Your malpractice insurance probably covers you while living abroad — if you're only seeing clients in your licensed jurisdiction and providing telehealth legally within your license scope. But "probably" isn't good enough. You need written confirmation from your insurer before you leave, and you need to understand the specific exclusions that could void your coverage.
The basic principle
Most professional liability policies for therapists cover services provided within the scope of your license. Since the legal location of a telehealth session is usually where the client is, not where you are, a therapist in Barcelona seeing a licensed-state client in Chicago is typically still covered.
But policies vary, and some have explicit clauses about the therapist's physical location or the country from which services are rendered.
What to ask your insurer (in writing)
Send these four questions by email and keep the reply:
- Am I covered if I physically reside outside my home country while providing telehealth to clients in my licensed jurisdiction?
- Are there any countries from which coverage is excluded?
- Does my policy cover me if a client outside my licensed jurisdiction makes a complaint?
- Does my coverage extend to defending a complaint made in a foreign jurisdiction?
Common US insurers and their general positions
| Insurer | Typical position on abroad coverage |
|---|
|---|---|
| CPH & Associates | Generally covers telehealth abroad if practicing within license scope |
|---|---|
| NASW | Verify directly — policies updated regularly |
| APA Insurance Trust | Confirm with policy endorsement |
This table reflects general information as of 2026; verify your specific policy directly.
Gaps to watch for
Practicing outside your jurisdiction: seeing a client who is physically in a country where you're not licensed creates a coverage gap. Most policies explicitly exclude claims arising from unlicensed practice.
Criminal or regulatory action in your host country: if the country you're living in takes action against you for practicing without a local license, most US policies won't cover that.
Cyber liability: if a data breach happens from your device abroad, check whether your general policy covers it or whether you need separate cyber coverage.
The practical solution
Before leaving:
- Email your insurer with the four questions above
- Get confirmation in writing
- Check if you need a policy endorsement or rider for international residence
- Review whether your policy requires you to notify them of address changes
A five-minute email exchange with your insurer can protect years of practice. Don't skip it.
For the full pre-departure checklist, see Can I Practice Therapy While Living Abroad?.