SA29. Your social security insurance, benefits and healthcare rights in the European Economic Area
Insurance and contributions
8. Special arrangements
Although you will usually be insured under the social security scheme of the country you work in, there are some instances when this will not apply. Two or more countries in the EEA may agree to treat you in a different way, as long as it is in your interests. For example, an agreement may be reached so that you stay insured under the UK social security scheme if:
- you have special knowledge or skills in the job you are doing;
- or your employer has a special job that it needs you to do, in the other EEA country.
Agreements can be reached for other employees and self-employed people to be treated differently, but it must be in their interests.
To find out more, write to HM Revenue and Customs. See also Working in another EEA country for a UK employer.
Note – HM Revenue and Customs needs to get the foreign social security authority to agree that you can remain UK-insured. This means it may take some time to decide.
The following groups of people are treated in a special way:
- mariners;
- civil servants;
- members of the staff of diplomatic or consular posts;
- people who work for a member of the staff of a diplomatic or consular post;
- members of the staff of the European Community;
- members of Her Majesty's (HM) Forces; and
- civilians who work for an organisation that serves HM Forces, or for HM Forces in Germany.
If you are in any of these groups and you are not sure what NI contributions you should pay, write to HM Revenue and Customs.