Cruise Industry Employment & Benefits
Cruise lines employ a wide range of staff members, from housekeeping and food service workers to engine staff and deck officers. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the global cruise industry supported over 1.2 million jobs in 2023 alone. As the industry continues to grow, the need to fill a wide variety of roles is only increasing.
As demand for talent grows, providing flexible and meaningful benefits is more important than ever. According to the 2023 MetLife Employee Benefit Trends Study, 61% of employees say health insurance is a “must-have” when considering a job offer. Providing benefits like Vacation Medical, even to a select group of employees, can improve hiring outcomes, boost retention, and show your crew that their health is a priority on and off the ship.
Introducing Vacation Medical Coverage
One effective and affordable approach is Vacation Medical insurance, a private health coverage solution ordinarily used to support officers and crew when they’re off the ship and on vacation. It fills a critical gap for employees who often go without health coverage when they’re between contracts. But it can also act as a flexible healthcare insurance option for employees who don’t currently have coverage.
This benefit not only helps protect the health of your team but can also ease re-entry to work, reduce reliance on onboard medical staff, and improve long-term retention.
Why Vacation Medical Makes Sense for Cruise Lines
- Choose Who’s Covered: Coverage can begin after the first contract or be reserved for certain roles such as officers, middle management, or long-tenured crew members.
- Customize Eligibility: Each cruise line sets its own eligibility criteria, tailoring the benefit to budget and HR goals.
- Support Between Contracts: Shows commitment to well-being beyond time onboard.
- Great Starting Point: Low-cost, high-impact way to begin offering healthcare benefits.
What’s Included in Vacation Medical Coverage?
- Home Country Coverage: Members are covered while vacationing at home, worldwide.
- Routine Care: Up to $1,000 annually for checkups and exams, with no deductible.
- Major Medical Protection: Coverage for illnesses, accidents, surgeries, and serious conditions.
- Flexible Claims Process: Options for reimbursement or direct billing.
- Dependent Coverage: Optional year-round coverage for family members.
- Telehealth: Virtual consultations with licensed professionals via app, phone, or video.
Telehealth: A Flexible, Affordable Solution
Telehealth is one of the most accessible and cost-effective ways to provide basic healthcare to employees. Rather than requiring physical access to a clinic, telehealth services allow cruise line employees to consult with licensed healthcare professionals from anywhere in the world.
A 2023 McKinsey report noted that telehealth utilization has stabilized at levels 38 times higher than before the pandemic.
For cruise lines, telehealth can serve as a "first step" benefit—affordable, practical, and valuable for employees.
Addressing the “Social Medicine” Concern
While employees may have access to public healthcare in their home countries, Vacation Medical is private insurance, offering faster access, reduced wait times, and a broader choice of providers—critical when timely treatment impacts work readiness.
Want a Quote? Here’s What You’ll Need
- Number of crew members to be covered
- Countries of residence
- Genders
- Ages
For Telehealth standalone plans, only the number of people to be covered is required. These can also be bundled with Vacation Medical for added value.
Partner with MHG Insurance
At MHG Insurance, we’ve been a trusted maritime partner for over 30 years. Offering affordable healthcare options like telehealth or Vacation Medical can help you hire better, retain longer, and support your crew in meaningful ways.
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