For many, working on a yacht is a dream career where travel and work are combined. Often, the excitement of the job causes health and wellbeing to take a backseat. But for those who live and work on the waves, robust health insurance isn't just a formality—it's a critical safeguard. Joanna Drysdale, the Director of Underwriting Services at MHG's Isle of Man office, is a key expert in this field. With over ten years of experience in advising the yachting industry on crew health benefits, Joanna is renowned for her commitment to mental health and wellbeing. She has been instrumental in developing resources like ISWAN's Yacht Crew Help.

Read what Joanna shared with us about her valuable insights on crew health benefits, common misconceptions, and the evolving landscape of crew insurance.

Q: What crew health benefit do you think is often overlooked?

Rather than focusing on a single overlooked element, I find that customers often underestimate the differences between crew insurance policies. Each plan varies significantly depending on individual circumstances. Coverage can differ in terms of home country expenses, injuries sustained while intoxicated, maternity care, and coverage for adventurous activities. Therefore, assessing how you want the crew insurance to function is crucial, as well as determining your priorities and communicating these clearly to your management or insurance broker.

Q: You're very passionate about crew mental health. How do you think awareness has improved in the industry in the past few years?

There has been notable progress in raising awareness about mental health, but there's a limit to how effective this can be. Once awareness reaches a certain level, using that momentum to drive tangible change is essential. It's not enough to simply tell crew members that "It's OK to not be OK" if they still feel unsure about where to seek help or if they lack confidence in reaching out to colleagues or superiors. Yachts can offer Employee Assistance Programmes, promote resources like Yacht Crew Help, and provide mental health coverage, but if these services aren't utilized, it's important to reassess what might be missing.

Q: What are some common misconceptions that crew have about health insurance?

European crew often assume their EHIC or GHIC provides sufficient coverage between jobs. While it covers emergency treatment, it doesn't always cover all costs or provide for evacuation and repatriation. Crew members may also believe they must get pre-authorization for all types of treatment or use specific providers globally. In reality, most insurance plans only require pre-authorization for certain treatments (like inpatient care or surgery) and usually only have specific provider requirements in the United States. It's always best to review the insurance policy's terms and conditions before seeking treatment.

Q: Are you seeing any trends that could impact crew health insurance policies in the next 5 to 10 years?

There's a growing trend for management companies and clients to include more coverage in crew insurance that was traditionally handled by P&I. For example, covering temporary crew or day workers, which P&I previously managed, is now more common in crew insurance plans. A French broker mentioned that in France, unhappy crew members could legally force a yacht to be detained, which can be mitigated by crew insurance. This type of insurance can potentially expedite claim payments and minimize disruption. Additionally, I hope to see improved mental health coverage and greater accessibility from crew insurance providers.

Q: What are the most common crew health claims that MHG Insurance sees?

We frequently see claims related to injuries sustained while under the influence of alcohol, as well as accidents involving equipment like hatches, lines, winches, and tenders. Wear and tear injuries, such as those affecting joints and ligaments, are also common. Our plans are designed to cover private treatment while crew members are on leave, which is appreciated for managing these injuries on their own schedule. Routine dental claims are also quite frequent.

Q: Besides medical expenses, which benefit would you encourage every boat to take?

I recommend including routine medical, dental, and optical coverage—what we call "Health Plus." This benefit often provides more value than its cost, as routine dental claims are pretty common. Another important but frequently overlooked benefit is coverage for death due to illness, also known as "term life." Many international medical plans don't cover funeral costs if the death occurs in the crew member's home country. Even a modest amount of coverage for funeral expenses can alleviate some of the difficulties families face in such situations.

Q: What do you think sets MHG apart from other crew health specialists in the industry?

Our extensive experience is a key differentiator. Our dedicated and knowledgeable underwriting and claims teams have a long history of specializing in yacht crew, which is crucial. Additionally, our longstanding relationships with policy underwriters and the size of our portfolios provide us with stability and flexibility. These factors enable us to offer tailored solutions and maintain reliable service.

Q: What key features should owners, yacht managers, and captains look for when choosing a health insurance plan for their crew?

It's essential to identify and communicate your key priorities to your yacht management or marine broker. Do you want to be able to support a crew member who falls pregnant? Ensure there's adequate maternity coverage. If you want your crew protected while on leave and engaged in adventurous activities, ensure you have comprehensive 24/7 and 365 coverage.

Q: How do you help yacht owners balance the cost of premiums with the need for comprehensive cover?

Our flexible and customizable plans allow us to offer solutions that fit both customer requirements and budgets. While not every client requires or desires the level of coverage we offer, those seeking comprehensive benefits and specialized service can rely on us to provide the necessary support while maintaining stable premiums. We use decades of data to ensure our pricing remains sustainable.

Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of working with yacht crew for the past 13+ years?

The most rewarding aspect has been seeing our claims team deliver impactful support to crew members in times of need. Following a crew member's recovery from serious medical issues and their return to work is incredibly fulfilling.

Q: Can you share any memorable stories from clients that highlight the importance of having crew health insurance?

There are many memorable stories. One involved a crew member diagnosed with a serious condition and told they'd never work at sea again. With the support of sick pay insurance, they were covered for two years and eventually returned to work on another yacht. Another case involved a crew member who needed a drug not covered by their domestic insurance but was included in their crew insurance. Despite initial fears about the crew member's future, they eventually returned to work after receiving the necessary treatment. These stories, along with the challenging ones, underscore our commitment to each crew member's wellbeing.

Joanna Drysdale's insights highlight the complexities of managing yacht crew health benefits and the importance of tailored insurance coverage. Her expertise offers valuable guidance for ensuring that crew members are well-protected and supported in their roles.

Joanna Drysdale's insights provide a comprehensive look at the complexities of crew health benefits and the importance of tailored insurance coverage. At MHG Insurance, we are dedicated to offering exceptional service and flexible solutions designed to meet the unique needs of yacht crews. If you're looking for expert guidance and comprehensive coverage for your crew, contact us today to learn how we can help you ensure their wellbeing and protect your vessel. Reach out to MHG Insurance and discover the difference our specialized approach can make.