Global Mobility: why insurance should be part of your relocation plan

Global mobility is reshaping the way multinational corporations operate, with employee relocation becoming a preferred strategy over local hiring for specialised roles. While the trend offers exciting opportunities, the process is far from simple - visa applications, housing, shipping, and settling in can quickly become overwhelming, especially for families. One often overlooked factor that can make or break a smooth transition? Insurance.

Having undertaken this journey we speak to Callie Calder – a private client specialist who relocated from New York to London - to share first-hand experience and practical insights.

The rise of global mobility

Multi-national corporations are increasing opting to relocate existing employees to carry out specialised roles versus hiring and training new employees from the country of interest¹.

Relocation of employees by the likes of Google, Amazon, and Investec to the UK has been an upward trend for the past several years now – mostly from the United States and the Middle East¹.
Many high-net-worth Americans are also choosing to immigrate to the UK via global talent via in the face of rising political instability².

The reality of relocation

As someone who has recently completed this journey, I can say from experience that it entails a multi-step process, generally requiring months of painstaking planning.

• Visas and sponsorship: assembling documentation, sequencing timelines, and managing dependencies for partners and dependants.
• Housing and logistics: securing temporary accommodation, arranging international shipping, and managing arrival dates.
• Settling in: banking, schooling (where relevant), transport, and establishing day-to-day routines.

In the grand scheme of things, my case was a relatively simple one. I secured a job offer as a private client insurance broker through Howden, who sponsored me on a five-year Skilled Worker’s visa; my wife was eligible to accompany me on a partner visa. Howden’s global mobility team, to my great relief, handled the paperwork and facilitated the entire visa application process. From there, we found a flat to rent and shipped our belongings from New York City to London – a three month crossing. Six months from deciding to relocate, we landed in London. I started my new position ten days later; our possessions arrived a month after that.

Six months into life in London, I look back on this and cannot help but think how much harder the journey could have been. For families with children the complexities rise: schooling, childcare, commuting and the practicality of ‘roughing it’ while belongings are in transit all add pressure - even for seasoned professionals moving between major hub.

Why insurance matters and why it’s often missed

Insurance is frequently treated as a tick-box at the end of a long to-do list. In reality, it underpins multiple steps and timelines

• Contracts: Property purchases, mortgage completions, and vehicle purchases often require cover in order to proceed.
• High Value assets: fine art, jewellery, wine, and classic cars need specialist schedules, and valuations
• Market differences: insurance requirements vary and a requirement you’re not aware of can mean a stressful last minute fix.

Prioritising insurance early prevents avoidable delays, gaps in cover, and unnecessary stress.

Howden’s integrated approach

As I became familiar with Howden’s network, scope, and specialties, it quickly became clear how we could help facilitate the process of relocation, minimise delay, and help shoulder the pressure for all parties involved.

• Temporary accommodation and liability
  Need: A family plans to buy once settled but requires a furnished rental on arrival
  Solution: Howden’s Private Client team can secure cover for personal possessions and, importantly, appropriate liability before a property purchase is complete. We can also connect clients with trusted letting and estate agents across the UK to help secure temporary accommodation.
• Complex shipment: Fine art, antiques and personal possessions
  Need: Significant volumes of valuables, including antique furniture and fine art required to be shipped internationally.
  Solution: Howden’s Marine Cargo specialists can arrange bespoke Commercial solutions to cover goods though every stage of shipment
• Vehicle purchase
  Need: The office locations means that a vehicle needs to be purchased or leased.
  Solution: Howden’s Private Client team can place the motor insurance required to finalise the vehicle purchase. Where preferred, we can introduce vetted partners to source or lease the vehicle and coordinate delivery - even to meet the family at the airport.
• Renovation and financing
  Need: A chosen property requires works
  Solution: Howden’s Private Client team structures cover for the existing building and works. In parallel, SPF Private Client (Howden’s in‑house mortgage broker) manages all financing aspects.
• Wealth, tax and health
  Need: International tax exposure, overseas investments, and private medical insurance for a family
  Solution: Howden’s wealth advisory practice and private medical specialists are able to provide the consultation and protection needed.

Expert insights

Having undertaken this journey, I would advise that you:

• Plan insurance early. Treat it as a critical, not a last minute purchase. Housing, shipping, vehicles, and renovations all trigger different cover requirements - map them before you start.
• Value specialist input: High value assets and cross border scenarios benefit from specialist teams who do this every day.

If global mobility is to become the new ideal, streamlining the process for companies and individuals is essential. An insurance requirement you weren’t aware of can send stress levels through the roof. By leveraging our extensive network, we can minimise delays and shoulder pressure for all parties involved.

Conclusion

From protecting personal possessions during transit to securing liability cover, motor insurance, and even renovation protection, comprehensive planning is essential. Howden’s integrated approach - spanning private client services, marine cargo, wealth advisory, and more - ensures that both companies and individuals can navigate relocation with confidence and minimal stress.

To speak to the Howden Private Client team call 020 8256 4901 or email privateclients@howdeninsurance.co.uk

Sources:
1. Global mobility trends 2025: Why international assignments drive business growth - ECA International 36% of companies strongly agree international assignments are critical to company growth
2. Surge in Global Talent Visas As UK as Firms Respond to US Visa Clampdown
Rising Interest in UK Citizenship Among Wealthy Americans - Taylor Hampton

Callie Calder

Callie Calder is a Private Client specialist at Howden, having relocated from New York to London in 2025. Drawing on her first-hand experience of international relocation and her deep knowledge of the U.S. insurance market, she advises clients navigating complex cross border moves with clarity and confidence.

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