Can you access healthcare and pension while freelancing across borders?

Author

Emma

Professional Development Specialist

Why benefits matter for high-earning independent consultants

As a successful freelancer or consultant, you’ve likely prioritised autonomy and income growth. But are you sacrificing long-term protections like healthcare and pension rights for short-term flexibility?

While corporate employees benefit from structured social security systems, independent consultants often find themselves navigating complex, fragmented systems—especially when working across borders.

Ensuring access to healthcare, retirement plans, and social protections is not just a safety net—it’s a strategic pillar for sustainable freelancing.

The risk of losing access to protections while working abroad

Many consultants assume that working internationally disqualifies them from social benefits. Others believe that private insurance is enough to fill the gap.

Here’s the reality:

• Freelancers often lose access to state healthcare and pension schemes when moving abroad.
• Private insurance rarely covers everything (especially long-term care or retirement security).
• Gaps in social protection can lead to unexpected expenses, legal complications, or loss of rights in your home country.
  

Do self-employed consultants have access to healthcare and pension?

Varies by country: UK, France, Germany, UAE overview

• UK: Self-employed contribute to National Insurance, granting access to basic healthcare (NHS) and state pension, but moving abroad complicates eligibility.
  
• France: Freelancers (micro-entreprise, SASU) can access healthcare and pension via URSSAF, but benefits depend on active contributions.
  
• Germany: Selbständige can opt-in to public healthcare, but private insurance is often mandatory; pension rights are limited unless voluntarily contributed.
  
• UAE: No public healthcare or pension system for freelancers. All protection must be arranged privately.
  

Key differences between employee vs self-employed status

Employees are automatically enrolled in national schemes with employer contributions. Freelancers must proactively enrol, often paying full contributions themselves. International work adds another layer of complexity, as many systems are territorial—they don’t travel with you.

What happens when you move abroad?

Bilateral agreements and social security gaps

Some countries have bilateral social security agreements to preserve benefits when moving abroad. However:

• Coverage is often limited to specific countries.
  
• They rarely cover freelancers.
  
• Gaps in healthcare or pension accrual can still arise.
  

For example, working in the EU as a UK freelancer post-Brexit complicates healthcare entitlements. Similarly, moving to Dubai without a structured plan cuts ties with European pension schemes.

Limitations of relying on private insurance or savings alone

Private health insurance is essential but doesn’t replace access to public healthcare systems or pension rights. Additionally:

• Premiums increase with age.
  
• Coverage may exclude chronic illnesses or long-term care.
  
• Building a private pension requires significant financial discipline and doesn’t provide statutory retirement rights.

Three strategies for staying protected internationally

1. Enrolling in national schemes (if allowed)

Some countries allow freelancers to voluntarily contribute to social security systems, even while living abroad. This can maintain pension accrual and healthcare access but requires:

• Manual enrolment.
  
• Full-rate contributions without employer co-pay.
  
• Constant compliance management.
  

2. Buying comprehensive private insurance

High-quality private insurance can fill healthcare gaps, covering hospitalisation, chronic care, and even income protection. However, private pensions are more challenging, often lacking the stability and benefits of public systems.

3. Partnering with an employment-as-a-service provider

A more strategic option is partnering with a management company like Hightekers. This model allows you to:

• Retain your freelance independence.
  
• Be formally employed for tax, social security, and benefits purposes.
  
• Access healthcare, pension schemes, and social protections across Europe—no matter where you physically reside.

Choose flexibility without sacrificing protection

Freelancing internationally doesn’t mean giving up on security. The right structure allows you to enjoy the freedom of independent consulting while maintaining access to healthcare, pension rights, and essential protections.

✅ Hightekers provides a smart employment model that bridges the gap. You keep your freelance flexibility while benefiting from legal employee status for healthcare, pension, and social protections—across borders.

Simplify your international freelance business with Hightekers

Author

Emma

Professional Development Specialist

A seasoned career development specialist based in Bristol, where she helps international professionals manage the complexities of establishing their independent careers in the UK. With over a decade of experience in talent management and professional mobility, she leads initiatives to support freelancers and independent consultants across various high-skilled sectors. When she's not advising professionals on their career journeys, you might find Emma exploring Bristol's street art scene or cheering on her beloved Bristol City FC!