What work cover must a freelance tour escort have?

The Directives define the relevant freelance tour escort as a licensed tour escort outside Employees’ Compensation Ordinance protection. The assigning travel agent has the work-insurance duties. This guide concerns outbound tour-escort assignments; if the applicable employment or statutory protection is disputed, obtain legal advice before assuming that this definition fits the individual arrangement. [C1]

Annex 2 requires cover throughout assigned duties outside Hong Kong, including personal and rest time during the trip. It specifically includes standing, working and walking on coaches without a seat belt as required by duties, and helping passengers board, alight or carry luggage. Except for single-trip insurance, policy terms must not limit the number of covered trips during the insured period. [C1]

Annex 2 specifies benefit limits and categories; for example, medical expenses must have a maximum compensation amount of at least HK$500,000 per insured trip and person. It also specifies emergency assistance, personal accident and other benefits. This is a required benefit ceiling, not a guaranteed payment for each claim; compare the entire annex with the proposed cover. [C1]

The travel agent must take practicable steps to ensure the required cover and either provide it or the prescribed premium subsidy. It must not assign an uninsured freelance escort, including someone outside the policy’s age coverage. The assignment duties fall on the travel agent; an uninsured escort’s performance of assigned duties does not itself breach this directive. Ask for written confirmation that the actual policy meets the work specifications; have a licensed broker explain any insurance wording you do not understand. [C1]

Does my personal travel policy prove compliance?

No. Check it against the specific work-insurance requirements and assigned duties. [C1]

Is rest time during the trip included?

The annex expressly includes personal and rest time during the assigned trip. [C1]

Are coach duties relevant?

Yes. The annex specifically addresses the described duty-related coach and passenger-assistance activities. [C1]

Can an annual policy cap the number of trips?

The annex prohibits such trip-number limits during the insured period, except for single-trip cover. [C1]

Is HK$500,000 an automatic medical payout?

No. It is the minimum required medical benefit ceiling, subject to the claim’s circumstances and terms. [C1]

Must the agent always buy the policy itself?

It can provide the specified insurance or the prescribed premium subsidy, while meeting its cover-checking duty. [C1]

Can an agent assign someone outside the insured age range?

It must not assign a freelance escort who is not covered by the required work insurance. [C1]

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General information, not advice.