As you embark on exciting travel adventures, your wallet is one of the most crucial things to organize. It should contain all the essential items needed to ensure a smooth journey and address any unexpected situations that may arise during your trip. Here's your guide to everything you need in your wallet for a successful trip!

Credit Cards (and Backups)

At the top of your list of what you need in your wallet is how you'll pay for things on your trip. Ensure you carry a credit card from a major credit company. Even better, take a backup card from a different provider in case of loss, theft, or any issues with one card. If you're unsure of what bank to choose, get a card from an international bank with a branch at your destination, as you can often receive more favorable exchange rates when taking out cash. Before you leave, you should notify your credit card company about your travel plans to prevent any potential fraud alerts that could freeze your card.

Cash

While credit cards are essential, having some cash on hand is equally vital. Even though most destinations are equipped with contactless or card-reading technology, cash is often required for public restrooms or tipping. In addition to a small amount of local bills, carry a mix of local currency and USD or Euros, as they are widely accepted in many destinations. If you need to withdraw more cash, ensure you choose a reputable ATM to avoid unnecessary fees and keep it safe in a hidden compartment in your wallet. You can usually find an ATM at the airport when you arrive.

Driver's License

Many people forget to bring a driver's license as a form of ID if they don't plan on driving in their destination. Even if you have a passport as your main form of ID, a driver's license can be helpful in various situations like renting equipment or age verification for certain activities. Make a photocopy of your driver's license (and passport) and keep it separate from your original in case you lose it.

Tickets

Whether traveling by plane, train, or bus, keeping your tickets handy is a must. Even if you rely on digital tickets, it's wise to print out extra copies as a backup to keep in your wallet if you run into issues with your device. For physical tickets, like boarding passes, use a dedicated slot in your wallet or a ticket holder to keep them organized and easily accessible.

Travel Itinerary

Having a printed and digital copy of your travel itinerary is essential for staying organized during your trip. Include details about your flight information, hotel reservations, tour bookings, and contact numbers. This will help you keep track of your schedule and provide valuable information if you encounter any unexpected situations or need to show proof of your plans.

Travel Medical Insurance Cards

Traveling without medical insurance is risky, as accidents and unexpected illnesses can happen anytime. Carry your travel medical insurance cards in your wallet and any necessary contact information for the insurance provider. Before you travel, familiarize yourself with the coverage details, how to get help in an emergency, and the claims process, so you can act promptly if needed.

It can also be helpful to print any allergies or medications taken on a card in your native language and the language of your destination to keep handy in case you lose anything vital.

The best vacations are the ones where you are well-prepared and protected. Visit mhginsurance.com for travel health insurance for a relaxing trip.

"What's in your wallet?" is a registered trademark of Capital One Financial Corporation.

What Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover?    

It’s almost that time of year. Summer is around the corner, which means school’s out, and vacations are happening!

Before the fun is had, it’s important to take care of some “housekeeping” items, so that you can relax and enjoy your time without worry. Especially if you are planning on taking any international trips. Don’t leave without travel medical insurance! And don’t buy a travel medical insurance policy without first learning exactly why you need it.

Travel Medical Insurance is an insurance policy that acts as your health insurance while you are abroad. People are often surprised that their existing health insurance policy does not cover them when they leave the U.S, which is why it is important to get a travel medical policy whenever traveling internationally. After all, medical emergencies can happen anywhere, even when traveling for business or vacations. Coverage can include medical bills associated with car accidents, injuries, food poisoning, illness, etc.

What is the Difference Between Travel Medical Insurance and Trip Cancellation Insurance?

Trip Cancellation Insurance is an insurance policy that protects your investment when your trip is cancelled or interrupted for various reasons. Typically, this type of policy also includes medical coverage for accidents and illnesses. It differs from travel medical insurance, which provides international medical insurance coverage for when you are traveling abroad, outside of your home country. These two very different types of insurance are often mistaken for each other, as they can be referred to as travel insurance (travel medical insurance) and trip insurance (trip cancellation insurance).

What Affects the Cost of Travel Medical Insurance?

The main factors that affect the cost of a travel medical insurance plan are:

• The amount of coverage
• The length of the trip
• Your age
• Primary destination

There are other factors that can affect the cost of travel medical insurance; however, these factors are typically what will be the greatest influence on cost. First off, the amount of coverage will always be an indicator of price. As you get more or better coverage, the price will go up, as you get less coverage, it will go down. The length of the trip impacts cost because the more time you need insurance, the more opportunity there will be for insurance to be used. Age is a factor because as people get older, they are deemed to be a greater risk. And finally, depending on where you’re traveling can also impact the cost of your policy. If you’re traveling to the US, the policy will be more expensive as the cost of healthcare is higher. Don’t let any of these factors deter you. Travel medical policies are relatively inexpensive, and the application process can be completed in just a few steps!

If you have any questions about travel medical insurance, or are interested in purchasing a travel medical insurance plan for your next business or leisure trip abroad, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. Safe travels!

What is trip cancellation and interruption insurance?

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance, also known as just trip cancellation insurance, is an insurance policy that protects your investment if your trip is cancelled or interrupted. It is geared toward extravagant and luxury vacations. While trip cancellation includes medical coverage, it differs from travel medical insurance, which provides international medical insurance coverage for when you are traveling abroad, outside of your home country.

What is the difference between trip cancellation and yacht charter cancellation?

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and yacht charter cancellation insurance are the same thing. It just happens to be that yacht charter cancellation insurance is designed to offer coverage for yacht charterers, so the policy will behave the same way as a trip cancellation policy.

What is covered by trip cancellation and interruption insurance?

A good trip cancellation insurance plan should protect you from many issues that may come up causing you to cancel your plans or if your trip is interrupted. Examples of items typically covered by a good trip cancellation insurance policy include:

· Sickness, injury or death of insured, a family member, a travel companion, a business partner, or a child caregiver

· Primary residence or destination being rendered uninhabitable

· Documented theft of passports/visas

· Involved in a merger, job loss or job relocation

· Documented traffic accident

· Inclement weather that causes cessation of services provided by your common carrier

· Mechanical breakdown of the common carrier

· Evacuations due to natural disasters

· Emergency military duty for national disaster

· A terrorist incident

· NOAA hurricane warning at destination

· Court order to appear as a witness

· Jury duty

· Quarantine

· Hijack

Why you need trip cancellation insurance

The cost of vacations is going up, as people continue to plan trips and get out of their routines after being on “lockdown” for the past couple years. In a recent Forbes article, Adobe Analytics was quoted that, “Prices have risen a staggering 47% since January,” in terms of airfare alone. Not only are prices going up due to a number of reasons, but people are also willingly spending more on vacations since they haven’t been able to go anywhere. Which means, potentially more money to lose if something gets in the way of your plans!

Plan for what’s not on the itinerary. Life is unpredictable and plans often change. One of the basic issues that insurance protects us against is the fact that life is unpredictable. So, while you may not be able to prevent a situation from happening, you can prevent an issue from becoming a worst-case scenario. For more information on the different types of coverage that trip cancellation insurance offers, contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.

First things first, to know how something works, you must know what it is. So, what is trip cancellation insurance?

What is trip cancellation insurance?

Trip Cancellation Insurance is an insurance policy that protects your investment when it comes to a trip being cancelled, including yacht charters. It differs from Travel Insurance, which provides international medical insurance coverage for when you are traveling abroad, outside of your home country. While we seem to be trending in a different direction a year later, one cannot ignore the reality that the travel industry may never truly be the same with tighter restrictions, and new rules and regulations making it more difficult to travel.

How does trip cancellation work?

Booking a nice vacation is often not a spur of the moment or spontaneous experience. Typically, trips are booked months in advance, with several scenarios that can happen in that given time to alter your plans, even forcing you to cancel. For example, if you booked yacht charter for $50,000 for your family 6 months in advance of the trip, chances are there are a few nonrefundable expenses you also had to book including airfare, hotel accommodations, activities, etc. One week before you are slated to leave, your wife becomes sick and is unable to travel, therefore forcing you to cancel your plans. Trip cancellation insurance would then reimburse you for the trip, allowing you to put that money back into your bank account or use it for another trip!

What is covered by trip cancellation insurance?

A good trip cancellation insurance plan should protect you from many issues that may come up causing you to cancel your plans. Examples of items typically covered by a good trip cancellation insurance policy include:

· Sickness, injury or death of insured, a family member, a travel companion, a business partner or a child caregiver

· Primary residence or destination being rendered uninhabitable

· Documented theft of passports/visas

· Involved in a merger, job loss or job relocation

· Documented traffic accident

· Unannounced strike

· Inclement weather that causes cessation of services provided by your common carrier

· Mechanical breakdown of the common carrier

· Evacuations due to natural disasters

· Emergency military duty for national disaster

· A terrorist incident

· Revoked military leave

· Bankruptcy or Default of Travel Provider*

· NOAA hurricane warning at destination

· Court order to appear as a witness

· Jury duty

· Quarantine

· Hijack

According to Bankrate, Americans spend an average of $1,979 per person on summer vacations. That amount does not really compare to what it costs to charter a yacht, as that can be tens, sometimes, hundreds of thousands of dollars. No one wants to lose that investment due to an unexpected event, which is why we say, plan for what is not on the itinerary.

Why Yacht Charters?

Given what is currently going on in the world, we are seeing that many people are looking to use yacht charters instead of cruises due to the social distancing implications and overall wellbeing concerns, and being able to limit who they come into contact with, as well as the destinations they are going. With certain locations opening and getting ready for tourists, such as the Bahamas, it's clear to see why this is going to be an attractive alternative in the coming months.

Life is unpredictable and plans often change. One of the basic issues that insurance protects us against is the fact that life is unpredictable. So, while you may not be able to prevent a situation from happening, you can prevent an issue from becoming a worst-case scenario. For more information on the different types of coverage that trip cancellation insurance offers, contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com

What is yacht charter cancellation insurance?

Yacht charter cancellation insurance is similar to trip cancellation insurance as in it is an insurance policy that protects your investment when it comes to a trip being cancelled, however it is focused on a yacht charter rather than another extravagant vacation. It also differs from Travel Insurance, which provides international medical insurance coverage for when you are traveling abroad, outside of your home country. What is covered by yacht charter cancellation insurance?

A good yacht charter cancellation insurance plan should protect you from many issues that may come up causing you to cancel your plans. Examples of items typically covered by a good charter cancellation insurance policy include:

· Sickness, injury or death of insured, a family member, a travel companion, a business partner or a child caregiver

· Primary residence or destination being rendered uninhabitable

· Documented theft of passports/visas

· Involved in a merger, job loss or job relocation

· Documented traffic accident

· Inclement weather that causes cessation of services provided by your common carrier

· Mechanical breakdown of the common carrier

· Evacuations due to natural disasters

· Emergency military duty for national disaster

· A terrorist incident

· NOAA hurricane warning at destination

· Court order to appear as a witness

· Jury duty

· Quarantine

· Hijack

According to CNBC, rates for private crewed yacht charters are generally thought to start around $10,000 . Depending on the size of the yacht, the destinations, and other factors, that amount can increase tenfold. No one wants to lose that investment due to an unexpected event, which is why we say, plan for what is not on the itinerary.

Why focus on yacht charters and not other vacations?

Given what is currently going on in the world, we are seeing that many people are looking to use yacht charters instead of cruises. This is due to the social distancing implications and overall wellbeing concerns and being able to limit who they come into contact with, as well as the destinations they are going. With certain locations opening and getting ready for tourists, such as the Bahamas, it is clear to see why this is going to be an attractive alternative in the coming months.

Life is unpredictable and plans often change. One of the basic issues that insurance protects us against is the fact that life is unpredictable. So, while you may not be able to prevent a situation from happening, you can prevent an issue from becoming a worst-case scenario. For more information on the different types of coverage that trip cancellation insurance offers, contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.

What is trip cancellation insurance?

Trip Cancellation Insurance is an insurance policy that protects your investment when it comes to a trip being cancelled, including yacht charters. It differs from Travel Insurance, which provides international medical insurance coverage for when you are traveling abroad, outside of your home country.

What is covered by trip cancellation insurance?

A good Trip Cancellation insurance plan should protect you from many issues that may come up causing you to cancel your plans. Examples of items typically covered by a good trip cancellation insurance policy include:

· Sickness, injury or death of insured, a family member, a travel companion, a business partner or a child caregiver

· Primary residence or destination being rendered uninhabitable

· Documented theft of passports/visas

· Involved in a merger, job loss or job relocation

· Documented traffic accident

· Unannounced strike

· Inclement weather that causes cessation of services provided by your common carrier

· Mechanical breakdown of the common carrier

· Evacuations due to natural disasters

· Emergency military duty for national disaster

· A terrorist incident

· Revoked military leave

· Bankruptcy or Default of Travel Provider*

· NOAA hurricane warning at destination

· Court order to appear as a witness

· Jury duty

· Quarantine

· Hijack

According to Bankrate, Americans spend an average of $1,979 per person on summer vacations. That amount does not really compare to what it costs t charter a yacht, as that can be tens, sometimes, hundreds of thousands of dollars. No one wants to lose that investment due to an unexpected event, which is why we say, plan for what is not on the itinerary.

Why Yacht Charters?

Given what is currently going on in the world, we are seeing that many people are looking to use yacht charters instead of cruises due to the social distancing implications and overall wellbeing concerns, and being able to limit who they come into contact with, as well as the destinations they are going. With certain locations opening and getting ready for tourists, such as the Bahamas, it’s clear to see why this is going to be an attractive alternative in the coming months.

Life is unpredictable and plans often change. One of the basic issues that insurance protects us against is the fact that life is unpredictable. So, while you may not be able to prevent a situation from happening, you can prevent an issue from becoming a worst-case scenario. For more information on the different types of coverage that trip cancellation insurance offers, contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.

The “fasten your seatbelt” light has just lit up! You are now on your way to your destination. Isn’t it exciting traveling to different places? I’m sure it would be even more exciting if long flights didn’t take such a toll on you, mentally and physically. Long international flights can almost make it hard to enjoy your trip, with all the time being seated, and the long customs lines you must go through.

With all the things everyone dreads about international flights, it is all worth it when you get to experience new cultures and traditions, see sights you could never imagine, or relax on a beach for your vacation. Since long flights get a bad rep, use these 5 tips to help survive your next flight, and get you to your enjoyment with more peace of mind!

Request a Special Meal

It used to be customary for you to receive a free meal on all flights, domestic and international. Now you are lucky if you get a bag of peanuts. However, there are still many foreign airlines that may serve you a meal during an international flight. Look up airlines that still have this feature, or try requesting a special meal when you are booking. Having a substantial meal instead of snacking can give you energy and keep you from feeling drained.

Set Your Time

One of the harder things to get accustomed to when traveling internationally is the local time. Your body typically runs on its own clock. So if you are traveling somewhere that is 5 hours ahead, you could be in for a rough transition. Set the time of your destination when boarding the flight. This will give you better judgement of how much time you will have left in the day upon arrival, and also allow you to use the flight to adjust if needed.

Bring a Survival Kit

Don’t you hate sitting next to a screaming baby for 20 hours? One way to help prepare is by bringing a survival kit to help you get the rest you need, and keep you in the best mood possible. Pack ear plugs, an eye mask, snacks, toiletries, etc. It is also a good idea to freshen up halfway through the flight to give you your second wind. This will also give you an excuse to get up and move around.

Don’t Forget the Entertainment

A long international flight can sometimes feel like a lifetime, and if you don’t have things to keep you busy, it will feel like an eternity. Pack an iPod, iPad, tablet, laptop, etc. to keep your mind busy. You can also bring a book(s), word puzzles, Sudoku, and other items as well.

Take Care of Your Body

Did you know that flying can dehydrate you? Stay hydrated, and bring water to drink regularly throughout the flight. Also, try to get up and stretch periodically to keep your blood flowing and your body from getting stiff.

We wish you safe travels along your journey. If you are interested in purchasing travel medical insurance, or have any questions or concerns, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0)1624 678668 or visit us at mhginsurance.com. Our insurance brokers have the experience to assist you in selecting the right plan for you, with the best value.

Did you know that taking at least one trip a year, reduces your risk of heart disease by 30%? With a statistic like that, how can you not already have your bags packed?! Before you rush out to book your next trip, be sure to use our checklist below when making any decisions about travel insurance, as well as traveling abroad. Traveling abroad can create some of life’s greatest experiences. Seeing other countries, cultures, and people can create memories that can be shared for a lifetime. In order to ensure that those memories are happy ones, travel insurance should be on the top of your list before you book that flight.

Having an emergency while you're abroad can be a scary experience for many reasons. You are far from home, in a country that you do not know much about and may not know where to go in the event of an emergency. Maybe you don’t speak the language which could make it impossible to try and get assistance from a local. You don’t have the family/ friend support that you do at home. Travel insurance should provide you with the proper coverage to protect from an array of unplanned events that can really ruin a trip.

Travel Insurance Checklist

A good Travel Medical policy should include the following:

· Maximum plan limit of at least $1,000,000.

· Provide coverage in most countries around the world.

· Provide coverage for accidents, illness and the acute onset of a pre-existing condition.

· Emergency air/ground transportation to the nearest qualified hospital.

· 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance.

· Pre-trip health and safety advisories on your destination such as required vaccinations, health risks and travel restrictions, medical monitoring, provider referrals for Western-style medical facilities, medical and dental practices and pharmacies. Other useful services include travel document replacement, lost luggage assistance, emergency travel arrangements and translation services.

· Simple online enrollment.

· Easy claim submission.

Travel insurance benefits can vary and it's best to review a few different options from a reputable company to see which plan is best for you. Also, using an Insurance Broker can provide with you benefits that you may truly value. An insurance broker will typically work for you, the client, and offer you advice and assistant to getting the best l plan possible according to your budget. One reason they may be able to get you better coverage is because they represent several companies as opposed to just one. Their best interest is in the customer rather than the company. They can also assist you in with any claims you make and work on your behalf.

What should I Bring?

Once you purchase your travel insurance, you can begin fully to enjoying yourself and look forward to your adventure without having to worry about the unknown. Packing is very important, and be sure to include the following to make it as hassle free as possible:

1. Travel insurance card

2. Passport and visa

· Make sure the expiration date is not during your trip, also bring a copy of your passport for back up purposes

3. Flight itinerary

4. Immunization documents

5. A Full list of all accommodations

· Including addresses and phone numbers from all the locations you will be staying. Also be sure to include this information with a friend or family member who will be staying home.

7. Contact information for your country’s embassy or consulate in your destination

8. Emergency contacts

· It is smart to keep in touch with loved ones during your trip, checking in every so often.

9. Money

· Never have all of your cash in one place. Cash, cards, checks, passport, if you include them all in your day bag, and it happens to be misplaced or stolen, you may be stranded.

10. Map of where you will be going, along with a translation dictionary.

Once you have completed these checklists, you can officially kick back and enjoy your time. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures!

MHG Insurance Brokers wishes you safe travels along your journey. If you are interested in purchasing travel insurance, or have any questions or concerns, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0)1624 678668 or visit us at mhginsurance.com. Our insurance brokers are experienced and can assist you in selecting the right plan for you, with the best value.

Long flights tend to get a bad rep. Use these 10 tips to help you survive your next international flight, but don't leave without getting travel insurance ! Contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0)1624 678668 or visit us at mhginsurance.com to find the best plan for you, your family, or group.

MHG Travel Infographic

We all consider insurance to be necessary when it comes to our health, automobiles, and homes. Though it is difficult for the average person to understand the verbiage that is contained in most policies, that does not hinder people from purchasing life insurance and other types of coverage once they reach a certain age and wish to start a family, or start planning for retirement. One type of insurance that often gets overlooked, however, is travel insurance.  Many people are not sure if they need it, or are aware of what exactly it can do for them. Travel insurance is a valuable tool that is designed to protect those traveling domestically or abroad, for business or recreation. There are several options to choose from depending on the types of coverage you require, but most travel insurance policies provide coverage for the following occurrences:

• Medial emergency or evacuation: This should be the primary reason to buy travel insurance. Although your current health plan may cover you in certain instances while you travel, emergency medical transportation is often not covered, and the cost of this service can rise upward toward $100,000. Travel insurance comes in handy here, as it can prevent you from maxing out the benefits allotted through your health plan. There are primary as well as secondary plans available, which work in tandem with your current health plan.
• Trip cancellation: When you plan a trip months in advance, there is no way to predict what circumstances may arise between now and your departure date. Trip cancellation insurance will protect you in the unfortunate event of a death in the family, an illness, or an accident. You are also covered for situations that occur which are outside of your control, such as severe weather causing the delay or cancellation of your flight.
• Baggage or Personal Items Loss/Theft: This covers you if the airline loses your luggage, or if you stored your laptop in your hotel room one afternoon, only to come back to find it missing. You can also insure camera equipment, and other valuables.
   
• Personal Liability:  If you are involved in a car accident while driving in a different country, or accidentally cause damage to something and are now finding yourself being asked to remedy the situation, this coverage will be of great value to you.

How can you determine if you need travel insurance? Here are some things to think about:

• Take Inventory: Assess the policies that you currently have in place to check to see if you are covered for health emergencies, medical care and treatment when you travel. Check the credit cards you use as well. Some automatically cover things like baggage loss or flight cancellations.
   
• Don’t Skimp on Protection: Most people skip travel insurance because they just see it as an added expense being tacked on to their trip. With most travel insurance policies costing somewhere between 3% and 8% of what the trip costs, this is a drop in the bucket compared to out-of-pocket costs if an incident does occur and you aren’t covered.
   
• You Snooze, You Lose: If you are considering buying travel insurance, it is best to purchase it within 24 hours of booking a trip, or as soon as possible afterward in order to get the best rate.
   
• Travel More, Save More! If you travel frequently, you can consider multi trip insurance policies, or annual policies, which may be less expensive as compared to obtaining coverage right before each trip.

MHG Insurance Brokers draws from their extensive experience and knowledge in the insurance industry to give clients the greatest value and most comprehensive coverage available. MHG insurance specialists will clearly outline the coverage provided to you in your travel insurance policy, as well as tell you about any limitations or exclusions so you are fully aware of how protected you are before your trip. Visit MHG Insurance Brokers online at mhginsurance.com, or call and speak to an MHG insurance specialist today at 954-828-1819. Don’t leave home unprotected.