Performing as a guest entertainer on a cruise ship offers an exciting blend of adventure and opportunity. You can travel the world aboard a beautiful vessel, impress audiences from diverse backgrounds, and expand your network, and hopefully, your loyal fanbase! With plenty of downtime to enjoy trips ashore and ship amenities, this lifestyle can feel like a dream job.

Before signing your next contract, there is one crucial detail to address: your Health insurance coverage! In this blog, we’ll break down the types of coverage cruise lines typically require, explain what’s included, show how it works with real-world examples, outline plan options and costs, walk you through how to purchase coverage, and share key tips to ensure a smooth and successful insurance experience.

What Do Cruise Lines Require?

Always refer to your agreement with your employer; however, most cruise lines generally require you to have international medical coverage that will protect you from accidents and illnesses throughout your contract. Common requirements include:

·         A plan limit of at least $1,000,000

·         Coverage for emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, and Covid-19

What Type of Plan Do You Need?

Since you'll be working and traveling internationally, you'll need a Travel Medical insurance plan. But not just any plan will do. It’s crucial to choose one that covers work-related activities, especially those related to performing.

Many standard Travel Medical plans exclude job-related injuries, which means if something happens on stage or during rehearsal, you might be stuck with the bill. And in many cases, your domestic Health insurance may be difficult to use abroad.

We know insurance can be confusing in general. As a performer, your situation is even more unique. It’s important to have a plan specifically designed for your needs so you’re protected when it matters most. Fortunately, the MHG team has worked with tens of thousands of cruise ship guest entertainers, and we are happy to help you find the right plan to fit your contract.

What Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover?

Travel Medical insurance is designed for individuals temporarily traveling outside their home country. It typically covers new accidents and illnesses. You can seek treatment from the ship's doctor or, when in port, at a doctor's office, urgent care center, clinic, or hospital. Keep in mind that Travel Medical insurance is for accidents and illnesses only, it does not cover routine checkups or wellness care.

This type of insurance serves as your safety net if something unexpected happens while you are outside your home country. Let's review a few real-life examples to illustrate how the coverage works in practical scenarios:

Real-Life Examples

1. Stage slip leads to stitches: Mid-performance, you slip and sustain a deep cut on your forehead. The ship’s doctor cleans and stitches the wound. Because you chose a $0 deductible, you submit the doctor's report, invoice, and receipt for full reimbursement.

2. Food poisoning from dubious shellfish: You resist your instincts and indulge in mussels during a shore trip. Later, you suffer from a severe case of food poisoning. You visit the ship’s doctor, receive antibiotics, and follow rehydration instructions. You’re grateful for the treatment, but since your treatment cost less than your $1,000 deductible, you bear the expense with no reimbursement.

3. Jellyfish sting on an excursion: While enjoying some well-earned free time, you go on a scuba diving trip, where a jellyfish sting requires you to visit an onshore urgent care. After treatment and picking up a prescription, your total medical bill comes to $150. You submit your claim. Because you chose a $100 deductible, you pay the first $100, and your insurance reimburses you the remaining $50.

Bottom line, while a $1,000,000 plan limit is typically required, it's worth considering a $0 deductible. That way, if you do get sick or injured, your coverage starts right away without having to pay anything out of pocket first. And in many cases, the cost difference between a $0 deductible and a higher one is minimal.

Single Trip vs Annual Plan: Which One Is Right For You?

Single Trip Travel Medical plans typically offer coverage from 5 days up to 12 months. This is usually a good fit for guest entertainers that have a few contracts a year.

If you're booking multiple gigs throughout the year, an Annual Travel Medical plan might be a better choice. These plans provide coverage in 30, 60, or 90-day blocks per trip. You can take as many trips as you like during the year, as long as each one stays within your selected day limit. Coverage isn’t just limited to when you’re working but can be used for vacations abroad as well.

 

How Much Do Travel Medical Plans Cost?

Travel Medical insurance is often more affordable than you might think. For example, at the time of this post, a Single Trip plan for a 30-year-old American traveling in the Caribbean for 30 days, with a $1,000,000 coverage limit and a $0 deductible, costs just over $60, plus taxes and fees. An Annual plan covering multiple trips up to 30 days each, with the same coverage and a $250 deductible, was priced at $282 for the year, plus taxes and fees.

The best choice really depends on how often you’ll be traveling abroad. If you don’t plan on booking many contracts during the year, purchasing a Single Trip plan each time may be your better choice. But, if you plan to spend a lot of time during the year performing at sea, an Annual plan could save you time and money.

 

How Do I Purchase Coverage?

Getting covered is quick and simple. Just enter a few basic details, like your destination, age, citizenship, and country of residence. Then, choose your plan limit and deductible. That’s it, enter your details and you’re ready to go! Booking last-minute? No problem. Next-day coverage is available, so you can secure your plan even if you're short on time. Click here to get started on your quote now!

For guest entertainers starting short-term contracts on cruise ships, having the right Health insurance is a contractual requirement and an essential safety net. At MHG Insurance , we make getting the coverage you need easy so you can focus on what you do best: delivering outstanding performances.

Contact us today if you have questions about the coverage or want to sign up. Before you set sail, ensure your insurance plan meets all essential criteria and covers the inherent risks of your job. A little preparation can go a long way toward ensuring your time onboard is safe, successful, and stress-free.

Do you imagine combining your passion for education with the adventure of traveling and seeing the world? If the idea of sharing your expertise while sailing the high seas sounds appealing, then becoming a guest lecturer on a cruise ship might be the perfect career move for you. We've got your guide to exploring the exciting world of cruise ship lecturing, covering everything from the diverse opportunities, essential skills, application process, and the health insurance obligations.

Exploring the Vast Opportunities

Guest lecturers on cruise ships have the chance to explore a variety of opportunities, catering to diverse interests and expertise. One such opportunity is to offer academic lectures and share your knowledge in your field of expertise, whether history, science, literature, or any other subject. Cruise ship passengers often appreciate intellectually stimulating content and are eager to learn from experts.

Another way to engage passengers is to offer lectures on special interest topics such as photography, culinary arts, or wellness. These can provide a unique and enriching experience for guests with specific interests. It's a great way to cater to niche markets and ensure passengers have a memorable and enjoyable onboard experience.

Beyond traditional lectures, cruise lines may offer interactive workshops or class opportunities. This format allows guests to participate and learn hands-on skills actively. Workshops and classes could include anything from arts and crafts classes to cooking demonstrations, dance lessons, or fitness classes. It's a great way to provide guests with a diverse range of activities and ensure that they are engaged throughout the duration of the cruise.

Finally, guest lecturers can embrace the chance to immerse passengers in the local culture of each port of call. By sharing insights into the history, traditions, and customs of the destinations visited during the cruise, guest lecturers can provide passengers with a more meaningful and authentic experience. This can include guided tours, cultural demonstrations, or even language lessons.

If this sounds like you, read on to learn about the skills you will need to be a successful guest lecturer and the following steps to take to get you onboard!

Essential Skills

Successfully delivering educational content on a cruise ship requires a unique set of skills. Beyond your academic qualifications, consider the following:

• Dynamic Presentation Skills: Cruise ship audiences consist of individuals from various backgrounds and age groups. It is crucial to present your material in an engaging, accessible, and entertaining manner.

• Adaptability: Cruise ship schedules can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to unexpected changes are essential traits for a guest speaker.

• Interpersonal Skills: Building a connection with your audience is vital. A friendly and approachable demeanor will enhance the overall experience for passengers.

• Tech Savvy: Familiarize yourself with the audiovisual equipment available on cruise ships. Being comfortable with technology ensures smooth presentations and minimizes technical hiccups.

Setting Sail on Your Guest Lecturer Journey

Before embarking on your journey as a guest lecturer, it's crucial to understand the application process. Cruise lines typically partner with agencies specializing in educational and entertainment programs. These agencies act as intermediaries, connecting skilled professionals with cruise ship opportunities.

Start the process by researching reputable enrichment agencies that work with the cruise lines you want to work with. These agencies can provide information on how to apply for guest speaker positions and connect you with the relevant cruise lines.

Once you've identified an agency to work with, it's essential to prepare a compelling resume or portfolio highlighting your educational background, expertise, and any relevant experience in public speaking or teaching. Ensure you emphasize your ability to engage and captivate an audience, which is crucial for success as a guest lecturer on a cruise ship.

In addition to a strong resume or portfolio, you'll also need to develop a riveting presentation proposal. Cruise lines are interested in unique and engaging topics that will captivate their diverse audience. While zoology or history seem to be obvious topics, you might be surprised by some other topics, including photography,

cooking, astronomy, and art. Tailor your presentation proposal to appeal to cruise ship passengers seeking education and entertainment.

Navigating the Insurance Waters

Before you can set sail, it's crucial to understand the cruise line’s health insurance requirements in your contract. Some cruise lines may provide coverage for you to buy while others may require you to purchase coverage from an approved provider. While coverage requirements vary across the cruise industry, many of the cruise lines require their guest lecturers to have at least $1M in coverage and coverage for emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, and Covid-19. Review your specific agreement for details.

At MHG Insurance, we specialize in health insurance plans for the marine industry. We would be happy to help you understand your health insurance requirements and find you the right plan for your specific situation. Plans typically include coverage for accidents and illnesses occurring on and off the ship, do not include work exclusions, and can be purchased online in just a few steps. If you have questions, or would like to get a health insurance quote, get in touch with us at mhginsurance.com.

As you embark on exciting travel adventures, your wallet is one of the most crucial things to organize. It should contain all the essential items needed to ensure a smooth journey and address any unexpected situations that may arise during your trip. Here's your guide to everything you need in your wallet for a successful trip!

Credit Cards (and Backups)

At the top of your list of what you need in your wallet is how you'll pay for things on your trip. Ensure you carry a credit card from a major credit company. Even better, take a backup card from a different provider in case of loss, theft, or any issues with one card. If you're unsure of what bank to choose, get a card from an international bank with a branch at your destination, as you can often receive more favorable exchange rates when taking out cash. Before you leave, you should notify your credit card company about your travel plans to prevent any potential fraud alerts that could freeze your card.

Cash

While credit cards are essential, having some cash on hand is equally vital. Even though most destinations are equipped with contactless or card-reading technology, cash is often required for public restrooms or tipping. In addition to a small amount of local bills, carry a mix of local currency and USD or Euros, as they are widely accepted in many destinations. If you need to withdraw more cash, ensure you choose a reputable ATM to avoid unnecessary fees and keep it safe in a hidden compartment in your wallet. You can usually find an ATM at the airport when you arrive.

Driver's License

Many people forget to bring a driver's license as a form of ID if they don't plan on driving in their destination. Even if you have a passport as your main form of ID, a driver's license can be helpful in various situations like renting equipment or age verification for certain activities. Make a photocopy of your driver's license (and passport) and keep it separate from your original in case you lose it.

Tickets

Whether traveling by plane, train, or bus, keeping your tickets handy is a must. Even if you rely on digital tickets, it's wise to print out extra copies as a backup to keep in your wallet if you run into issues with your device. For physical tickets, like boarding passes, use a dedicated slot in your wallet or a ticket holder to keep them organized and easily accessible.

Travel Itinerary

Having a printed and digital copy of your travel itinerary is essential for staying organized during your trip. Include details about your flight information, hotel reservations, tour bookings, and contact numbers. This will help you keep track of your schedule and provide valuable information if you encounter any unexpected situations or need to show proof of your plans.

Travel Medical Insurance Cards

Traveling without medical insurance is risky, as accidents and unexpected illnesses can happen anytime. Carry your travel medical insurance cards in your wallet and any necessary contact information for the insurance provider. Before you travel, familiarize yourself with the coverage details, how to get help in an emergency, and the claims process, so you can act promptly if needed.

It can also be helpful to print any allergies or medications taken on a card in your native language and the language of your destination to keep handy in case you lose anything vital.

 

The best vacations are the ones where you are well-prepared and protected. Visit mhginsurance.com for travel health insurance for a relaxing trip.

 

"What's in your wallet?" is a registered trademark of Capital One Financial Corporation.

What Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover?    

It’s almost that time of year. Summer is around the corner, which means school’s out, and vacations are happening!

Before the fun is had, it’s important to take care of some “housekeeping” items, so that you can relax and enjoy your time without worry. Especially if you are planning on taking any international trips. Don’t leave without travel medical insurance! And don’t buy a travel medical insurance policy without first learning exactly why you need it.

Travel Medical Insurance is an insurance policy that acts as your health insurance while you are abroad. People are often surprised that their existing health insurance policy does not cover them when they leave the U.S, which is why it is important to get a travel medical policy whenever traveling internationally. After all, medical emergencies can happen anywhere, even when traveling for business or vacations. Coverage can include medical bills associated with car accidents, injuries, food poisoning, illness, etc.

What is the Difference Between Travel Medical Insurance and Trip Cancellation Insurance?

Trip Cancellation Insurance is an insurance policy that protects your investment when your trip is cancelled or interrupted for various reasons. Typically, this type of policy also includes medical coverage for accidents and illnesses. It differs from travel medical insurance, which provides international medical insurance coverage for when you are traveling abroad, outside of your home country. These two very different types of insurance are often mistaken for each other, as they can be referred to as travel insurance (travel medical insurance) and trip insurance (trip cancellation insurance).

What Affects the Cost of Travel Medical Insurance?

The main factors that affect the cost of a travel medical insurance plan are:

• The amount of coverage
• The length of the trip
• Your age
• Primary destination

There are other factors that can affect the cost of travel medical insurance; however, these factors are typically what will be the greatest influence on cost. First off, the amount of coverage will always be an indicator of price. As you get more or better coverage, the price will go up, as you get less coverage, it will go down. The length of the trip impacts cost because the more time you need insurance, the more opportunity there will be for insurance to be used. Age is a factor because as people get older, they are deemed to be a greater risk. And finally, depending on where you’re traveling can also impact the cost of your policy. If you’re traveling to the US, the policy will be more expensive as the cost of healthcare is higher. Don’t let any of these factors deter you. Travel medical policies are relatively inexpensive, and the application process can be completed in just a few steps!

If you have any questions about travel medical insurance, or are interested in purchasing a travel medical insurance plan for your next business or leisure trip abroad, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. Safe travels!

Did you know that taking at least one trip a year, reduces your risk of heart disease by 30%? With a statistic like that, how can you not already have your bags packed?! Before you rush out to book your next trip, be sure to use our checklist below when making any decisions about travel insurance, as well as traveling abroad. Traveling abroad can create some of life’s greatest experiences. Seeing other countries, cultures, and people can create memories that can be shared for a lifetime. In order to ensure that those memories are happy ones, travel insurance should be on the top of your list before you book that flight.

Having an emergency while you're abroad can be a scary experience for many reasons. You are far from home, in a country that you do not know much about and may not know where to go in the event of an emergency. Maybe you don’t speak the language which could make it impossible to try and get assistance from a local. You don’t have the family/ friend support that you do at home. Travel insurance should provide you with the proper coverage to protect from an array of unplanned events that can really ruin a trip.

Travel Insurance Checklist

A good Travel Medical policy should include the following:

· Maximum plan limit of at least $1,000,000.

· Provide coverage in most countries around the world.

· Provide coverage for accidents, illness and the acute onset of a pre-existing condition.

· Emergency air/ground transportation to the nearest qualified hospital.

· 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance.

· Pre-trip health and safety advisories on your destination such as required vaccinations, health risks and travel restrictions, medical monitoring, provider referrals for Western-style medical facilities, medical and dental practices and pharmacies. Other useful services include travel document replacement, lost luggage assistance, emergency travel arrangements and translation services.

· Simple online enrollment.

· Easy claim submission.

Travel insurance benefits can vary and it's best to review a few different options from a reputable company to see which plan is best for you. Also, using an Insurance Broker can provide with you benefits that you may truly value. An insurance broker will typically work for you, the client, and offer you advice and assistant to getting the best l plan possible according to your budget. One reason they may be able to get you better coverage is because they represent several companies as opposed to just one. Their best interest is in the customer rather than the company. They can also assist you in with any claims you make and work on your behalf.

What should I Bring?

Once you purchase your travel insurance, you can begin fully to enjoying yourself and look forward to your adventure without having to worry about the unknown. Packing is very important, and be sure to include the following to make it as hassle free as possible:

1. Travel insurance card

2. Passport and visa

· Make sure the expiration date is not during your trip, also bring a copy of your passport for back up purposes

3. Flight itinerary

4. Immunization documents

5. A Full list of all accommodations

· Including addresses and phone numbers from all the locations you will be staying. Also be sure to include this information with a friend or family member who will be staying home.

7. Contact information for your country’s embassy or consulate in your destination

8. Emergency contacts

· It is smart to keep in touch with loved ones during your trip, checking in every so often.

9. Money

· Never have all of your cash in one place. Cash, cards, checks, passport, if you include them all in your day bag, and it happens to be misplaced or stolen, you may be stranded.

10. Map of where you will be going, along with a translation dictionary.

Once you have completed these checklists, you can officially kick back and enjoy your time. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures!

MHG Insurance Brokers wishes you safe travels along your journey. If you are interested in purchasing travel insurance, or have any questions or concerns, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0)1624 678668 or visit us at mhginsurance.com. Our insurance brokers are experienced and can assist you in selecting the right plan for you, with the best value.