General News
CPTPP Business Travel: Insurance Checks for UK SMEs Expanding into Canada
- Nicky Whitson
- 14 October, 2026
The UK now has full access to the CPTPP trading bloc, following Canada’s ratification on 1 September 2026. For UK businesses considering new customers, installations or partnerships overseas, the announcement is a useful prompt to review how staff, equipment and business activities are insured when they travel.
What has changed?
Canada was the final country to ratify the UK’s accession arrangements. UK businesses can now use CPTPP provisions with all 11 other member countries, subject to the relevant rules and eligibility requirements.
The UK Government says eligible business visitors travelling to Canada may stay for up to six months, compared with the previous limit of 90 days in any six-month period. It also says more than 99% of current UK goods exports to CPTPP countries will be eligible for zero tariffs.
These changes may create opportunities for exporters and service businesses. They do not, however, remove the need to check immigration requirements, work permissions, customs rules or insurance arrangements.
Separate trade access from permission to travel
A business visitor attending meetings is not necessarily in the same position as an employee installing equipment, providing hands-on services or carrying out a longer-term contract.
Before a trip, confirm:
- The destination and length of the visit.
- What the traveller will actually do while abroad.
- Whether local permission, a visa or a work permit is required.
- Whether any equipment, tools, samples or goods are being taken.
- Whether the trip involves personal travel alongside business activity.
- What customers or contract terms require from the business.
The trade agreement may make some business activity easier, but it does not guarantee entry to a country or confirm that a particular activity is permitted.
Check the business travel policy
An annual business travel policy can be useful for businesses making several trips during the year. Ratcliffes’ Annual Business Travel Insurance page describes cover for ongoing work travel, including options for UK, overseas or combined travel.
The important point is to check the policy against the actual travel pattern. Relevant details may include the maximum length of each trip, the number and type of employees travelling, the countries visited and whether the work involves manual, technical or specialist activity.
Travel policies may address areas such as emergency medical expenses, evacuation, cancellation, curtailment, delay, personal liability and legal expenses. Optional personal accident benefits may also be available, subject to the wording and underwriting terms.
Do not assume that a longer permitted stay under a trade arrangement automatically means a policy will cover a continuous six-month placement. The permitted business activity, trip length and policy terms all need to align.
Protect equipment and goods
A technician carrying specialist equipment, a creative team taking production kit or a business sending samples may have risks that go beyond the traveller’s personal cover.
Check how equipment is valued, whether it is covered while in transit and whether the policy deals with loss, theft or damage outside the UK. If goods are being sent to a customer, Goods in Transit and Liability Cover may be relevant, depending on the goods, contract and transport arrangement.
Contract terms should also be checked. A customer may require specific liability limits, evidence of insurance or responsibility for equipment while it is in the customer’s possession.
Plan for disruption
International work can be affected by illness, cancellation, delays, lost equipment, changing travel advice or a customer postponing a project. Record who can make decisions and who should be contacted if a trip changes.
Keep copies of policy details, emergency contacts and key documents accessible to the traveller. Make sure the business knows when the broker or insurer should be notified.
CPTPP access may support new conversations with customers and partners. A short insurance review before the first booking can help ensure the opportunity is assessed with the right information.
If you are planning more overseas business travel or sending staff and equipment to Canada, contact Ratcliffes on 01242 544544.
Sources
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