland. Company Number: SC108909.