The beginning of a new era is here, the start of another decade. Which each era comes change, advancement, and a new way of approaching and thinking about issues. That’s the case in every industry, including the marine industry. Over the next decade, there will be new trends in the marine industry that mirror the rest of society, but also that are unique to the marine industry. After some careful thoughts, here are some of the trends that we can expect, in addition to changes that are needed.

Mental Health

One of the biggest topics of conversation over recent years is mental health, and the importance of proper treatment and coverage. Mental Health is also a hot topic in the marine industry, after recent surveys have discovered the amount of crew members that struggle with mental health issues. Something that needs to change in the next decade, sooner than later, is the addressing of mental health in the marine industry. Crew members are often left in isolation, or live in close quarters while working long hours, and are constantly in high stress situations. Some organizations have already begun to step in and offer a helping hand. The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) have already developed SeafarerHelp, a free, confidential, multilingual helpline for seafarers and their families available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

Equal Representation

The next decade is going to result in more women being properly represented across all industries. Women have always been key members of the marine industry, but proper advancement hasn’t been the same for everyone. Another trend that is likely over the next decade is having more women in high- level positions such as Captains and Chief Officers. In the US, data is indicating that women have now surpassed men as a total percentage of the workforce, but when it comes to holding high level positions, there is plenty of room for growth for women.

Technology

No one believed that we would have the whole world in our pocket 20 years ago, and today we have that and then some. Technology is making advancements all around us, so why expect in different in the marine industry? Ships that run on Liquid Natural Gas have already begun production, so one would expect that would eventually make its way to yachting too. A fuel that burns more efficiently and is better for the environment? Where do we sign-up?

There will be other trends to come revolving around technology to come that will require crew members to have specialized training in order to keep their positions, or possibly even new positions that don’t even exist just yet.

Environmental Efforts

Climate change has been a constant topic over the past decade, and it will only be even more of a topic over the next decade as we begin to experience some potential issues. As sea levels rise, changes will need to be made across the world when it comes to shipyards and docks. Coral bleaching is another issue that may affect the industry as top destinations begin to lose their allure.

One can expect the environmental efforts to go to another level to save the one thing that we all have in common no matter what sector of the marine industry to find yourself in, the oceans!

Having proper insurance is important in every aspect of life. Whether you are at sea needing international coverage, looking for proper life insurance coverage, going on a vacation, etc. MHG is your specialized broker. 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 marine crew insurance, travel insurance, U.S. life and health, expatriate insurance, or property and casualty, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has brought a lot of changes in the health insurance industry. Depending on who you talk to some of these changes can be good or bad. One thing that is usually universally agreed upon as a positive change is that insurance companies are no longer allowed to deny you coverage if you have a pre-existing condition. Another positive is that plans considered to be creditable coverage offers preventive care at no cost to the member! Health is wealth and taking preventive actions to ensure you stay healthy is the best way to avoid an illness or an issue in the future. Also, it is important to note that preventive services will only be fully covered when seeing a doctor or medical provider that is in your plan’s network.

What is preventive care?

Preventive care is typically a procedure that is done to detect or prevent an illness or condition. Preventive health care can be anything from screening for diseases such as diabetes to screenings and counseling for alcohol misuse and tobacco use.

Breakdown

Preventive care is typically broken down into three groups, adults, women, and children. Depending on your age and/or gender, different procedures can be considered preventive care. For example, children have certain screenings to test for conditions that aren’t needed as an adult, such as an autism screening. Further, while adults are able to be covered for certain preventive services, women may need some services that are not needed by men for procedures such as a Pap smear. For more information on what procedures are deemed preventive care for each group, visit HealthCare.gov.

Why is preventive care important?

Just because you feel 100% healthy, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be taking advantage of regular check-ups. Part of staying healthy is catching issues before they arise or early enough to correct them. There are many conditions that don’t offer early symptoms such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. The only way to see if they are at healthy levels is to check them regularly. We can’t stress enough that everyone should be using preventive care!

Some things to be aware of

While receiving preventive care should be free thanks to the Affordable Care Act, there are some things you should still be aware of. First, if something is found during your screening, any treatment you receive to help your condition won’t be “free”. You will be required to pay for further treatments according to your insurance plan. Also, in some cases there must be a valid reason to receive fully covered preventive services. You either must be due for one, like women 40 and over receiving a mammogram every 1-2 years (per HealthCare.gov) , or a doctor must prescribe it.

For more information about job based benefits, read our previous blog, What You Need to Know about Company Sponsored Insurance Benefits ”. Sometimes there are things in your plan that you don’t understand, or words that you have never heard before. Your well-being is important to us, and part of that is making sure you are properly taken care of. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to assist your group in finding the best Employee Benefits plan for your budget. 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.

Do you have 2020 vision? Well technically, this year, everyone has 2020 vision. See what I did there? Ok, no more vision puns. If you don’t offer a vision insurance benefit to your employees, you are missing out on a great opportunity to save your staff money, improve their eye health, and potentially make their overall quality of life better. In return you can get a more loyal, healthier, and productive workforce. Since this year is 2020, it makes it a perfect time for you to open your eyes to the new possibilities you can have with your benefits. That was the last one I promise.

The Basics

Your eyes are two of your most important organs, which is why they need special coverage to promote their health. Vision insurance helps to ensure and motivate people to take care of themselves, the same way health insurance encourages overall health.

There are different plan options with different coverages, so it is important to do your research when deciding what plan is right for you. Do you want your plan to only cover eye exams, contacts, and glasses, or do you want something more comprehensive to also include eye surgery or treatment for certain diseases or issues like glaucoma or retinal detachment?

What You Need to Know

Most vision insurance policies simplify their operation by offering flat rate reimbursements; rather than having to pay a deductible, then pay a percentage until reaching an out of pocket maximum, etc.

It is also important to know that all plans are different, and some may provide coverage for 2 glasses in a year and some may provide coverage for either one pair of glasses or contacts for the year, again do your research.

Don’t Stop at Vision

While implementing vision insurance is a great way to help attract, motivate, and retain employees, there are plenty of other benefits you should investigate offering your workforce in order to have a complete and competitive benefits package. Benefits such as Dental, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Group Life Insurance, and Gap Insurance are common additions to a Group Health Insurance Plan, and often have minimal costs in comparisons to the coverage they can provide. After all, a happy and healthy workforce is the key to any successful business!

MHG Insurance Brokers comprises of a team of experts who specialize in group insurance. We have unique relationships with carriers and are sometimes the first to know the plans they offer. We have a 5-star Google review rating, and an outstanding 96% client retention rate in the Life and Health Division (Employee Benefits). Our team of experts can complete a full analysis of your current plan’s offerings, and if needed, recommend a package that will enrich your benefits while keeping cost at a minimum. If you do not have a group plan in place, we have you covered! Our team can provide a proposal for your group which may be less than you anticipate. If you are interested in purchasing health insurance, feel free to contact us at 954-548-3599 or visit our website at mhginsurance.com.

You know the saying, “New year, new me!” Well it’s that time of the year, everything is fresh, people are motivated, and many of you have just begun a new benefit year in terms of your insurance as well. So why not take some time to figure out how to make the most out of your insurance benefits, the same way you would try to make the most out the year when it comes to vacations, starting new habits, or even just trying new things. Here are some tips to follow to better help you start your benefit year off right. Keep in mind the tips below are only for those times when seeing a medical professional can be planned in advance, if you are sick or in need of medical attention, please consult your physician immediately.

Read Your Policy

Reading your insurance policy may not be your first priority, but without reviewing your benefits, you might be missing covered benefits you can take advantage of. A big one is knowing the doctors in your network, depending on your coverage, some providers might be categorized in a special group which allows you to pay less. Check if you have dental and vision insurance and what is covered, there can be some benefits that are completely free of charge to you, even covering multiple visits throughout the year.

Do You Have a Rewards Program?

Most health insurance companies now offer a rewards program to help motivate people to live a healthy lifestyle. Get yourself involved as soon as you can so you can start earning rewards for things you do every day like walking, logging meals, weighing yourself, etc. Also, these programs can offer points for visiting the doctor, getting your teeth cleaned, getting a flu shot, and taking other preventable measures.

Plan Your Year

As stated before, once you understand your insurance coverage, you will have a better understanding of how to plan your year. Yes, you should always expect the unexpected, no one plans to catch a cold, but by understanding your benefits you can use providers that will cost you less. When it comes to making doctors’ appointments, your benefit year should be taken into consideration. For example, if you are in need of a procedure that is medically necessary but you have been putting it off, would it make more sense to have it when the year is fresh, or when you have reached closer to your max out of pocket, typically later in the year? Sometimes timing can be important and can be the difference from having to pay thousands versus having to pay nothing.

Avoid the Mad Dash

I don’t know if you have ever been to a medical facility at the end of the year, but more than likely they are slammed with people trying to use the last bit of insurance before the new year starts. By planning your year ahead, you can do what you can to try and avoid the headache of having to wait hours, or deal with nurses and doctors who are understaffed or stretched too thin. Most medical plans now include telemedicine which can be used in the convenience of your home using a smart device, if you need a prescription the telemedicine doctor will prescribe what you need at the pharmacy of your choice. In some cases, telemedicine can be free.

MHG Insurance Brokers comprises of a team of experts who specialize in Employee Benefits. We have unique relationships with carriers and are sometimes the first to know the plans they offer. We have a 5-star Google review rating, and an outstanding 96% client retention rate in the Life and Health Division (Employee Benefits). Our team of experts can complete a full analysis of your current plan’s offerings, and if needed, recommend a package that will enrich your benefits while keeping cost at a minimum. If you do not have a group plan in place, we have you covered! Our team can provide a proposal for your group which may be less than you anticipate. If you are interested in purchasing coverage for your team, feel free to contact us at 954-828-1819 or visit our website at mhginsurance.com.

Have you ever heard the saying, “You can learn the easy way, or the hard way!” Many say the best way to learn is through experiencing something that will have an impact on you, whether you personally experienced it, or someone close to you did. The important part is that whatever the impact was, it will motivate you to make the right decision. It could have been something bad that made you never want to go through that again, or something good that made you want to have the same result. The following is a case study of two different scenarios of clients who are experiencing the same issue. Both scenarios are handled in different ways, resulting in different outcomes.

Scenario A

A client who takes a proactive approach to their health went in for their regularly scheduled ENG 1. During the screening portion of the physical, the doctor discovered a potentially harmful bacteria. Due to this client’s proactive nature of maintaining their health, the bacteria was caught before it had done any damage and they were able to have successful treatment with antibiotics.

Scenario B

A client who doesn’t like to go to the doctor decided to skip their regularly scheduled ENG 1 because the yacht they were on did not have it as a requirement. Several weeks later, they began experiencing stomach pains, nausea, and vomiting. They didn’t think much of the symptoms they were experiencing, attributing it to a stomach bug. A couple weeks went by and the symptoms continued to get worse. At this point, the client decided it was time to go to the hospital, where doctors discovered a developing stomach ulcer, caused by Helicobacter pylori.

The Diagnosis

Both clients had the same issue, an infection of Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers as well as stomach cancer. Much like Herpes, it is present in many people, 85% of people to be exact, and can go an entire lifetime without causing any issues. Our client from Scenario A was able to notice the infection early enough and have it treated before any symptoms presented themselves. Our client form Scenario B had a different fate that may have been avoided if they had their regular physical exam.

The Cure

Going to the doctor can be a hassle, especially for a yacht crew member who may rarely be onshore to do so. However, getting your check-up is important to decide your overall health, as well as to detect any issues early enough so that something can be done proactively. Get a routine physical each year, even if your yacht doesn’t require you to do so. Otherwise it may be too late by the time you find out you are having an issue, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Having good medical insurance is crucial too because if any issues do arise, you may need costly medical treatment.

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.

Buying insurance, no matter what type, can be an intimidating and daunting task. For one, there is a ton of tricky lingo, a plethora of different coverages amounts and types, and of course the cost. Unless you are someone who works in the insurance industry, chances are insurance lingo can sometimes sound like a different language, and confusing protocol leaving you wondering what to do next.

However, it doesn’t have to be this way! Follow these 5 easy steps when making any insurance purchasing decision to help ease your mind and make the process as smooth and simple as possible.

What am I trying to protect?

When buying insurance, the first thing you need to ask yourself is “What am I trying to protect?” Are you trying to protect your business? Your health? Your kids? Your assets?

Once you have the answer to that question it will narrow down what you should be looking for. For insurance, If you wanted to protect your business, you would want to consider a General Liability policy, or Marine General Liability depending on the business. Protecting your kids? Look into life insurance.

What is my budget?

Once you know what type of insurance product you are in the market for, next you need to figure out your budget. After all, you don’t want to lapse your policy because you can’t afford it down the line if things become tight down the road, so be smart. Depending on your situation and what you are trying to insure, sit down and figure out what you can realistically afford, and what level of priority is the type of insurance you need.

Who do I know?

One thing that can make the decision easier is to figure out if you know anyone that currently has what are looking to get. If you do, ask them about it. What are the pros and cons? Is there anything they would do differently? Is there anything you need to look out for?

What don’t I know?

As with anything you buy, you should always do your own research. Figure out what products are out there, what pitfalls there are, and anything else that will help you get the best out of what you are buying.

Seek out a reputable broker!

Insurance Brokers often get a bad reputation but using a broker can help you avoid situations like this. For one, the majority of brokers are well-versed with the ins and outs of the insurance industry and can help you avoid a negative trend that you may otherwise know nothing about. Not to mention, brokers work for you! Brokers typically operate at no extra cost to you as it would be if you went straight to the insurance company to get your plan. 

Having proper insurance is important whether you are looking to protect your business, your loved ones, or yourself! Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the type of insurance you are in search of, and policy that works best for you and your budget. If you are interested in purchasing, or have any questions about marine crew insurance, life & health insurance, travel insurance, expatriate insurance, property & casualty insurance, or ocean marine insurance, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.

The promise of an amazing benefit is great, but what happens when you try to use that benefit and experience resistance? That seems to be happening more and more when it comes to low-cost insurance plans. When buying insurance, a person is buying an intangible promise. With that mindset, one can see why low-cost insurance is rarely ever low-cost.

Can’t Have Good, Quick, and Cheap

Ever hear the saying you can’t have your cake and eat it to? Typically, with anything in life, you get what you pay for. Consumers are constantly trying to save money any way they can on products or services they buy. However, depending on the product or service, a good “deal” can quickly turn into an absolute nightmare. Low-cost insurance plans are no different. Consumers can expect to receive delayed quotes, slow service, claims issues, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

You’ll Pay for It Later

Saving money on premium doesn’t always mean that you’re saving money overall! Many times, those who opt for cheaper insurance end up paying more in the long run because of a lack of coverage that was unknown to them when trying to use their insurance, or even worse, no coverage at all. Imagine being involved in an emergency situation that ends up with you being in the hospital, the last thing you want to be worrying about in that moment is being stuck with the entire hospital bill which could end up being tens of thousands of dollars.

Possibility of No Service

One trend that has popped up as of late are insurance companies offering cheap plans to grow their business. However, businesses can’t afford to continue to operate on low margins, so the customers are the ones who end up suffering. Having a plan with great benefits, but no service when actually trying to use it results in disappointment for the consumer.

Consumers vs. Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are usually very large, so going toe to toe with one is no easy task if you have a dispute with the plan that you have purchased. Even if the consumer is completely in the right about a particular claim or situation, the costs and time involved can be substantial. It is for this reason that you really need to do your research and choose the best plan for your needs, not just the cheapest.

Use a Broker!

Insurance Brokers often get a bad reputation but using a broker can help you avoid situations like this. For one, the majority of brokers are well-versed with the ins and outs of the insurance industry and can help you avoid a negative trend that you may otherwise know nothing about. Not to mention, brokers work for you! Brokers typically operate at no extra cost to you as it would be if you went straight to the insurance company to get your plan. 

Having proper insurance is important in every aspect of life. Whether you are at sea needing international coverage, looking for proper life insurance coverage, going on a vacation, etc. MHG is your specialized broker. 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 marine crew insurance, travel insurance, U.S. life and health, expatriate insurance, or property and casualty, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (SEPTEMBER 5, 2019) – MHG Insurance, the cruise industry’s authority on crew benefits, has released the 2019 Cruise Industry Benefits and Trends Report. The report provides a glimpse into the benefits provided to officers and crew at some of the world’s leading cruise lines.

At the center of the report is the highly anticipated benefits matrix which contains a snapshot of what the cruise industry is doing today in terms of benefits provision. The matrix examines four categories including: medical insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, and retirement savings. Coverage details for each benefit are highlighted and lists which group receives them - all in an anonymous format.

Topical articles and trends affecting the industry, such as the anticipated growth across all segments and the introduction of LNG technology and the possible impact on crewing, are also profiled. Guest contributors, Paul Morter, founder of UK based Block 524, takes an in-depth look at retirement savings plans and their importance in a successful attraction and retention strategy while Caitlin Vaughan, Project Manager at the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), discusses crew mental health at sea.

“Staff attraction and retention set the most successful cruise lines apart from the rest,” said Lyall Duncan, MHG’s Cruise Division Director. “Seafarers may have been plentiful in the past, but with the recent and continued expansion over the next several years, it may prove harder to find and keep qualified officers and crew. We’re pleased to be able to provide our clients with this report so that they can determine which benefits and perks are necessary to be competitive.”

MHG Insurance continues to be at the forefront of developing innovative 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 and Trends Report or to schedule an appointment to review the report and discuss your benefit strategy, please contact MHG Insurance at +1 954-828-1819 or pr@mhginsurance.com.

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. For more information about MHG Insurance and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com

As a busy crew member on a yacht, one of the most disturbing things to greet you upon returning from a long rotation is a medical bill demanding you owe thousands of dollars. Navigating the medical systems in the U.S. can not only be one of the most daunting endeavors, but also one of the most complicated. Which is right where we are waiting to step in!

Let the Experts Handle It

Frequently, we are contacted by crew members who have a bill in excess of $10,000 and are panicking because the letter is very threatening. Many times, they don’t even know where to begin to fix it. That is where we will step in and handle it for you wherever and whenever possible. Never pay a medical bill without contacting us to let us research it for you. It can often be as simple as a claim form needed to be completed. If you sought care inside the U.S, you will most likely receive multiple bills from a hospital visit, leaving you completely overwhelmed. It is not uncommon for this to happen in the U.S. and again, crew are ill-equipped and inexperienced to handle it.

Do Your Homework, and Keep Records

Utilizing your insurance to the best of your ability is our goal. Claim issues can often be avoided by just understanding your policy or taking the time and due diligence to pre-certify. We are available to review the policy with you and answer any questions you may have. It is also imperative one keeps copies of all the bills, receipts, charges, invoices, etc. from any doctor facility visits. In the event there is an unpaid claim, or it appears you owe a balance you already paid, you are able to validate.

It Happens More Than You Think

A recent case of a U.S. medical claim gone awry is with a shoulder surgery that a crew member had well over a year ago. They pre-certified as required, chose a network facility to minimize any out-of-pocket costs, and believed that the bills were all paid. Fifteen months later, they received bills from collection agencies threatening them. They reached out to us for assistance and luckily, we were able to find that the facility as well as the doctor had been paid and they never recorded it properly. We contacted the insurance carrier on behalf of the crew member, obtained copies of the payments, and dealt with the collection agencies. Once we provided them the proof they had been paid-in-full, the crew member was no longer under any legal responsibility for the bills.

As your insurance administrator, we are here to help you understand not only your benefits, but also to be the fixer when possible. We can work with the providers, the insurance carrier, as well as collection agencies, if it has gotten to that point, to avoid yourself from having to spend valuable free time on the phone trying to get a solution. At MHG, our commitment to service sets us apart from our competitors. We not only sell the policy; we never leave your side after the fact.  And if you happen to need medical assistance, we want you to know, you are not alone in this. Just reach out and let us help. If you are currently experiencing any issues with your Crew Insurance, have questions about your policy, are looking for a new policy please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us at https://mhginsurance.com/Contact

Many people don’t consider buying a life insurance policy until a major life event such as getting married, buying a house, having a kid. While all of those are great reasons to purchase a life insurance policy, you should actually have a policy before any of those things happen. Yes, even if you’re single, with no dependents or assets to your name. 

1. Investment

One reason to get a life insurance policy when you are single is because it can be used as a long-term investment. Purchasing a Whole Life insurance policy can give you many options on what to do, such as being able to withdraw from the cash value of your policy much like a bank loan. Also, depending on the whole life policy you purchase, it can act as a savings vehicle. So, after a certain amount of time, your cash value will be higher than the amount you have paid, depending on where it has been invested. 

2. Funeral

Here’s a question that many may not want to ask or try to answer. Who is going to pay for your funeral? Funerals are expensive, and unfortunately, it is an expense that many don’t prepare for. Having life insurance that will include your funeral costs into the amount of your policy is a very smart thing to do. Caskets themselves can be thousands of dollars, and funeral total costs can easily exceed $20,000. 

3. Personal debts

If you should pass, who is going to pay for your debts? When you die, if you have any co-signed loans, the full responsibility of paying off the loan will be left to the person who co-signed that loan with you. Which in many cases could be your parents, spouse, kids, etc. It may be tough on them to worry about their debts and in the event of a tragedy all of a sudden have to worry about your debts as well, all while still mourning your loss. Having a life insurance policy can be used to pay off your medical bills, mortgage, credit cards, etc. 

4. Leave a legacy

It can be a good idea to purchase life insurance in order to leave a legacy. For example, if you are passionate about a charity, church, or group, you can leave them as the beneficiary of your policy, which I’m sure they will greatly appreciate and never forget. Also, you can do this if there is someone close to you that you would like to help out. Maybe a friend who is struggling and would refuse to accept any help from you. 

5. Cheaper to get a policy when you are young

If you plan on getting life insurance later in life or waiting until a life event such as the ones stated before, it may make more sense to go ahead and purchase a policy now. Waiting for one of these events can take years and years, and by the time you go to purchase a policy, the premium could be as much as two times as high as if you would purchase it now. That is because the younger you are, the less expensive the premium is, because you are not viewed as a high risk. Also, another great thing is that your premium should be locked in at that price for the length of the term or for your life depending on the type of policy you get. So, in essence, you could be saving yourself money in the long run, by spending a little extra now. 

If you are interested in purchasing life insurance, or have any questions about your policy, or which policy would be best for you and your family, contact us at 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. We have the insurance specialists to assist and advise you on the best coverage for you and your loved ones at every stage of life.