MHG Recommends Maternity As Part of Every Yacht Crew Insurance Plan

When decision-makers select a yacht crew insurance plan, they typically focus on essentials like emergency evacuation, dental, vision, and repatriation. But, one critical area that is often left off the checklist is maternity coverage. While it may not be top-of-mind for yacht owners or captains, it's frequently discussed by crew members, industry wellness advocates, and even popular yachting podcasters.

At MHG Insurance, we believe maternity care should be a standard part of every crew insurance plan, not only because it's the right thing to do but because it makes good business sense, too.

The Reality: Pregnancy Happens. Even at Sea!

It may come as a surprise, but MHG sees as many as 8 to 10 pregnancy-related insurance claims per year from yacht crew. In a workforce often perceived as young, mobile, and temporary, maternity might seem like a rare exception. But the reality tells a different story.

According to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), women represent approximately 2% of the world's 1.89 million seafarers. And in yachting, the proportion of women can be much higher, particularly among stewardesses, chefs, and wellness crew. Yet, yacht-specific health coverage rarely addresses female wellness or maternity, which leaves crew vulnerable and employers exposed.

Why Maternity Coverage Belongs in Crew Insurance Plans

Providing maternity coverage in your yacht crew insurance plan is not only about managing claims. It's a powerful and practical way to support crew health, promote loyalty, and protect your operation.

1. Recruitment and Retention

In a tight labor market, offering inclusive insurance coverage, including maternity, can help yachts attract and retain top-tier talent. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 83% of employees rated health-related benefits as very or extremely important to their job satisfaction (SHRM, 2024). For women considering a long-term career in yachting, knowing their health needs are supported can be a deciding factor.

2. Demonstrating Value for Female Crew

By providing maternity coverage, yacht owners and captains show that they view crew members as fully rounded individuals, not just laborers. That's an important distinction in a high-pressure, often transient industry. Crew talk, and when employers go the extra mile to provide thoughtful support, it helps build your reputation as a preferred boat to work on.

3. Reducing Turnover and Unplanned Absences

Pregnancies without coverage often lead to last-minute departures, unplanned leaves, or even disputes over care and costs. When maternity is covered, crew members are more likely to communicate early, allowing time to plan transitions and ensure continuity onboard.

4. Creating a Clear Path for Return

It's common to assume that a crew member who becomes pregnant will not return to yachting. But those assumptions often don't reflect reality. In fact, a growing number of women are returning to work post-maternity, especially when they feel supported and welcomed.

We encourage captains, owners, and management companies to have open, professional conversations with crew. Clarify what benefits are available and whether a return-to-work pathway exists. Maternity coverage can make these conversations easier and more productive for all parties.

Common Myths About Maternity and Yacht Crew Insurance

Let's clear up a few misconceptions we often hear in the industry:

❌ "It's too expensive to include."

✅ Many comprehensive plans include maternity as an optional add-on at a manageable cost, especially when weighed against the cost of turnover or gaps in staffing.

❌ "Our crew members are too young for this to matter."

✅ The average age of yacht crew is mid-to-late 20s, and many are in committed relationships. It's a relevant issue, even for smaller teams.

❌ "No one ever gets pregnant onboard."

✅ As mentioned, MHG sees around 10 pregnancy-related claims per year.

What Maternity Coverage Should Include

Not all maternity coverage is created equal. A well-structured yacht crew insurance plan should provide the following:

Prenatal care and screenings
Labor and delivery costs
Postnatal care for both mother and baby
Evacuation or repatriation.
Mental health support, including for postpartum depression

A Better Way to Care for Your Crew

When you offer crew insurance with maternity benefits, you send a strong message: You care about your crew not just as employees but as people. This approach not only boosts morale but also reduces legal and logistical risk and strengthens the long-term viability of your operation.

At MHG Insurance, we work closely with yachts, crew managers, and owners to build policies that fit your vessel's needs. We'll help you understand the cost, scope, and structure of adding maternity to your policy, and we'll walk you through every step. Because when it comes to health, everyone deserves to be covered.