It is often said that, “The only constant in life is change.” This statement could not be more appropriate with the changes that are happening regarding health insurance and the superyacht industry. Between Health Care Reform and the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) coming into effect soon, now is the time for yacht captains and crew to learn about regulatory changes taking place and how they can best protect themselves.

Mark Bononi, MHG Insurance Brokers’ Yacht Division Director, is featured in this month’s issue of Dockwalk, the premier magazine for superyacht captains and crew. He speaks candidly about this specific issue and offers pertinent advice for those in the industry. For starters, let us begin with the MLC, which will be going into effect on August 20, 2013. If you have assumed the MLC will make the vessel owner responsible to take care of all your health and medical insurance needs, this is simply not the case. 

The MLC is basically designed as a minimum standard for the commercial shipping world and does not mean individual yacht crewmembers will be adequately protected. Bononi shares that the MLC going into effect really does not change much regarding coverage. He explains that the “MLC states that each vessel owner is liable for crew medical costs.” However, the MLC does not spell this out clearly, stating the yacht owner must provide “financial security” to cover death, repatriation or long-term disability costs. Bononi then asks, how will this “financial security” be proven? It will most likely be subject to interpretation by each individual port state inspector. Proof might come in the form of providing health insurance, or having money in an escrow account, or in another manner…either way, it is not clearly stated. 

In addition, many insurance policies offered by a yacht owner do not include all-encompassing health care for yacht crewmembers. Bononi stresses the point that this is where the responsibility ultimately falls on the crewmember to make sure their medical and health insurance needs are met, and how a separate medical policy can offer added protection and peace of mind. When it comes to Health Care Reform, Americans who work as yacht crewmembers are currently playing the waiting game. Do not assume that not residing in the U.S. the majority of the year removes your requirement to pay for health insurance or be subject to a tax. Currently, the rules around residency and time periods for residing outside of the U.S. are vague at best. This makes it difficult for yacht crewmembers to plan for their health insurance needs. 

Staying in contact with an experienced yacht insurance broker, such as MHG, is imperative, as they will keep abreast of all regulatory changes that are happening regarding the MLC and Health Care Reform. Bononi states that it really boils down to each individual crew member getting adequate coverage for themselves that meets their specific needs, even if this comes in the form of an additional policy over what the yacht owner provides. 

His other important piece of advice is not to wait: “Health insurance only gets more expensive the older you get, so getting on board early with a comprehensive health policy can help with future costs.” Bononi’s full interview is available in the August issue of Dockwalk magazine. 

If you are a yacht crewmember seeking to learn more about health insurance options available to you, call MHG today and let a skilled representative explain more regarding the MLC and Health Care Reform. MHG Insurance can also provide you with numerous quotes from top-rated insurance companies who offer policies that meet your budget and individual needs. Call MHG today at 954-828-1819 or learn more by visiting mhginsurance.com

Car accidents happen every day and as a business owner, you need to make sure you have the proper insurance coverage in place to protect you, your employees, your assets and get you back on the road as quickly as possible. How do you know if you need a Commercial Auto policy? As a rule of thumb, if the vehicle is used primarily for business purposes or is titled in the company’s name, you should have a Commercial Auto policy regardless if you lease or own the vehicle. 

Commercial auto insurance policies exist not only for commercial vehicles such as semis, dump trucks, emergency vehicles and taxis, where it is apparent that business is being conducted in and out of these types of vehicles every day.

Here are several other situations in which a commercial auto insurance policy is the appropriate policy to secure for your vehicle – situations where a personal policy will not provide adequate coverage in the event of an accident:
 

• If you use your personal vehicle for day-to-day business, such as a delivery person or courier.
   
• For vehicles that are rented or leased and primarily used for or while conducting business.
   
• If you are a realtor, have a similar job where you consistently travel in your personal vehicle for work to go on sales calls, or to transport clients or coworkers.
   
• If you provide your personal vehicle to another person to use as a means of compensation or to utilize when running errands or picking up supplies on your behalf, such as a personal assistant or nanny.
   

These are situations where a commercial auto insurance policy is necessary, so that in the unfortunate event of an accident, your vehicle will be covered for damages. This policy also provides coverage for any other authorized drivers or passengers traveling in your vehicle who sustain injuries or medical costs incurred because of an accident.

A personal auto insurance policy would not adequately provide coverage in these instances, due to the nature in which the vehicle is being used, which is for business purposes. Commercial auto insurance policies can also play a key role in protecting your business. A type of liability coverage that can be built into your commercial policy serves to protect your business from monetary judgments in a case where your employee gets involved in an accident while conducting business for your company, even if he is driving his own vehicle. This type of liability coverage can protect your business from serious financial jeopardy.

The differences between personal and commercial auto insurance policies are not always clear-cut and easy to understand. That is why it is vital to work with an experienced, knowledgeable, independent insurance brokerage. MHG Insurance Brokers is dedicated to providing its clients with the most comprehensive coverage available on the market, tailored to accommodate the clients’ needs, at the most competitive rates. Call MHG Insurance Brokers today for assistance in evaluating your auto insurance needs with one of our brokers at 954-828-1819, or visit mhginsurance.com. 

Rest easy knowing that MHG Insurance Brokers will help you protect yourself and your business with the proper commercial auto insurance policy.

You have finally picked the perfect setting for your next vacation and are about to reserve all of your itinerary details. Right before you finish booking your trip, you are asked a routine question that can make or break your journey: “Do you want to add travel insurance to your purchase?” Most people are not aware of the fact that travel insurance is one of the smartest uses of their money when it comes to a vacation or business trip. Before we get into specifics, let’s take a look at a real-world example from a client who declined the travel insurance option in the past. 

“From 2006-2009, I was flying to Europe quite often and each time I purchased a travel insurance policy. In 2008, I took a trip to Germany and for the first time decided not to purchase travel insurance. What a monumental mistake. I was walking home late one night, tripped over a curb, and tore a ligament in my right ankle. After visiting an urgent care facility, an orthopedic surgeon several times and medicine, my bill was $492 and my deductible was $500. Had I purchased my usual travel insurance policy for around $30 with a $0 deductible and $50,000 limit, I would have been out of pocket $0!” 

First, travel insurance can save you large amounts of money if you experience a medical issue while on a trip. Studies show that one out of every two travelers becomes ill during their trip and an average overseas medical bill can run between $1,500 - $2,400 dollars. Furthermore, most hospitals and physicians abroad expect payment before you can be treated. 

Other traveling mishaps that can be overcome with travel insurance include trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage (never fun!), emergency transport and even natural disasters. Trip cancellations can happen for many reasons, and when it does, travelers lose an average of $1,186 per trip. Stolen luggage is another costly endeavor, with an average price tag of $350-$400 per bag.

If you become severely injured and need medical evacuation back to the United States, be prepared to pay a hefty price tag if you didn’t invest in travel insurance. Average transport amounts run around $30,000 per traveler. Other details you should be aware of when traveling abroad is that most U.S. based healthcare policies do not cover policyholders when overseas – this is especially true for those on Medicare or other national health services.

Considering all of the benefits of travel insurance, and coverage costing an average of 4-8 percent of your trip total, isn’t it time to talk to an experienced travel insurance broker? The knowledgeable agents at MHG can explain all of the advantages of travel insurance and tailor a policy to your specific needs. They offer a variety of advanced travel insurance plans that can help you put any travel anxieties to rest. You might have waited a long time to take this special trip – don’t let a travel mishap set you back financially. Call MHG at 954-828-1819 or visit mhginsurance.com today to book your travel insurance policy.

If you are currently employed as a yacht crewmember, chances are you have heard about individual disability income protection Although some reports state the economy is improving, times are still tough and salaries are not increasing the way they have in the past. In addition, with a disabling accident or illness occurring or being diagnosed every few seconds, it would be a wise choice to consider disability insurance.

Let’s take a look at a real life scenario about a yacht crewmember who did not purchase disability insurance:  

“Last June, we had a Chief Stewardess fall down the stairs onboard a yacht. She landed on her head and injured her spine, causing temporary paralysis. She still has a long road to recovery in terms of her coordination and strength in her limbs. She has had to rely heavily on others, including her significant other, for both financial support as well as in caring for her day to day needs. Had she purchased a disability plan, she would potentially be receiving 65% of her salary.” 

When accidents and injuries happen to those who are uninsured, it brings a financial, physical and emotional strain to those who become their caretakers. Unfortunately, not everyone has a significant other or family member nearby, and they are left to hire a home nurse or caretaker. These expenses, in addition to medical bills, can be astronomical.  

Also keep in mind that if you are disabled, you will be living on shore. This will likely result in additional living expenses such as electric and water that you may not have had while working at sea. Just like accidents, long term illness can also cause significant financial challenges.  

With a long-term illness, you can also find yourself in a situation where you not only need to rely on others for support with daily activities but you may also find that the ongoing medical costs may not be adequately covered by your insurance plan due to additional deductibles, non-covered items or co-insurance. 

A disabling injury or illness has the potential to ruin someone financially. Living expenses continue to rise, as do the costs for adequate medical care. Disability income can offer you peace of mind knowing a significant portion of your income can be replaced in the event of an unfortunate situation.

Disability income protection is just one part of your overall insurance picture, so be sure to consider it along with health and life insurance. MHG Insurance specializes in insurance plans for yacht crew members. We have the knowledge, experience and relationships with top-rated disability insurance carriers and can tailor a policy to your budget and needs. Call MHG today at +1 954-828-1819 or visit mhginsurance.com to determine which disability insurance plan would be right for you.

Fort Lauderdale, FL – March 18, 2013 – MHG Insurance Brokers is pleased to announce and welcome Clayton Swart as Business Development Manager. Clayton will be responsible for promoting and marketing yacht crew insurance in addition to developing business and cultivating relationships for our US Insurance Division. 

Born and raised in South Africa, Clayton completed his marketing degree at the Varsity College of Natal, Durban.  He relocated to the US thirteen years ago to pursue his passion for international travel and yachting and spent seven years working aboard numerous yachts in various capacities. In 2007, Clayton joined The Sacks Group as Yacht Sales Coordinator, International Yacht Collection in 2010 and then most recently Y.CO in 2011. 

“For quite some time we have looked for a well-qualified candidate to develop new business locally and we are fortunate to have found Clayton available” said Andrew Dudzinski, Chairman and CEO of MHG Insurance Brokers. “Clayton’s out-going personality, professionalism and experience in the industry will be a great asset to MHG.” 

Clayton is very involved in the marine community and is a member of the Florida Yacht Brokers Association and Young Professionals in Yachting. He also volunteers with the Freedom Waters Foundation. 

About MHG Insurance Brokers 

MHG Insurance Brokers is a full-service insurance brokerage, assisting clients with marine crew insurance, life and health insurance, MLC 2006 and healthcare reform guidance, employee benefits solutions and business insurance.  With over 20 years of industry experience and access to multiple US and international carriers, our insurance specialists can advise which insurance and financial services providers and products are best suited to address the needs of employers as well as individuals. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of advice and support in order to deliver solutions that offer the best scope, service and value.

For those of us who have heard the term MLC mentioned over the past few years and not really paid too much attention, the time has come to finally raise our hands and ask “What is MLC?”  Not only because it concerns every owner, manager, Captain and crew member that owns, manages or works aboard a charter yacht or commercial vessel but because it comes into effect in August of this year (2013)! 

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC2006) is an International Labour Organization (ILO) resolution, created in 2006 as the fourth pillar of international maritime law (the first three pillars being SOLAS, STCW and MARPOL). The Convention sets out seafarers' rights to decent conditions of work on a wide range of subjects, and aims to be globally applicable, easily understandable, readily updatable and uniformly enforced. 

Under the terms of the convention the word "seafarer" includes virtually anybody who works aboard an ocean-going vessel with very few exceptions. However, one exception is where the vessel is used for pleasure only. The decision by the ILO to create this major new Maritime Labour Convention was the result of a joint resolution by the international seafarers’ and ship owners’ organizations, also supported by governments.

They pointed out that the shipping industry is “the world’s first genuinely global industry” and therefore “requires an international regulatory response of an appropriate kind – global standards applicable to the entire industry”. In plain language, these 3 groups, representing vessel owners (employers), seafarers (crew) and governments (all 185 ILO member countries) agreed to create legislation that would regulate all (or nearly all) aspects of working at sea. This includes the "novel idea" that those who make a living at sea should be able to expect working and social conditions at least be equivalent to those provided to those who work on land! 

The convention document includes 5 sections (called Titles).  Each Title contains general as well as specific provisions according to which each member country has to provide detailed regulations.  These are for the attention of vessel owners and other entities involved in the employment of seafarers. While each ILO member state is responsible for developing certain regulations which affect its own nationals, Flag States are responsible for providing much of the detailed regulations affecting the vessel and crew that fly its flag. 

Finally, there is a certification process which needs to be passed by every charter yacht and other vessel in commercial use as well as periodic inspections when entering ports belonging to countries that have ratified the convention. MLC had to be ratified by at least 30 member states with a total share of 33% of the world gross tonnage, in order for it to be ratified.

In August 2012, the convention was ratified by 34 states representing 68.2% of the world gross tonnage of ships. Click Here for a full list of countries that have now ratified. The convention will enter into force one year later on August 20th, 2013. MHG has been tracking the Maritime Labour Convention since 2006 and has been active since then in interpreting that part of the regulation which deals with Health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection (Title 4 of the MLC).

Not sure if the benefits you currently have in place are MLC compliant? Speak with MHG Insurance Brokers to review your current plan. MHG can provide advice and information to help you determine whether your plan is in the spirit of MLC, and whether additional benefits may be needed. We can also review your plan for competitiveness in the marketplace as well as benchmark it with other crew group plans. Call MHG at (+1) 954-828-1819, email us at: mlc@mhginsurance.com.

To put it simply, an insurance broker is a professional adviser who represents you, the consumer, not the insurance company. Their main goal is to find you the best insurance policy for your needs by comparing different rates, coverage features and companies. 

You may be asking what the benefit is in using an insurance broker rather than an insurance agent who works for a specific company. To begin, an insurance broker works on your behalf, finding you the best package and price, whereas an agent has ties to the specific company they work for and can only offer you a policy with that company. 

An insurance broker can also help you as an individual or your business in evaluating what type(s) of insurance is needed. For example, if a business is looking for insurance, a broker will offer expert advice regarding the risks associated with the particular business and will have access to various insurance policies, benefits and any possible exclusions. 

So ask yourself 'What is an Insurance Broker?' and 'Do I Need an Insurance Broker?'  

Having the right insurance coverage relieves any unnecessary stress if you are faced with an accident, illness, or liability claim. Because there are many types of policies, premiums and limitations, you can get easily confused or possibly wind up with insurance that doesn't offer you enough coverage. This is where an insurance broker is invaluable. 

A full-service insurance broker deals with various types of insurance, including full-time and short-term private medical insurance, disability income protection, property and liability insurance, group, travel and life insurance, among others. Your insurance broker will help explain insurance “lingo” and determine the best carrier for your budget, circumstances and coverage needs.

MHG is a well-known full-service brokerage company that works for you, the client. With plans specifically designed to meet the needs of marine officers, crew, contractors, expatriates, US residents and business owners. They will research which insurance plan will work best for you or your business, they will build a relationship with you, and they will continue to be involved after you make your insurance purchase. 

MHG is known for offering sound advice when a client has questions pertaining to their policy or the claims process. The company also understands the unique needs of individuals or groups at sea. If you are in need of full-time medical insurance, life, travel, disability, group insurance or a different type of policy, an experienced and trusted insurance broker will cut through the red tape and find the best rate and policy available.  

Whether you are on land or at sea, MHG’s resources, professionalism and expertise have earned them the reputation of distinguished insurance brokers, with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Cote d’Azur, Isle of Man, and Hamburg to better serve you.

Are you aged 19 to 30, commitment-free and looking for an extraordinary job traveling the world? Picture yourself waking up to a beautiful sunrise on the ocean, docked at an exotic destination rich with culture.  All while earning a paycheck with your expenses paid. This lifestyle provides the opportunity to save while still enjoying some splurging. Today, with the yacht industry expanding at a record rate and many yacht owners becoming more adventurous, there is hardly a coordinate on the globe that is beyond the reach of luxury yachts.

Working on yachts is not like other careers. There is no going home at the end of the day. The crew that surrounds you twenty-four hours a day are your work colleagues, your confidantes, your family, and your friends, and this certainly makes for strong, interesting, dynamic, and enduring friendships.  Many crew members work 5 ½ to 6 days a week, 16 hours per day.

You do not need a model look to work on one of these luxurious yachts but, you do need an open smile and a presentable appearance.  Most yachts are looking for crew that is genuinely enthusiastic and almost all want a crewmember that will make a concerted and conscientious effort to 'do the right thing' because a positive mindset creates a positive environment. After all, it is those crewmembers that have a real passion for the sea and are eager to learn all they can about the industry and the countries they visit and themselves and others who ultimately have the most fulfilling experience onboard yachts. The yacht gains a valuable crewmember, and the crewmember gains an invaluable experience, so everyone wins.

Once you’ve landed your dream job working onboard a yacht, you’ll have to think about obtaining an international health insurance plan if a group plan is not already in place. As an insurance broker, MHG can research the marketplace to find the best suited plan with the insurance coverage you need to fit your new career and lifestyle. Looking for a plan designed specifically for yacht crew with coverage for scuba or amateur sailboat racing? Or perhaps you’re looking for a more traditional land-based plan that you can keep even after you leave yachting. MHG’s expert staff can assist you in selecting the medical insurance plan that best fits your unique situation.

Do not let that dream job turn into a medical nightmare.  Life on the water can be hazardous, and in the unfortunate event of an on-the-job injury, you need a quality plan. As the yacht crew insurance specialists, MHG Insurance Brokers offers a variety of comprehensive medical insurance plans to meet the needs of each client. Whether you are looking for crew insurance, travel insurance, or group insurance plans, MHG has solutions to fit every budget. Contact the experts at MHG to help you choose the ideal policy for your unique requirements. Contact us today at 877-278-7400 to learn more.

1) What are walk-in clinics/urgent care centers?

If you are faced with a non-life threatening illness or mild injury, an urgent care center or walk-in clinic can offer you medical attention in the event your primary care physician is not available and/or when a trip to the emergency room may not be necessary. Many urgent care clinics are often open after hours, seven days a week and appointments are not necessary.  

2) Choosing a walk-in clinic/urgent care center 

There are more than 8,000 urgent care clinics in the United States. Choosing a center often comes down to proximity, insurance and quality of care. You want to choose a center that is near your home or work and can offer you quality care and assistance in a reasonable amount of time. Consider this list of factors when choosing an urgent care center:

Location: Is the urgent care center a reasonable distance from your home, school or office?

Availability: What hours is the urgent care center open? Many walk-in clinics are not open 24 hours, however they commonly accommodate after hours, weekends and holidays. It is advisable to call ahead to confirm hours of operation and ensure it fits your schedule.

Insurance: Does the clinic accept your individual health insurance plan or group health insurance plans? Many clinics accept most insurance plans. If you do not have insurance, the clinic will assist you, but there is an upfront charge required.  

Quality: Is it too crowded? Were you treated kindly? Did you receive adequate care? These questions can be difficult to answer before you visit a clinic, but if you do not receive quality care, you should report the mishap and find another clinic for future needs.  

Recommendations: Ask a friend or relative about their experiences at local urgent care centers. Quality is easier to measure when you can learn from someone else’s experience.  

3) When to use urgent care centers/walk-in clinics 

Emergency room wait times are often high and should be reserved for emergency use only. Urgent care centers are designed to free up emergency rooms for true emergencies. Severe accidents, deadly illness, bleeding wounds and similar incidences are for the emergency room, but basic illnesses, such as a cold, the flu, a cough and even a fever can be treated at an urgent care center. 

Basic injuries such as bruising, sprains or possible minor broken bones can also be diagnosed at an urgent care center, where they may send you onto a hospital depending on the degree of injury.   Walk-in clinics offer you fast, quality medical care and, in most cases, for a lot less money than the ER. This is why it is important to be aware of your ER alternatives before you need them.

The arrival of winter means planning the perfect ski vacation for many people. What many people don’t realize, however, despite the hundreds of ski accidents that occur each year, is that winter sports may not be covered by their medical insurance plan. Nearly half of skiers on the slopes are not covered by vacation insurance and only 1 in 4 knows enough to ensure they are covered while skiing. 

Do you have proper insurance for your winter sport activities? 

Part of the fun of skiing and snowboarding is the element of danger involved, but you need to be certain you are protected in the event of the unexpected.  Even if you've been able to avoid an accident on the slopes, they do happen and you need to be prepared. 

You need extreme sports travel insurance, just in case you are injured, to be afforded these benefits:

Medical Expenses. These benefits cover you if you need medical care on the slopes. It will also cover care at a medical facility in any country you visit.

Emergency Medical Evacuation. These benefits will provide you with medical transportation to the nearest medical facility where adequate care can be received or back home, as necessary.

Multilingual Emergency Assistance. This service helps coordinate your emergency medical care. It will keep you, and the medical staff caring for you, in touch with your family.

You should be aware that a basic travel insurance plan may not be enough. Some providers exclude coverage for skiing and snowboarding and may require that you purchase an optional "extreme sports" rider to include winter sports insurance coverage. Also keep in mind that if you are a more adventurous skier who travels off-piste (out of marked bounds), you will want to make sure your plan includes cover for that also. Even if you are not a skier and you do not plan to hit the slopes this winter, it is important to make sure you have adequate coverage in the event of an accident or illness, regardless of the activities you may be pursing.

MHG Insurance Brokers offer a full line of individual and group insurance benefits for travelers and winter sports fans. Our wide selection of plans include medical insurance, US life and health insurance, disability income protection, life insurance, financial services, and property and liability insurance. MHG offers phone numbers from around the world so you can contact us easily and conveniently from anywhere around the world. Contact us to learn more.