Working onboard a yacht can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. Yet, being at sea for extended periods of time can present some dangers, from big waves, storms, mechanical issues, etc. But what many don’t realize, that there can be just as many dangers for yacht crew while docked at a shipyard. Yes, you may essentially be on “land” but all that does is raise new opportunities for accidents and tragedies. So if you are scheduled to be docked at a shipyard, be aware of the following mishaps, which can help prevent an injury, or worse.

Strangers

When the yacht is in the shipyard, there are many people coming onboard which can make a tight area quite crowded. People stepping all over each other, turning a corner and running into someone, there are many scenarios that can lead to an injury. Especially since the majority of the people that will be on the yacht are not familiar to the vessel’s environment. Make sure to have some caution signs to warn the crew of work in progress, or workers that are coming onboard.

Clutter

Being on a yacht for months at a time, you begin to know every nook and cranny like the back of your hand. Knowing everything from certain creaks, slippery areas, changes in floor elevation, can help keep you from injuring yourself. With many people coming aboard and different crews working throughout, there can be a lot of tools, hoses, drop clothes, wires, open panels, construction materials, and a plethora of other items lying around, just waiting to be tripped over. Also, when docked, there is good chance your yacht is going through an extensive renovation, which can lead to many things being moved around, and not put back in their proper places. Make sure you go around and check if everything is put back correctly, and that equipment is ready to go once cleaning has finished, and watch your step for any materials just laying around!

Land Legs

Did you know that some people suffer from motion sickness once they’re back on land after spending a long time on a boat? When you’re on a boat for a long period of time you get used to the rocking motion and when returning to solid land, some can still feel the rocking sensation which can cause motion sickness. Take the time to obtain your land legs if you will be doing work on solid ground, this way you don’t lose your balance. Do some exercises (jumping jacks, yoga), get some sleep, or try some other stress relieving tips to help you get your legs.

Chemicals

Usually when a yacht is docked at a shipyard, it is time for an extensive cleaning. With cleaning comes some chemicals and fumes that can be very dangerous. Have you ever heard what happens when mixing ammonia and bleach? There are also many other chemicals that can stem from your vessel being docked, from stripping varnishes, water treatments, and new urethanes. Not having the proper protection from harmful chemicals can lead to problems. Be sure to have proper gloves, masks, suits, etc.

MHG is your specialized broker when it comes to crew insurance. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing or have any questions about yacht crew insurance or travel insurance, or would like some advice, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. See you at the Newport Charter Yacht Show!

Commercial General Liability insurance is designed to cover land-based operations. Typically, there is an exclusion in most CGL policies for any work done onboard ship, docks, or piers. The reason for this exclusion is that marine risks are better suited for a Marine General Liability policy. One major area of concern for a marine risk is the coverage for care, custody, and control. This coverage is critical for ship repairers especially and is a standard coverage on an MGL policy.

A Look Back

A General Liability policy doesn’t include watercraft coverage; including the ownership, maintenance, and use of watercraft owned by you, the insured. The client, shipyard or vessel may never know all these exclusion by just looking at a certificate of insurance. The forms and endorsements are included in the policy wording- which brings up the fact that an experienced insurance broker could help you when it comes to the specifics of policy exclusions and/or benefits.

Commercial General Liability

Commercial General Liability policies protect business owners against claims of liability for bodily injury, property damage, and personal and advertising injury (slander and false advertising). Premises/operations coverage pays for bodily injury or property damage that occurs on your premises or as a result of your business operations. Products/completed operations coverage pays for bodily injury and property damage that occurs away from your business premises and is caused by your products or completed work.

Marine General Liability

Marine General Liability policies are designed specifically for those who work on vessels, docks, and ports. These policies include coverage for Marine Contractors, ship repairers, and others who work on or near water.

Why didn’t I Know about This?

Often, contractors that perform work such as carpentry or welding will be asked to do work on a ship or in a port. Their normal operations are on land and they carry CGL coverage. Many do not realize that their current policy will not cover them for work done on a vessel or on a dock. Most shipyards, vessels, and ports don’t check the coverages listed on a certificate of insurance provided by the contractor, they may let them work with improper coverages, not knowing the exclusions that the contractors have in their policies. This is where the problem arises, since they may not be covered in the event of a loss or accident.

Why aren’t Marine Contractors Covered?

Commercial General Liability policies are not designed to cover marine operations. In order to offer coverage for a risk, the underwriter needs to understand the operation. Class codes are used as a way for an underwriter to rate a risk and determine the premium paid. Class codes are also a way for an insurance company to decide what types of business they want to insure. It is important that the company that insures your business understands exactly what you do and how you do it. Otherwise, you may be paying for a policy that will not cover a loss specific to your business. Marine businesses are best insured by a marine underwriter with an insurance company that is familiar with the marine industries.

Working with an expert insurance broker, like the brokers at MHG Insurance Brokers, can help you obtain a policy that specifically addresses your needs and is customized to your benefit. Remember, cruise lines and marinas require proof of appropriate insurance coverage before any job can begin, so make sure you have the right policy in hand. To learn more about the advantages of Marine General Liability coverage, contact an MHG broker today by visiting mhginsurance.com or calling 954-828-1819.

26 July 2018

The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) is partnering with MHG Insurance to launch a survey of seafarers who work on superyachts to investigate welfare issues specific to the sector. Questions will be asked on food, cabins and communications, as well as the health and wellbeing of the men and women working on board. The survey has been designed to:

· highlight areas of welfare needs among seafarers on superyachts

· see what is working well under current conditions to meet their welfare needs, and what needs improvement

· explore how existing seafarers’ welfare structures may meet these needs and where there is scope for new provision

A recent survey commissioned by Yachting Pages Media Group found that 75% of crew surveyed said that the industry is not doing enough to tackle mental health problems and look after the overall wellbeing of crew.

‘Maritime welfare organisations are used to dealing with seafarers on cargo and cruise ships. The number of seafarers in the yacht sector has grown to around 35,000, and we need to know more about the challenges which are specific to the superyacht sector. As seafarers on superyachts are covered by the provisions of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention their welfare needs – at sea and ashore – should be better known and provided for,’ said Roger Harris, Executive Director of ISWAN.

Andrew Dudzinski, CEO of MHG Insurance, explained their support of this initiative: ‘The welfare of all crew, but especially those who are insured with MHG, is a primary concern for us. The mental and physical health and wellbeing of these seafarers is not just a professional interest. We want to know better what makes them tick and how their time at sea can be improved.’

Andrew Wright, Secretary General of the Mission to Seafarers, who are assisting with the distribution of the survey, said: ‘Yacht crew do an amazing job, catering to a small but very influential clientele, providing a phenomenal level of professionalism and service. For most crew this is a satisfying and wonderful job, but we need to see where improvements can be made.’

The results will be published in a report on the ISWAN website ( www.seafarerswelfare.org ) in December 2018.

For further information, please contact:

Tom Holmer

ISWAN, Croydon, UK

Telephone: +44 20 8253 0163

tom.holmer@iswan.org.uk

Mobile: +44 7807 311852 tom.holmer@iswan.org.uk tom.holmer@iswan.org.uk

Diana Gonzalez

MHG Insurance, Florida, USA

Telephone: +1 954 548 3581

dianag@mhginsurance.com

Mobile: +1 954 232 2957

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN): An international charity dedicated to the relief of need, hardship or distress amongst seafarers of all nationalities, races, colour and creeds irrespective of gender. seafarerswelfare.org

MHG Insurance: Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance is an independent, global, full service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, property and casualty insurance and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S., MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com

Having insurance is a necessity in today’s world, whether you work on land or on water. There are so many different types of insurance available to you, many times it can be confusing what you should be including in your plan. Even more so for yachties! Yacht crew need a different insurance plan than normal, because they live a completely different lifestyle that those who are land based. Also, crew may be traveling around the world rather than staying in one country. So, if you’re a crew member, here are 5 things you should be thinking about when purchasing crew insurance.

1. All crew insurance policies ARE NOT created equal.
There are many different types of crew insurance. You can have coverage for a variety of different things depending on what your preferences are and the yacht owner’s needs. Just keep in mind, the more coverage you have, the more you are protected.

2. Price should not be the first or only thing you look at.
Although you may not want to pay more for more coverage, you may want to rethink your strategy. Anything can happen while at sea, so it may be a smarter idea to have a more comprehensive plan that offers better coverage in the event that there is an emergency or something tragic happens, which may do even more damage to your wallet. After all, your health and safety should be a bigger priority than trying to save a buck.

3. Work with a specialized broker.
It is important to work with a specialized broker when buying crew insurance, because, as stated before, there are so many intricacies in a crew insurance plan. There are certain liabilities that need to be covered that a normal broker may not think to include in your plan. Also, a broker will work for you to get you the best package for you and your crew, and also work for you when needing to file a claim. Many agents can sign their clients up for a policies and not fully understand the conditions of the policy that could leave the owner exposed. So you don’t have to stress, let the experts handle it!

4. Crew insurance means a lot of different things to a lot of different people.
What does crew insurance mean to you? Crew insurance is not P & I insurance and not personal accident insurance, it is a type of medical insurance. Believe it or not, there are group and individual crew plans. Sometimes owners will leave it up to the crew to fend for themselves when selecting insurance and reimburse them up to a certain amount. This can make things tricky because there will be a lack of uniformity on board, with crew members having different plans from different companies. If that is the case, be sure to know the contact information for their insurance in the event of an emergency.

5. Having proper crew insurance is YOUR responsibility.
Having proper insurance is your responsibility. Not that of the yacht owner. As stated earlier, there are instances where the owner leaves it up to you to insure yourself and will reimburse you up to a certain amount. Just because you are working on a yacht, doesn’t automatically mean you have coverage.

MHG is your specialized broker when it comes to crew insurance. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing crew insurance, or would like some advice, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.

There are two words no one ever wants to hear, you’re fired! Those words usually carry a little more sting hearing them from your boss. Being part of a yacht crew and losing your job can make for one mess that most people don’t look forward to cleaning up. Whether you were fired, laid off, quit, or are transitioning to a new job, having health insurance coverage through the process may not be the first thing on your mind. Typically, with loss of employment comes loss of health insurance. Maybe you didn’t realize that you lost your coverage in this process. If that is the case, don’t worry, there are four options you can chose from if you find yourself in this situation. Let’s break them down.

Go Naked

For those that are wondering, “Go Naked” doesn’t mean what you may be thinking. It means to go without insurance coverage, leaving you vulnerable and unprotected, or better yet, naked. We don’t recommend going through any stage of your life without coverage, but there are times when it may make sense. For example, if you lost your job as a part of a yacht crew, and you are going back to your home country, in some scenarios you can go back home to socialized coverage. In countries with socialized care, assuming you have been properly contributing, you’ll have coverage there. Other than that scenario, this option is probably not the one for you.

Elect COBRA (if available)

Some insurance plans, particularly the US based ones, will allow a crewmember to continue their insurance for up to 18 months after loss of employment. However, this is not widespread in yachting so you will need to ask about this option, should you wish to explore it. While the coverage will probably be better than a private plan that can get anywhere else, it unfortunately be probably also quite expensive. This may make it an unattractive option, particularly if you’re unemployed. However, if you have ongoing medical issues, this is an excellent option.

Purchase Travel Medical Insurance

The next insurance option for yachties without a job is to purchase travel insurance. Travel Medical insurance will typically offer insurance coverage all over the world, which is great for yachties who rarely know where they will be traveling in advance. There are limitations, however. Yes, you may have worldwide coverage, but it doesn’t usually include your home country. That is because travel insurance is designed to offer you coverage outside of your home country, under the assumption that you already have local insurance. It should also be said that is less costly than purchasing a full time insurance plan, partly because it only offers coverage for accidents and illness, not routine check-ups, appointments, etc.

Purchase a Full Time Plan

Your last insurance option is to purchase a full-time insurance plan. This is typically the same type of plan that you had when you were working, however there may be different amounts of coverage depending on what your budget is and what you feel you need coverage for. Also, depending on your previous job, you may not have had to pay for your insurance or only had to pay for a percentage. In this instance, you will be responsible for 100% of payment, but you get to choose the coverage you want. It is also important to mention that the plan will be yours no matter what yacht you’re on.

MHG is your specialized broker when it comes to crew insurance. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing or have any questions about yacht crew insurance or travel insurance, or would like some advice, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. Don’t forget, the Palm Beach International Boat Show is this week, see you there!

As has been broadly reported, the French government implemented legislation in 2017 requiring employers of French resident crew to pay into ENIM, the French social system fund for seafarers.

THE ISSUE

Applicable to both commercial and private vessels, the intent of the French government
is reportedly to align seafarers with other French residents in regard to social security
protection. By ratifying MLC, France committed itself to providing its resident seafarers
on commercial vessels with access to all nine branches of social security, yet the reality
is that ENIM is only set up to deal with employers rather than individual seafarers and, as
ENIM have stated to us, only an exceedingly small number of foreign employers have
sought to arrange contributions in respect of their French resident crew, leaving many
others with no way of either paying into or enjoying the benefits of the social system
scheme to which they are entitled. The most publicised case which triggered the
legislation was that of the French crew employed on the Condor Ferries services out of
St. Malo. France has attempted to address that flaw in the system by requiring foreign
employers to pay into ENIM in respect of their French resident crew (with certain
exceptions). An employer who fails to fulfil that obligation risks serious sanctions and it is
doubtful that the French authorities will be understanding of employers simply claiming
ignorance as to the residency of their crew.

THE IMPACT

This legislation has, however, had serious economic consequences for France with the
French shipyards as well as many other businesses which depend on the yachting sector
suffering catastrophic losses of business (compounded by separate issues relating to
VAT on fuel). There is also widespread talk of French resident seafarers being avoided
by yacht employers. In a first attempt to stem the bleeding, an amendment was
implemented in January 2018 which allowed employers to use a private scheme rather
than contribute to ENIM but only if the private scheme provides “equivalent protection”
to that provided by the French social security code. This is, however, of limited help
because the French authorities, including ENIM, are resisting any requests for them to
deem a particular private scheme to be compliant and indeed all indications are that this
will not change in the future. As such, any claims from crew insurance providers that a
particular plan is “compliant” in this context should be treated with a healthy dose of
scepticism and caution! Private international schemes serve an important purpose but
they do have limitations too, some of which risk leading to dissatisfaction in the long-run
amongst seafarers relying on them as a stand-alone solution rather than in combination
with a home country social system.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Much of the concern surrounding this issue has focused on the fear of port state control
inspections. With limited resources, it seems highly unlikely to us that port state control
inspections will in fact present the greatest risk of unwanted attention by the authorities
in this regard. If an inspector finds a properly maintained Maritime Labour Certificate and
DMLC, it is questionable whether they will be digging any further than that unless there
has been a complaint from a seafarer and that, in fact, is where we see a far greater risk.
So, while it is worth considering carrying a Maritime Labour Certificate and DMLC even if
not required to do so (e.g. the vessel is under 500gt), even more importantly it would be
advisable for employers to ask their seafarers to state their country ties and document
those answers. This could be as brief as asking the seafarer to state their country of
residence but could also encompass other ties such as the repatriation destination and
the country of the bank account to which the salary is being paid. The seafarer should be
required to notify the employer in the event of changes to this information. Where the
answers indicate that the seafarer may be a French resident, advice can be sought and
contributions to ENIM can be arranged if appropriate. Where the answers do not
indicate French residency, the employer now has back-up documentation showing good
faith in the event of the seafarer later seeking to claim that the employer has failed to
arrange the necessary contributions to ENIM. We understand that some employers are
already requiring their seafarers to answer such questions.

WHAT’S NEXT

The French social system rules themselves do talk of the concepts of “stable” and
“regular” residence in France, “stable” meaning that it is continuous for three months or
more (to be documented by, for example, confirmation of rent payments, electricity
bills, phone bills etc.) while “regular” is a requirement for non-EU citizens and means that
the individual must have an appropriate “titre de séjour”. British crew working on a
foreign (non-EU) flagged vessel but living in shore-based accommodation in France are
the sort of situation that does need to be more fully understood on an individual basis
in order to minimise the risk of problems and again a questionnaire about country ties
can help with this.

CONTACT

Looking forward, further developments are expected to try to curb the unintended
consequences to the French economy and seafarers. Meanwhile, any other countries
trying to figure out how to fulfil their social security obligations under MLC will no doubt
be watching carefully in an effort to avoid similar challenges.

For more information, please contact Peter Dudzinski at peterd@mhginsurance.eu or
Mark Bononi at markb@mhginsurance.com.

Whether it’s the Deckhand that sustained serious head trauma from a motorcycle accident while ashore on boat’s business or the Captain that experienced a severe heart attack while on vacation, MHG has seen a wide array of yacht crew insurance claims over the past 20 plus years. While these examples are tragic and catastrophic, it is also important to be prepared for the more common yacht crew insurance claims that can be less serious but have the potential to keep you off work.

Knee Injuries

Knee injuries are responsible for a large percentage of the insurance claims filed by yachties. Yacht crew perform their duties while balancing on moving decks, which exposes them to an increased risk of incurring a serious knee injury while performing seemingly safe activities. Some of the more adventurous crew leisure activities, such as scuba and other water and winter sports, can result in knee injuries that may not be covered by standard crew insurance policies; make sure your comprehensive yacht crew insurance policy specifically includes coverage for your favorite leisure activities.

Hernia, Back, and Shoulder Injuries

Repetitive strain injuries are often seen in crews on yachts, as they are constantly performing similar tasks in the same small spaces. Hernia, back, and shoulder injuries abound; yacht crewmembers may need to undergo surgery as well as a considerable number of physical therapy sessions in order to make a full recovery from these injuries. Injured crew members may be unable to work for extended periods of time as they undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation. This can leave yacht crew in a financially precarious position unless they have marine disability income insurance in place to provide a significant portion of their salary while they are recuperating.

Gastrointestinal Issues and Other Illnesses

Gastrointestinal issues and regional illnesses are some of the most common medical hazards faced by yacht crews. Food poisoning, unclean water, local parasites, and diet changes can result in serious gastrointestinal issues that can necessitate on-shore doctor visits and even hospital stays. Make certain you have an international health insurance policy from a carrier that has resources to provide information in the particular regions to which you will be traveling and has, or can, establish doctor and hospital relationships, to ensure you have access to qualified care wherever you are in the world. Selecting the right yacht crew insurance plan can be difficult.

The experienced Insurance Specialists at MHG Insurance Brokers will help you sort through the terminology and key features to determine the best plan for your unique circumstances, coverage requirements, and budget. Once you have chosen a policy, we will continue to assist you with questions about the coverage it provides and guide you throughout the claims process.

MHG Insurance Brokers offers a wide range of yacht crew insurance plans including international health insurance, US health insurance, sick pay/disability insurance, life insurance, and travel insurance. Solutions for individuals, groups, and fleets are available. Call MHG Insurance Brokers today at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com to find the yacht crew health insurance plan that perfectly meets your needs.

Everyone tends to focus on the need for health insurance, we certainly do here at MHG. However, the fact is, there are several other types of insurance that you should have before you are sufficiently covered. While each person has different needs and different circumstances, almost everyone can benefit by having additional coverage for other things besides medical expenses. Here are some other types of insurance to consider, each of which have a specific role in protecting you and/or your family.

Disability/Loss of Income Insurance

Disability coverage can often be financially more important than health insurance. For example, consider someone who had an accident and could not return to work for a few months or longer. Not only are there medical bills, but there is no income to help pay normal daily living expenses. If that person was working on a ship/yacht/boat, maybe in addition there are other land-based costs that were not there while onboard (Rent!). This is a recipe for financial disaster, but having disability insurance can help by providing you with income when you cannot work.

Life Insurance

Life insurance is simple. It is a policy that helps protect your loved ones from the present and future financial losses they would face in the event of your death. There are many different types of life insurance, but they all have the same primary purpose. The best way to determine whether or not you need life insurance is simple, EVERYONE should have it! Even if you do not have family members depending on your income, wouldn’t it be great to leave a legacy by designating your favorite charity as the beneficiary upon your death?

Travel Medical  Insurance

Travel Medical insurance is an inexpensive and easy way to make sure you have coverage for accidents or illnesses when you travel outside the range of your existing insurance at home. It is also a great way to fill in gaps when you are between jobs (as long as you aren’t living in your home country). Travel insurance, like the other insurances above, comes in many variations from the most basic emergency cover, to coverage that includes the cost of your trip should you be unable to take it or complete it. It can have provisions for loss of luggage, repatriation benefits, and of course it can meet Visa requirements for certain countries that may require insurance as part of being granted entry.

Whether you have questions about your current yacht crew health insurance plan, or are looking for additional coverage such as sick pay / disability income or life insurance, the Insurance Specialists at MHG are glad to be of service. Call us today at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.

When you get sick or injured, taking prompt and appropriate steps often determines how quickly (or slowly) you recover from the condition. However, this does not mean that the best course of action is to always head to the nearest hospital Emergency Room (if you are ashore) or to declare SOS, simply because you need a tissue. With regard to your health insurance and also in an effort to get prompt care, Urgent Care facilities are often the best place to go, if you aren’t going in an ambulance. In contrast, sickness or injury onboard, no matter how minor it may seem, should be treated with the utmost care and as an emergency. Some of the most common mistakes that are made regardless of where they happen include:

· Getting injured and then getting up and moving right away

· Not notifying anyone of something that happened or that you don’t feel well

· Continuing to ‘work through the pain’

· Not asking for help

· Spreading whatever you might have among the crew or guests

· Making the assumption that you will be fine

While any or all of these may be in play at the same time, the key is to realize when your behavior matches any one of these and to take corrective action before it gets worse. You should have your own onboard medical protocols and procedures readily available, and you also should be familiar with them in the event they are not accessible at the time of the incident.

With injuries, it can be difficult to know if something is a bad strain or sprain, or whether it’s broken. Don’t test it to find out! Instead, don’t move unless you absolutely must and ask for help. Once the situation has stabilized, have it evaluated by a medical professional onboard or at the nearest port.

On the other hand, you have some sort of illness that is making you feel uncomfortable, the key is to determine what it might be as quickly as possible, and take appropriate actions to treat the condition. In the event of a suspected contagion, isolate yourself as soon as you can.

Certainly there are any number of different medical situations that can arise while at sea or ashore. Some are of Urgency, while clearly others are an Emergency. The secret to a successful outcome in any case is knowing what steps to take, whether it is you, or a fellow crewmember that needs assistance. It’s also important to know what requirements you may have under your health insurance and/or P&I insurance for notifying the appropriate people about any accidents or injuries that might occur. That way the proper coordination may be made to facilitate costs of treatment and coordination with the hospital/doctors/facility that provide you with care.

Whether you have questions about your current yacht crew health insurance plan, or are looking for additional coverage such as sick pay / disability income or life insurance, the Insurance Specialists at MHG are glad to be of service. Call us today at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.

When looking at what insurance plan is best for you and your crew, there are the typical thoughts that come to mind. How much is the premium? What is the deductible? Will my primary physician be in network? Yacht crew have a specific set of needs when it comes to their medical insurance plan, even more than just international coverage. What about many of the benefits that may help yacht crew, that aren’t in the insurance contract? Which is why it is so important to get to know the service and support side of yacht crew insurance. The following are several of the different points that you should be thinking about when selecting your yacht crew insurance plan.

Help When You Have a Need

The first point is pretty self-explanatory. Some companies have better customer service than others, whether it is the insurance carrier or the broker. If you don’t work in the insurance industry, it is quite easy to get confused by terminology and policy wording. Even just understanding how your policy works can be a challenge. You want to make sure you are partnering with companies that will be there for you in your time of need, whether guiding you through a medical emergency, or answering a basic question.

Stuck Paying the Entire Medical Bill

One of the more common issues seen across yacht crew insurance is crew members stuck paying for the entire medical bill and then claiming back. The main reason is because yacht crew travel all around the world, making it easy to go to a doctor, or an office, or a hospital that isn’t in your network. This is why it is so important to always ask for assistance before seeking care (especially a potentially higher cost treatment), and having a service minded insurance company can greatly assist.

Top Rated Doctors in Network

A complaint that many have regarding the medical industry is how someone can trust a doctor they know nothing about. This is especially true if you are in a foreign country with a different healthcare system (and possibly a different language!) than your home country. Do they use different practices? Different medicine? One way to combat this issue is by using a carrier that has global knowledge and experience. They may be able to help guide you to doctors who have a higher rate of successful outcomes for the type of care you need, in the area you are located.

24/7 Assistance

Medical emergencies don’t wait, and they don’t only happen during normal office hours. If a crew member is having an emergency at 3 a.m., the last thing you want to hear is a voicemail telling you that someone will contact you during business hours. It is important to make sure your insurance carrier is available and responsive 24/7.

Having proper insurance is important whether you are at sea, or docked at a shipyard. MHG is your specialized broker when it comes to crew insurance. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing, or have any questions about yacht crew insurance or travel insurance, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.