FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (March 1, 2018) – MHG Insurance, the cruise industry’s benefits specialist, has released a groundbreaking study of the benefits provided by the cruise industry. The exclusive report, titled Cruise Industry Benefits Report, is the inaugural issue and includes a snapshot of the benefits provided across 22 cruise lines along with relevant topics affecting benefits in the industry.

“With the continued expansion of the cruise industry and a full order book for new ships over the next few years, sourcing and keeping your best crew will become more of a challenge as the demand for quality crew increases,” said Edward “Mole” Telfer, MHG’s Cruise Division Director. “The Cruise Industry Benefits Report will be a valuable resource for cruise lines to use when building their benefits strategy. The Report has been a labor of love for us at MHG, as we believe passionately in what we do and want to best prepare our clients for the future.”

The focus of the report is the benefits matrix, a comprehensive list of the industry’s benefits provision. The issue also includes a welcome message from CLIA President, Cindy D’Aoust, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Lyall Duncan touches on the importance of benefits when it comes to recruiting and retaining the industry’s best, Global Medical Management speaks to additional ways cruise lines are helping to care for their employees, and Salen Ship Management’s Niklas Peterstam provides a unique perspective as a recruiter and recipient of benefits.

MHG Insurance continues to be at the forefront of developing insurance solutions and products to meet the changing needs of the cruise industry, businesses, and individuals around the world. To receive a copy of the Cruise Industry Benefits Report or to schedule an appointment to review the report and discuss your benefit strategy, please contact Edward “Mole” Telfer at +1 954 828 1819, pr@mhginsurance.com or see us at Seatrade Cruise Global, booth 927.

About 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, business 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

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (February 27, 2018)- MHG Insurance Brokers announced today that Account Executives Nadia Bedasse-Francis and Tom Nickerson have been promoted to managerial positions within the U.S. Life & Health Division. With plans to continue growing the Life and Health Division, Nadia will now move into a Business Development Manager role, while Tom will now serve as a Manager in the U.S. Life & Health Division.

Prior to taking on these new roles, Nadia and Tom both served as Account Executives working side by side managing accounts, looking for new business, assisting clients with claims, and much more. In these new roles, Nadia and Tom will be able to focus on their strengths, which will allow MHG to continue to grow and operate more efficiently. This will help existing clients knowing who their point of contact should be, and prospective clients having their needs met.

“We are excited about the changes being made within our Life and Health Division” said Edward “Mole” Telfer, MHG’s Cruise Division Director. “At MHG, our number one goal is always a positive customer service experience, and we are proud to say that we are second to none in that regard. These strategic moves will only strengthen our expertise, which in turn will strengthen our clients’ experiences.”

MHG Insurance Brokers has been providing insurance guidance and solutions since 1991. The company has established an unrivalled reputation for providing quality insurance products that meet clients’ coverage requirements and budget.

About MHG Insurance Brokers

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance Brokers 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 Brokers and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com.

A company is only as good as its bottom line, and one of the best ways to ensure your bottom line is where you want it to be, is by employing the best workforce you can. At MHG, we often preach the importance of retaining top employee talent, and one of the best ways to do that is by offering a comprehensive benefit package, mainly a group medical plan. One of the ways insurance companies are trying to keep down their costs is by promoting a healthy lifestyle, and most of the top companies have implanted wellness programs.

First, what you need to know about these wellness programs is that they are essentially a rewards program through your health insurance company. They offer incentive by going to the doctor, using a step tracker, logging healthy eating habits, keeping a sleep diary, and much more. Based on the level of activity participants may earn rewards such as gift cards, electronic devices, bikes, etc. ! So now begs the question, how will implementing this help my company?

1. Saves You Money

One of the benefits of using a wellness program is the opportunity to save your company money. Depending on the program, you can save a percentage of cost on monthly premium. For example, some programs have different levels to motivate your employees to reach. Each level will offer a higher percentage of savings on that particular employee’s monthly premium. So, if you have a motivated group, there is a potential to save thousands of dollars.

2. Healthier Staff

Another benefit of implementing a wellness program is the potential of having a healthier staff. If you have a group of healthy workers it will only help the overall morale of your business. Healthy people tend to be happier, work harder, and will be absent less. A group of healthy people may also help keep your cost increases at renewal time to a minimum.

3. Cool Prizes and Gifts

Not only does health promote happiness, but so does earning some cool gifts and prizes for FREE! Your employees will appreciate the opportunity to earn free gifts or free money in the form of gift cards by simply going to the doctor and/or increasing physical activity.

4. Retain Top Employees

As stated earlier, MHG echoes the importance of companies retaining their top talent, and research shows that employees who feel valued will remain loyal. So, offering a full benefits package including one with a wellness program will only help make your workforce feel like they are valued and important. Thus, helping you long-term by not having to pay to use a recruiter to fill open positions and spend countless hours training new hires. Obviously turnover will happen no matter what, but one of our goals is to help you keep it to a minimum.

For more information on other benefits that could be available to your employees, read our previous blog, “Tips on How You Can Afford Health Insurance Benefits for Your Employees” MHG Insurance Brokers offer many different insurance solutions for many areas of business. If you are interested in purchasing a disability plan, health insurance, or life insurance, contact us at mhginsurance.com or call us at +1 954 828 1819. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to assist and guide you to the best coverage for your budget.

DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN (January 11, 2018) – MHG Insurance announced today that Jack Okell has been promoted to Analyst. In this newly created position, Jack will reconcile the premium and claims experience for any given account, in addition to providing reports to underwriters in the London market.

Jack was studying Mathematics, Statistics and Physics at Lancaster University in England when he joined MHG as part of the Isle of Man Governments STEP scheme, a program which places Manx undergraduates with local businesses for the summer. Previously, he served as a member of the Army Cadet Force, where he learned self-discipline and the importance of working within a team setting.

“Jack previously worked with MHG as an intern, but it didn’t take long for us to realize his importance and value to our team.” said Cathy Lane, Director of European Operations. “Jack has proven eager to learn and gain experience in any setting, and we are excited to watch and support his growth as he takes on this new role with further responsibility.”

MHG Insurance has been providing insurance guidance and solutions since 1991. The company has established an unrivalled reputation for providing quality insurance products that meet clients’ coverage requirements and budget.

About 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 and business insurance 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

DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN (January 26, 2018) – MHG Insurance announced today that Jessica Kramer has joined the company as Underwriting and Claims Assistant to provide benefit and claims support to European-based yacht clients.

Prior to joining MHG, Kramer worked in the shipping industry for 12 years, specializing in crew management, payroll, and insurance. Most recently, she worked as a Marine Personnel Officer for a leading global maritime service provider, managing crew on offshore vessels in the North Sea.

“Jessica is an excellent addition to the team” said Cathy Lane, MHG’s European Operations Director. “We’ve been looking for a suitable candidate to step into the Underwriting and Claims Assistant role for quite some time now. We are extremely pleased to have found Jessica. Her experience and personality are a perfect fit.”

MHG Insurance has been providing insurance guidance and solutions since 1991. The company has established an unrivalled reputation for providing quality insurance products that meet clients’ coverage requirements and budget.

About 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, business 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

Injuries are unpredictable, and most of us are not equipped or prepared for the implications they can bring. Have you ever lifted something heavy and strained your back? Or missed a step while walking down the stairs causing you to take a ride? That is sure to leave some bumps and bruises! Even worse is when those injuries or a serious illness forces you to miss work for an extended period of time. Health is wealth, and not being able to earn a wage and support yourself and/or your family because of an injury or illness can cause financial hardships. What if there were ways to protect yourself and/or your employees in the event that an unforeseen accident occurs, and they are unable to work? For those that are unaware of the mechanics of a disability income insurance plan, essentially it pays out when a person is unable to work because of a disabling injury or illness. Doesn’t that sound like music to your ears? Before you purchase a plan, there are some things you need to know. Disability insurance can have a variety of different features that you may need to review to see what may fit your needs best.

Structure

Short-term disability, or STD insurance, usually provides a benefit after an elimination period. The period can be as short as 0 to 14 days of being disabled. STD may pay benefits for up to two years, but many pay for three months to a year. Long-term disability insurance, or LTD, would have an elimination period of 30 to 720 days and pay benefits for a year to a lifetime. A benefit period of “To Age 65” is common, but with changing regulations this age could limit could increase as people are working until they are older. The LTD can be designed to start when the STD ends.

Cost

For those who are concerned with the cost of disability insurance, there are options for you. Group disability insurance can be a lower cost option than an individual plan because your employer would pay all or part of the premium. Many employers offer this benefit to their employees. When enrolling for a group plan, there can be 2 different options, contributory and noncontributory.

Contributory is when you sign-up and must contribute to the premium. As you may have guessed, noncontributory is when your employer covers 100% of the premium. Another reason that premiums may be lower for a group versus an individual is because the insurance company is able to spread their risk. Insuring a group of people is less risky than insuring one person. There are also fewer underwriting restrictions for a group than for an individual, partly because groups may have a favorable percentage of people who are considered “good risks.” Some of the price dictators that could affect the price of your premium include percentage of insured wage, the age you select until it stops payment, long-term or short-term, as well as the elimination period (the time between the accident or illness, to the time the plan begins to payout).

Benefits

The benefit of an individual disability policy is that it has “portability.” This means that you can take it with you even if you move or change employers. You can design it to your likes so that it fits all of your needs, such as determining the waiting period and the percentage of wages that it will pay. They can be very flexible. The benefit of an employer having a good disability plan for its employees is raising company morale. It’s proven that employees who feel like they are valued and taken care of will work harder and exercise more loyalty. Also, you will have the peace of mind knowing that if someone was injured or developed a serious illness, they will still receive compensation.

MHG Insurance Brokers offer many different insurance solutions for many areas of business. If you are interested in purchasing a disability plan, health insurance, or life insurance, contact us at mhginsurance.com or call us at +1 954 828 1819. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to assist and guide you to the best coverage for your budget.

Good help is hard to find. Everyone has heard different horror stories about coworkers and colleagues from their friends, or even ones they have experienced firsthand. Filling open positions properly within your company can have a great impact on your bottom line. From having unproductive and inefficient workers, or workers who go above and beyond, one thing that can have a direct effect to your bottom line is workers’ compensation. Workplace injuries can be quite expensive for employers, especially those companies that require skilled or physical labor. So, if you are interested in helping your businesses’ bottom line, use some of these tips to help avoid hiring your next costly claim.

Before the Hiring Process

Much like having a good foundation determines the strength of a building, hiring practices can have a similar effect to your business and its future. Preparation is very important when starting the hiring process. You want to be sure the right people are in the right jobs to get the most out of your team. Putting someone into a position that has no experience or background in said position could result in mistakes and possible injury if they lack training and experience. There are many ways to do your homework when beginning the hiring process, from gathering analytics of the mistakes that people make in the workplace, to psychology of people that will put them in the best position. Assessing problems before you make a hire can be best form of preventing a loss.

During the Hiring Process

Job interviews and job shadowing, or any other form of evaluating someone before hiring them is a great opportunity to see if someone is not only a perfect fit for the position, but your company culture as well. Unfortunately, you can’t ask someone about previous claims they were involved in, however, you can ask them about any gaps in their employment. Also, be sure to ask them how they would handle certain situations that can arise such as emergencies or other scenarios that may put them or their coworkers in danger. So far so good? If so, you should contact all their references to get a feel for how they are viewed from their past employers.

Don’t Stop Once They’re Hired

Once your new employee has passed all screening and gone through all the training necessary, welcome him or her to the company! An employment offer should be contingent on successful completion of screenings. Completion of a thorough hiring process should help to ensure the new employee will be a good fit. But the process shouldn’t stop there. Just because you have found your new employee, doesn’t mean you should stop working to avoid a claim. Implementing regular safety and training programs for all employees is a good practice that helps to avoid catastrophic and frequent claim. Lastly, all processes and procedures should be communicated loud and clear so that everyone in your workforce is aware of the company’s expectations. 

Workers’ Compensation Insurance should be a top priority for all businesses. If you have any questions, or are interested in purchasing workers’ compensation insurance, or any other form of Property & Casualty Insurance, please contact us at 954-828-1819 or visit our website mhginsurance.com. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to assist and advise your business about all the necessary business insurances.

Are you expecting to become a parent soon? If so, there are some important things you should be doing to prepare yourself. First and foremost, get as much sleep as you can! Secondly, sleep some more! In all seriousness, having a baby is one of life’s most magical moments, and being a parent can be one of the most fulfilling jobs you will ever have. It is also a huge responsibility, and there are many parts of your life that are about to change. With so many new things to plan for and prioritize, it can be overwhelming at times, and some things may slip your mind, such as insurance. So, we decided to create a reminder of things regarding insurance and a few others that you should be doing to get ready for this next step in your life.

Before the Baby

Before your new family member arrives, there are a few things to consider:

1. Selecting a doctor or midwife to perform the birth. This is an important step because you want to be as comfortable as possible during the delivery. It can be a very intimate and let’s be honest, painful experience, so being as comfortable as possible with whomever is performing the procedure will aid in your experience.

2. Figure out how much of the delivery will be covered by your insurance. Having a baby is expensive. Many times, it can be the one of the most expensive health related events that you will experience. If you are planning on starting a family, it is a clever idea to contact your insurance carrier, as well as review your policy documents to prepare for what the costs will be. Similarly, if you have just become pregnant, it may be a good idea to let your insurance carrier know you are having a baby, and figuring out the costs involved as well as what the next step will be.

3. Select a pediatrician that is in network. Having a pediatrician that you trust and you are comfortable with should be a top priority. Also, it’s important to choose one that is in your insurance network. Children are in and out of the doctor when they are young, partly because their immune systems are still developing, but also because there are many check-ups and immunizations they must receive. Selecting an out of network provider is your choice, but it will certainly cost you more.

After the Baby Arrives                

Once your newborn has arrived, there are some tasks that should be completed, as well as some things to know that may help you save a few bucks.

1. Add your baby to your health insurance plan. You would think that after all the medical bills and doctor visits for your pregnancy, that your insurance company would know to add your new baby to your plan, however in most cases you need to contact them to do so. The good news is under the Affordable Care Act, having a child is one of the qualifying life events that can afford you the opportunity to get an ACA compliant plan, if you do not have coverage already.

2. Claim tax credit. For those that don’t know, the IRS allows taxpayers to claim the Child Tax Credit for children under the age of 17 if your adjusted gross income falls below a certain amount. What this means is a potential reduction in your premium if you qualify and take advantage of the tax credits on the marketplace plans. Also, you now have a dependent that you can claim on your taxes which may also give you some tax breaks or returns. Don’t forget to update your W4!

Preparing for the Future

Having a child is a huge responsibility, both financially and time wise. A child can also give you a reason to start planning the future if you haven’t already.

1. Purchase a life insurance policy. Having life insurance should be a top priority when becoming a parent. Making sure your child will be taken care of financially should be a responsibility all parents take advantage of. After all, life is fragile, and can be taken from you without a moment’s notice. If something were to ever happen to you what would happen to your child? That’s a question every parent should be able to answer. 

2. Make a will. Making a will can fall in the same uncomfortable category as life insurance. However, when a child is in the picture, it should be a must. If there is anything you want to leave to your child, or things you want others to have instead of your child, a will is the way to go. It must be obeyed by law, so be sure to name a trustee that is close and who you trust to manage any property on behalf of your minor children.

3. Start saving for college/university. A four-year degree is getting more and more expensive these days, and it is almost a necessity to have secondary education to land a good job. Our advice, start saving now, or as early as possible. There are a plethora of different saving options you can use from savings bonds, to different savings accounts, even prepaid state college/university plans.

MHG is here to assist you and offer any advice and help we can in this exciting time in your life. If you have any questions, please contact us today at 954 828 1819 or visit mhginsurance.com. We have the insurance specialists to guide and assist you in finding the best insurance options for you, your family, and loved ones.

Filing an insurance claim can be a confusing and lengthy process. In many cases, people have never been involved in a claim before. They may not think to do things in the moment that may help them later during the claims process. Let us help by offering some tips when filing a Marine General Liability insurance claim.

Call Insurance Agent and Insurance Company

The most important place to start when there has been a loss is with your insurance agent. If you are unsure whether a claim should to be filed, your agent can help. Your agent will collect the necessary information, and guide you with the next steps that you will need to take. Do not hesitate to contact your agent, he or she handles claims daily and will be able to give you advise that can save you time and aggravation.

List All Damages Incurred

Make a list of all the damages that have been incurred. Some damages may not be obvious, and may require further investigation by the adjuster or another trained professional. Make notes of any specifics about the incident like time of day, weather, and people present at the time of the incident.

Take Pictures

Having proof of damage can affect the outcome of a claim. If an incident occurs, take pictures to document the damage to property as soon as possible. This will help the adjuster if emergency repairs need to be completed to prevent further damage. Keep all photos and receipts for emergency repairs in a safe place and be sure to hand them off to the adjuster as soon as possible.

Prevent Further Damage

After assessing and documenting the damages, do what you can to prevent further damages from occurring. Whether that means clearing the area of other materials, or securing machinery, do what you can to limit the extent of the damage. It is also important to exercise caution when trying to prevent further damage. If it is not safe to be in the area, do not risk injury to yourself or others by trying to limit damages to property.

Who Should the Company Contact to Follow Up on Claim?

It is important to organize who will oversee the claims process within your company. Make sure this person has access to certain information about your business that may be needed during the process. Also, having one person be in charge may also make this process more efficient and ultimately help close the claim faster.

Having the proper insurance coverage is crucial for the success of any business, and every business needs coverage specific for its characteristics. If you have any more questions, would like further explanation, want to change your general liability policy to a marine general liability policy, or are interested in any other form of business insurance, please contact us by calling 954-828-1819 or visiting mhginsurance.com. We look forward to assisting you with all your insurance needs.

Let’s face it, businesses measure their success on their bottom-line. Many make decisions based on becoming more profitable either immediately, or increasing profits in the future. Tasks such as reducing costs, marketing strategies to sell more products or services, or growing their business into new locations, are all tasks that are linked to increasing the profits of a business. It can be difficult for a business to afford all the benefits it would like to provide for its employees. Especially new businesses who are trying to create a budget for all their expenses as they grow their employee base. Use these tips to help find affordable health insurance benefit solutions for your workforce.

HMOs

There seems to be a stigma attached to HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) that makes them seem unfavorable to a lot of people. I’m sure it must do with the fact that it may cause some extra work if you are needing to see a specialist, as you would have to get a referral from your primary physician first, however, that usually isn’t the case anymore. Most HMOs are “open access,” which mean you can go directly to a specialist without a referral. The best part is, HMOs will typically be more cost effective providing your employees are in network areas which are normally larger than past years. Cost savings can be significant for your business. So if you’re looking for more affordable healthcare benefits for your employees, start with looking into an HMO.

GAP Insurance

A well-known philosophy of a successful business is to keep your employees feeling “taken care of.” One way to protect them from falling into a financial black hole is by offering a high deductible plan, along with a gap insurance plan. Combining those two plans would give your employees the coverage they need, with less out of pocket. In most cases this will save the business money compared to a plan that has a low deductible.

50%

Many businesses want to offer their employees as many benefits as they can in order to help attract and retain good workers. Sometimes it just isn’t in the budget to offer all of the benefits that you would like to. Remember that you are only obligated to pay 50% of your employee’s health insurance premiums on the lowest health plan offered, and 0% of their dependents.

HSA

Offering an HSA (Health Savings Account) may not be your first choice of healthcare benefits you want to offer your employees, but it can save you money. It also may give your employees some tax advantages.

Small Groups

Some small businesses don’t know that they may be eligible for a “tax credit” for offering their workforce health insurance benefits. If you have a group that is below 50 people, contact us by calling the number below to see if you qualify!

Review Periodically

In today’s insurance market, plans are changing all the time. Whether the carriers are adding new plans, or eliminating old ones, it is crucial that you review your plan periodically to assure that you are still paying a competitive price.

MHG Insurance Brokers offer many different insurance solutions for many areas of business. If you are interested in purchasing a disability plan, health insurance, or life insurance, contact us at mhginsurance.com or call us at +1 954 828 1819. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to assist and guide you to the best coverage for your budget.