Au Pair DestinationsEngland / UKAu Pair in England / UK: contract and insurance

Au Pair in England / UK: contract and insurance

Both the Host Family and the Au Pair need to sign the Au Pair contract before the Au Pair’s stay can begin. This contract should include all duties of the Au Pair and Host Family, as well as the mutual expectations of both parties.
 
The Au Pair's contract and insurance are some of the most important things on the Au Pair's way to the United Kingdom. Your health insurance requirements may vary depending on your nationality and status in the UK (e.g., student or youth mobility scheme participant).

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The Au Pair contract

There is no official Au Pair contract for the UK; therefore, we recommend using our official Au Pair contract and modifying it according to your needs.

According to the British government, Au pairs typically live with the Host Family they assist. They are entitled to receive at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. Depending on their earnings, Au Pairs may also be required to pay Income Tax and National Insurance contributions.

Signing a contract is mandatory and helps avoid any possible misunderstanding between the Au Pair and the Host Family. Discuss the subject together and specify your expectations of each other. Write down all the  important points, such as:

Termination of the contract

If you aren’t enjoying your Au Pair experience, you can always consider the termination of the contract. Usually, there is a notice period of 2 weeks, during which both the Host Family and the Au Pair can find a replacement.

National Insurance: What You Need to Know

National Insurance (NI) contributions help you qualify for certain benefits and the State Pension.

You need a National Insurance number so your NI contributions and tax are recorded under your name only.

Who pays National Insurance?

You must pay NI if you’re 16 or over and earn more than £242 a week from one job.
Check the rates and thresholds for previous tax years here.

If you earn £125 to £242 a week from one job, you are not required to pay National Insurance, but still qualify for certain benefits and the State Pension. 

National Insurance classes

There are different types of NI (called “classes”). The class you pay for depends on your employment status and how much you earn. Learn more about it here.

The Au Pair insurance in the UK

Health insurance in the UK costs £776 for students and Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders who want to stay in the UK for one year. The National Health Service (NHS) is in charge of public healthcare in the United Kingdom. It is also responsible for hospital stays and basic medical services.

When you apply for your visa, you will be asked to pay for health insurance. Costs vary depending on your visa and its length. Find more information here.
 
Some participants might choose to purchase additional private health insurance. We are working with two companies that offer special Au Pair insurance, Dr. Walter and Care Concept.

Car insurance and driving license

Many Au Pairs will have to drive a car in the United Kingdom. Usually, if the Host Family allows the participant to drive a car, they need to communicate this to the insurance company. This way, the Au Pair will be able to drive a car safely in the United Kingdom.

Before departure, the participant should also check if their driving license is valid in the United Kingdom. Remember, cars are driven on the left side of the road in the UK, so make sure this is not a serious obstacle for you.

UK Host Families providing their Au Pairs with a car need to keep in mind that there are certain National Insurance and reporting obligations. Find out more here.






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