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.

Many people consider chartering a yacht one of the most luxurious ways to go on a vacation, or see different parts of the world. Sailing the open seas while having a crew cater to your needs can be the ultimate way to relax.  But what if something comes up and you can no longer go on the vacation of a lifetime? Or you need to reschedule? Things come up all the time, and there is no better way to protect yourself from the unexpected than getting the proper insurance coverage. Who wants to pay all that money for a trip that they can't even go on?

Things Go Wrong

Based on life experiences, it is safe to say that at some point in life things won’t always go as planned. 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. There is no need for something to go wrong and ruin your plans. Vacations are about having fun and creating memories, not headaches that could have been avoided if you had trip cancellation insurance!

Protect Your Investment

Success isn’t reached without a proper management of risk, so don't let your investment go unprotected! Many of your assets such as your business, home, cars, and other items have the protection they need in case of an unexpected issue. There is no reason that your vacation shouldn’t have similar protection as well.

Can No Longer Go on the Trip

For some, going on an extravagant trip like chartering a yacht can be a large expense. There are many different obstacles that can arise that may keep you from being able to go on your trip. Here is just one example.

You have decided to charter a yacht for you and your family to visit a few islands in the Caribbean. The total cost of your trip let’s say is $50,000. The day before you leave for the trip, you become ill and need to go to the hospital. You have a bad case of the flu and need to stay in bed for a few days, just in time for your vacation. Clearly, not a good time to be on vacation, so there goes $50,000 down the drain. Unless you have the proper trip cancellation insurance!

What Will Be Covered?

Typically, a good trip cancellation insurance plan should protect you from many issues that may come up causing you to cancel your plans. Some of the items covered are usually injury or illness, natural disasters, property damage, traffic accidents, schedule conflicts, theft, etc. 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.

Liability is often unavoidable in life, which is why you need to have protection in all stages of life. Our ‘concierge service’ can assist you in finding the proper coverage for all aspects of your life. Our insurance specialists have the experience and knowledge to get you the best life insurance, health insurance, marine crew insurance,marine general liability insurance, business insurance, expatriate insurance, or travel insurance for your budget.

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 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.

It’s no secret that the United States is home to one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world, and with these costs come some consequences. Hearing about someone having to file for bankruptcy can bring some assumptions that they mismanaged their finances, lived beyond their means, or made some bad decisions regarding investments. While all of those theories are possible, chances are the person had some unexpected medical bills that they could not afford to pay. So hear in lies the question, “Do I receive medical attention and risk my entire savings account, or do I make a financial decision that is less risky?”

For Example…

Here in the U.S. a visit to the Emergency Room can cost thousands of dollars, there is even a story that has been circulating of a mother who accidentally cut her one-year-old daughter’s finger while clipping her nails. Since her daughter was so young, they decided to be extra careful and took her to the ER in case she needed stiches or any other special treatment. Turns out she only needed a band aid, however the trip to the ER totaled almost $700! While medical bills may be the leading cause of bankruptcies in the U.S., many of those that file for bankruptcy actually could have avoided doing so had they taken the proper steps and precautions. Education is key to knowing what financial impact you may face before seeking medical treatment.

I’m sure we all know someone who has had to battle health issues and conditions, however there’s a good chance we don’t get to see the struggle that person has to deal with financially, only the struggle of them fighting to get better.

Use a Broker

Using an insurance broker may give you an advantage because brokers work for you, not the insurance company. Many times they will assist you in filing claims and dealing with paperwork that you aren’t familiar with and they can often guide you toward minimizing your out of pocket costs.

Find Someone You Can Trust

While using a broker can help you in finding the best insurance coverage for your budget, it also helps to find someone you can trust. You are relying on this person or company to fully protect you, so trust is important.

Change Your Mindset

Nowadays many people tend to think of health insurance as something that the government is forcing you to purchase, however you should try to think of it as an investment into your health. The cornerstone of insurance is to protect you financially; wouldn’t you rather pay a monthly premium than having to clear out your savings account if you get sick? Instead of thinking of insurance as buyer beware. Think of medical expenses as buyer beware.

MHG is here to help and provide assistance with all of your insurance needs. Whether you are looking for marine crew insurance, health insurance, life insurance, travel insurance, expatriate insurance or insurance for your business, we have the experience and knowledge to help you find the right policy. Please contact us at +1 954-828-1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. Let our insurance specialists find you, your family, or group, the best insurance available for your budget.

When looking for a job, many people put just as much importance on the benefits the job offers as they do on salary. This is because sometimes those benefits help increase the amount of our salary we can take home, by saving money on health insurance or not having to purchase as much life insurance. People like to feel taken care of, and working at a company that offers great benefits can create a loyal workforce. However, there are still things people need to consider when it comes to their insurance benefits. 

Health Insurance

In most cases, if you could have a choice between individual health insurance and group health insurance, you should choose group health insurance. One reason is being part of a group plan offered through your employer may be less expensive for you than purchasing your own individual plan. That is because your employer is required contribute at least 50% towards your premium. Also, you should note that networks for group plans are much larger than networks for individual plans. One thing to be aware of when using a company sponsored health insurance plan is that you may lose insurance coverage if you lose your job. There are options that can allow you to keep your coverage, but it will be more expensive. 

Life Insurance

There are some companies who will offer their employees life insurance coverage as a benefit. Typically the policy has a low face value. $10,000 and $15,000 are common. Some may think that they don’t need to purchase their own life insurance policy because it is offered through their work, however, you still should have your own policy for several different reasons. One reason is if you were to ever leave your current job, you would lose that life insurance policy. If you have people that depend on you, having your own life insurance could be just what your family needs. Even if you happen to stay at your job, the policy may be too low, and may not cover all of your needs and debts if something were to happen to you prematurely.

Disability Insurance

Disability insurance is a great way for your employer to give you and your family the coverage you need in the event you develop an illness or sustain and injury and are unable to work. It’s important to know whether your employer offers a short-term or long-term disability insurance plan. If your company offers short-term disability insurance, you may want to think about purchasing a long-term disability insurance plan in case you are unable to work for two or more years. If your company offers long-term disability insurance, you may want to think about purchasing a short-term disability insurance plan to give yourself coverage until the long term coverage kicks in.

Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to assist and guide you, your family, or group to the best coverage 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.

Are you tired of having to turn down vacation invitations from friends and family because you don’t have a passport? It’s time to get a valid passport so that you can live your life to the fullest. The world is a big place, and not being able to leave your home country because you don’t have proper documentation should no longer be keeping you from seeing and visiting every location you have dreamed of. Having a passport is becoming a necessity more and more. For one, you used to be able to go on a cruise without a passport as long as you had valid identification, but that is no longer enough in today’s world. So follow these steps to help get you on your way to getting a valid United States passport, and get you one step closer to seeing the world!

1. Gather the proper documentation 

In order to apply for a U.S. passport, you will need to have the proper documentation: proof of citizenship and proof of identity. There are many forms you can use to prove both of these. To prove citizenship, you can use expired passports, a birth certificate for those born in the United States, or a Certificate of Citizenship for those born outside the U.S. To prove your identity, you can use expired passports, driver’s license, military ID, or other identification items that include your photo and signature.

2. Take a passport photo

A passport photo is different than a normal photograph. To make things easy, many drug stores or places that process photos can take them for you for a small fee. And I know what you are thinking, no “selfies” allowed.

3. Fill out appropriate forms

There are forms that you will have to fill out, and for most people that form is a DS-11 form. You can find this form online, print it out, and fill it in. Or you can fill it out in person when you go to the local passport authority.

4. Submit documentation and forms in person

For those that are applying for their first passport, you will have to apply in-person. You can apply at your local passport authority including most city halls, public libraries, and post offices. For those that are renewing their passport, in most cases it can be done through mail.

5. Pay the fee

A first time passport for a U.S. adult is $135. It is less money if you are renewing a passport, $110. A first time passport for a minor (under age 16) is $115.

Tips

It is important to note that you should apply for a passport well in advance of your travel arrangements. The process can take a couple of months, so plan accordingly. Also, it is a good idea to keep track of your application status online by visiting the official website. The reason being is that you only have 90 days from the application date in order to report that your passport has not arrived. Otherwise you will need to go through the entire application process again.

We wish 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 have the experience to assist you in selecting the right plan for you and/or your family for the best value. 

Captain: “Is everyone ready to set sail?” If you are a member of a yacht crew, hopefully you will never have to think twice about whether or not you are ready to leave shore. Don’t find yourself in a situation where you forget something, or aren’t fully prepared to be at sea for an extended period of time. Follow our list to assist you when preparing for the next time you leave shore.

1. Passport

It is important to confirm that your passport is valid before leaving shore. Not only does it have to be valid on the dates for which you are expected to visit another country, but in some cases there are countries that require your passport to be valid long after you are expected to be there. This may be because they want you to be prepared for the unexpected. For example, if you are stranded and must stay longer than originally expected, there will be no worries about whether your passport has expired.

2. Immunizations & Local Health Hazards 

Make sure all of your immunizations and vaccines are up to date. While you may know where you are headed, it is common for yachts to make unexpected stops. So it is a good idea to be updated with the vaccines of the entire area you are going to. Also, research and prepare for any medical conditions, viruses, etc. that are prevalent in the area. For example, the Chikungunya Virus which is spread by mosquitoes is spreading throughout the Caribbean. If you will be in that area, be sure to heave plenty of mosquito repellent, and wear the necessary protective clothing.

3. Locations

There is a chance that you will be heading to a place that you have never been to before. Do your research, and try to become familiar with the location. Learn any major roads or landmarks that can help you navigate the area. Know where medical facilities are located. Also, your guests may ask you for some assistance with directions, or advice on any activities and excursions that the location has to offer.

4. Emergencies 

Familiarizing yourself with the emergency procedures of certain situations is always a good idea before leaving shore. Even more so if this is your first trip, or have recently switched vessels. Different yachts can have different procedures and rules, so prepare yourself for any unexpected issues that may arise.

5. Insurance 

Even though this is the last thing on our list, it is the most important! Having the right health insurance coverage is critical when abroad. Anything can happen no matter where you are in the world, so having the proper coverage can be the difference between financial peace of mind, and financial disaster. There are many yacht owners who have the entire crew under one plan, however if you are required to find your own insurance, don’t hesitate to give us a call! 

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, or would like some advice, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. 

Losing a loved one is a reality that we all dread. No one wants to get that phone call that forces them to begin the grieving process. With so many things crossing your mind, the last thing you may want to be thinking about is what the next step is in order to receive a death benefit from the deceased’s life insurance. Yet, there is a process you must go through to attain the payout which may help you when it comes to funeral costs, paying the bills, or putting money away for the kids. 

Where Do I Start?

Locate the policy for specific information about who to contact. It’s a good idea to keep the policies in a place that is easy to find. Once located, contact the insurance company and they should assign an agent to assist you through the steps you need to take in order to submit the claim. If life insurance was provided as a benefit from his or her employer, then contact the employer for the information. The policy will also tell you how much you can expect to be paid.

What Information Will I Need?

You will need to obtain the death certificate as well as any other necessary documents. All documents must be originals or notarized copies. Once all the paperwork is filled out and the documents are sent in, the insurance company will begin to process your claim.

How Long Can it Take to Process? 

Generally, the processing time is quick. Companies want to help those in need as quickly as they can. However, if any of the forms are not filled out correctly or the documentation is wrong, the claims process can turn into a lengthy one.

Are There Different Collection Options? 

There are different ways to collect the benefit. You can receive it in a lump sum, receive it in installments, or leave it to collect interest. Keep in mind that all payouts will be tax free. So if you are trying to avoid paying higher taxes by not selecting to receive the payout in a lump sum, it’s not necessary because you will receive the entire amount.

Can My Claim Be Denied? 

If the insurance company discovers that you were withholding information about a medical condition, there is a good chance your claim will be denied. That’s why it is crucial for you to disclose all information when buying the policy. Also, the insurance company can deny your claim based on the manner of death by the insured. Policies have a list of scenarios that will explain what can get your claim denied, so read the policy and follow directions! If you suspect that the deceased had a life insurance policy, but are unsure, contact the American Council of Life Insurance (ACLI). For a fee, they will investigate and try to locate the policy.

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.