Do Performers Need Travel Insurance?

For performers and entertainers, there’s been a long history of ‘busking’ their way through international without taking many formal steps to get to the show. In fact, for smaller-scale performances performers and performances, you’re often encouraged to skip working visas and go on a holiday visa instead, simply so the employer can skip a few steps. Today the team from Performing Arts Travel Insurance is here to show you why taking an equally laisse faire approach to your travel insurance isn’t the best idea as an artist.

NOT an unnecessary expense

When you’re a struggling performer, especially if you’re just getting started, you want to keep the budget as tight as possible, and we understand that. After all, you’re out there doing what you love, just in a new place. What could go wrong?

We at Hencilla Canworth always hope the artists who use our entertainer’s insurance never actually need to use their policy, because we want them to have a seamless experience while travelling and performing. But let’s be honest- life doesn’t always agree! Even holiday travellers encounter snags. The more intricate your schedule, and the more risks you're taking with your act, the more chance there is for something to go wrong.

You never want to think about travel insurance after everything has already gone wrong. Part of running a professional entertainment career is making sure you have the right fallbacks in place to help you work smoothly and seamlessly, and travel insurance is one of those things you need if you’re working abroad.

5 times performers travel insurance will save you we never imagine

What do you think of when you think about travel insurance accidents? For most of us, our minds go to lost luggage here and there, and maybe a few pickpocketed traveller’s cheques. As an entertainer travelling for business, it’s easy to write that off as outside of your risk profile.

In reality, while performer’s travel insurance will cover you for similar incidents, it covers you for far, far more. If you're using a reputable entertainer’s travel insurance company and the right policy, of course.

1. Medical events: For most artists, their body is a key part of the show. Even singers and comedians can have problems if their voice lets them down! Many of us forget that our home-based medical care doesn’t travel with us. You may not even be performing in a country where English is a widely-spoken language. Even without the language gap, however, there’s nothing worse than trying to fight for adequate medical care when you feel terrible and the pressure is on to deliver your performance. With the right entertainer’s travel insurance, you’ll know everything is covered and can focus on getting better.
2. Cancellation cover: Cancellation cover can be incredibly valuable for a performer. That goes double if you’ve put your own cash on the line to get to the show. Whether you have to cancel for a family or medical emergency, or you face cancellations from airlines or other parties, the right cancellation cover will keep you safe.
3. Curtailment cover: Curtailment cover is almost the same thing as cancellation cover, but it kicks in when you’re part of the way into the trip. It, too, covers you for the money you’ve already paid over, and may even offer you funds to help you get back home safely from where your plans derailed.
4. Personal liability: Professional liability insurance is a separate insurance policy for most performers. If you carry it for your act, in fact, you must check that you’re covered for performances away from home, and if not, you should seek that coverage out. However, some top-end travel insurance packages will offer you a limited amount of personal liability protection. This means if you injure someone or their property on the trip, outside of your profession, you won’t have to worry about claims against you. This isn’t a default coverage, but one it's well worth looking for in your policy. Remember, personal and professional liability aren’t the same thing.
5. Evacuation and repatriation: No one wants to imagine the worst happening- but do you really want to leave the responsibility on your family, instead? We spoke about medical coverage for small things, but most artist’s travel insurance also covers getting you home if you need full medical evacuation. After all, performing on a beautiful island under the stars may be a fantastic experience, but they’re unlikely to have the hospital facilities to help you with a major trauma. Be it airlift to a nearby facility or a way to get you home after a major accident, this is coverage you should take everywhere.

   Know what you’re covered for

   Now you know more about why travel insurance for performers is so important, let’s also remind you that not all policies are built the same. And that’s fine! A quick trip to somewhere just outside your area doesn’t need the same types of coverage as an extended multi-stop tour through the entire world.

   However, you must make sure the policy you take covers the things that matter most to you. It should also be appropriate to the destination and the time you will spend travelling. Remember, a top artist’s travel insurance provider isn’t there to take your money- they’re there to help you get the coverage you need, your way. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the policy, and make sure you understand everything. That way, you’ll have peace of mind that fits your budget and needs perfectly.

   Are you looking for a performing arts travel insurance policy that works with you? Press that link. The Hencilla Canworth team is here to help.