download The Isle of Man Maritime Group is delighted to announce that Döhle Yachts, Appleby and the Department of Economic Development (DED) are the latest group participants in the prestigious networking reception at Tower Bridge during London International Shipping Week 2017.

The Isle of Man Maritime Group is an entrepreneurial group of Isle of Man based organisations in the maritime sector who work closely together to help champion the Isle of Man as a leading international maritime services centre of excellence.

London International Shipping Week (LISW - www.londoninternationalshippingweek.com) is a must attend bi-annual event in the maritime calendar. It attracts business leaders from around the globe and from all sectors of international shipping industry.

The Group’s reception will showcase the strength of the Manx maritime cluster and the range of services which their IOM members provide. Always 'daring to be different', this time the reception will take place at the iconic Tower Bridge. This is one of London’s most internationally recognisable landmarks with stunning views over the River Thames. It will be an immense attraction to business leaders who come far and wide to attend the week-long festival.

There are now ten Isle of Man based maritime organisations participating in the Group’s event. In addition to Appleby, Döhle Yachts and the DED, the Isle of Man Ship Registry, KPMG, InterManager, MHG Insurance, Bernhard Schulte Ship Management and PDMS Registry & Regulatory Solutions are all taking part.

Commenting on the development, Isle of Man Maritime Group Chairman and PDMS Director, Bruce McGregor stated: “The maritime sector is a significant and important part of the Island’s economy, making our high profile events, which champion the sector beyond our shores, exceptionally beneficial, not just for the Island as a whole but for the individual organisations who are involved.

With the maritime sector renowned for being a dynamic and close knit community, the intangible value and impact of building close relationships with senior international contacts through this kind of event simply cannot be underestimated. At a time when people are coming to London, from all around the globe, for this conference to understand key international pressures, including the impact of Brexit on shipping, this has never been more important.

So it is really fantastic news that Döhle Yachts, Appleby and the DED are now the latest participants in the reception, bringing the total sponsors to ten. With the involvement of all these members and the exceptional location, this is sure to be our best event yet – and likely one of the highlights of the entire LISW week!”

Get involved!

Expected to attract between 150-180 luminaries from the international maritime community, as well as from London itself, the event takes place from 19:00-22:00, Wednesday 13th September 2017.

If you would like to find out more or express an interest in participating as a hosting organisation, you can do so by calling Bruce or Cameron on 01624 664000. Alternatively, please email Email Us enquiries@iom-maritime.com or visit maritime.im/contact .

The Isle of Man Maritime Group is delighted to announce that Döhle Yachts, Appleby and the Department of Economic Development (DED) are the latest group participants in the prestigious networking reception at Tower Bridge during London International Shipping Week 2017.

Auditor Looking At Document Workers’ Compensation, also known as Workers’ Comp, is usually one of the largest expenses for businesses. Since it is something that employers invest so much money into, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for your next audit, and make sure all of your ducks are in a row. The reason an audit is performed is to determine your Workers’ Compensation Insurance premium. Considering the outcome of the audit can result in drastic changes to your premium, you may want to follow these tips on how to prepare your business.

1. Gather all necessary records
To prepare for an audit, you will need to have all paperwork and documents ready and organized before the auditor arrives. They will most likely be looking for payroll records, federal tax reports, unemployment records, individual overtime payments, detailed job descriptions, and use of contractors and subcontractors along with certificates of insurance.

2. Make accurate payroll projections, and keep track throughout the policy year
When making payroll projections, you should try your best to be as calculated as you can be, especially if there are any class codes that apply to your operation. It’s also a good idea to monitor your projections during the policy year in order to know where you stand when the next audit comes around. To make it easy, set up quarterly reviews to compare your projections with your actual payroll.

3. Understand the breakdown of certain payrolls
Not all payrolls are the same. For example, if you employ a marine worker who spends half of their worktime on the water, that time will need to be kept separate from the time in the office because it is considered more risky. The same example can be used for a truck driver who splits time between an office, and on the road. Be sure to file the different payroll tasks by different job descriptions. Also, be sure to list overtime individually, because there is a good chance that overtime may have a discounted premium.

4. Check for certificates of insurance for any contractors or subcontractors
You will be required to show proof that any contractors or subcontractors that you hired had their own Workers’ Compensation Insurance, and were not covered by your company. It is also important to make sure all the dates are aligned for the time they worked for you. Without proper documentation, your company could be charged the premium for the contractor during the time you used them.

5. Be involved with the process
Don’t let them leave without reviewing their work and becoming aware of the impact that the audit could have on your business. Also, make sure you have looked over the worksheet the auditor will ask you to sign, and make sure to keep a copy for your records. If the worksheet has yet to be completed, don’t sign it! This helps keep all surprises down to a minimum.

Points to keep in mind

Dealing with an auditor may not be the friendliest experience. Don’t expect to make friends and go out for drinks after, they are only there to look at your payroll, get the figures they need, and leave. Also, it is good for you to know that most of the time, your insurance agent or broker isn’t involved in an audit unless there is a problem. If you don’t hear from us, don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about you! The auditor will contact you at the end of your period whether you have renewed or not, and at that time, it is a good idea to keep your agent in the loop of the situation.

If you have any questions, or are interested in purchasing Workers’ Compensation Insurance, other types of business insurance, or group health insurance for your employees, please contact us at 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com . Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to cover your company’s risks appropriately.

Considering the outcome of the audit can result in drastic changes to your workers' comp premium, you may want to follow these tips on how to prepare your business.

NADIA2 FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (June 7, 2017) – MHG Insurance announced today that Nadia Bedasse-Francis has joined the company’s U.S. Life & Health Division. Bedasse-Francis will provide administrative support for the division’s group clients in addition to further developing relationships in the local business community.

Prior to joining MHG, Bedasse-Francis held various positions in human resources, administration and insurance, most notably as an Independent Agent where she specialized in individual insurance products. Most recently, Bedasse-Francis worked as a call center supervisor for a national insurance company and was responsible for training and coaching agents.

“We’re fortunate to have found an experienced and qualified candidate so quickly for the Account Executive position” said Edward “Mole” Telfer, MHG’s Cruise Division Director. “Nadia’s background, service-minded spirit and outgoing personality make her a great fit for the division and I’m very happy to welcome her to the company.”

MHG Insurance has been providing insurance guidance and solutions since 1991. The company has established an unrivalled reputation for providing quality insurance products that meet clients’ coverage requirements and budget.

About MHG Insurance

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance is an independent, global, full service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, property and casualty insurance and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S., MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com

MHG Insurance Brokers announced today that Nadia Bedasse-Francis has joined the company’s U.S. Life & Health Division.

iomsf The Isle of Man SuperYacht Forum will host a special presentation and panel discussion on some of the hottest and most current topics in the superyacht industry next month.

In addition to updating the audience on the latest developments in the Forum's activities and services, the event will feature a preview presentation on the new Red Ensign Code, an amalgamation of the existing Large Yacht Code and the Passenger Yacht Code, which is due to be officially launched at the Monaco Yacht Show; and the Isle of Man Ship Registry will also present its new "Pleasure Yacht Plus" service.

However, the real "hot topics" will be deliberated during an in-depth panel discussion on what happens when a superyacht has a crisis to resolve.

Using a number of case histories, a panel of industry specialists will cover topics such as fires, tender accidents, terrorist incidents, grounding, oil spillage, crew and passenger issues.

The event Chairman and Moderator will be Martin Redmayne, Editor-in-Chief of The Superyacht Group, who will lead the panel’s discussions on how to manage a superyacht in crisis, including: who is responsible; the chain of command; liaison with captains, owner's representative, brokers, insurance and legal representatives; flag state; security; salvage and press issues. The debate will then be opened to the audience for Q&As.

Commenting on the forthcoming event, Chairman of the Forum, Andy Roy said: "The Isle of Man SuperYacht Forum has held several presentations and receptions over the years, in London and Monaco. This event is very different to those that we have hosted previously. We will be discussing several highly-topical issues relevant to the industry today and we are looking forward to welcoming delegates to an event which will be both interesting and highly informative."

The event is being held at the Mermaid Theatre, Blackfriars in London on 29 June 2017, from 3:00pm and will be followed by a networking cocktail reception sponsored by the Shipowners’ Club.

Places, which are strictly limited, may be booked by emailing: pr@iomsf.im.

-END-


Notes to Editor:

About the Isle of Man Superyacht Forum

The Isle of Man Superyacht Forum was founded in 2004 to promote the services of companies based on the Island to the yachting sector.

For many years, the Isle of Man has been both recognised and respected as a jurisdiction for ship management. Since the adoption of the Large Yacht Code in 2003, the Island has become a centre of excellence for the registration, management and administration of Superyachts and many of today’s industry standards and recognised best practices were initiated and implemented by members of the Forum, who currently have more than 30 members providing the highest level of service to one of the most demanding industries in the world.

For more information about the Isle of Man Superyacht Forum visit www.iomsf.im or contact:

Contact Details:

Lesley-Anne Johnston

PR & Marketing, The Isle of Man Superyacht Forum

Tel: +44 1624 651714

pr@iomsf.im

The Isle of Man SuperYacht Forum will host a special presentation and panel discussion on some of the hottest and most current topics in the superyacht industry next month.

employee raising their hand during a company benefit review

Today, employers are faced with more challenges than ever before regarding rising health insurance costs and the responsibility to provide employees with affordable coverage. The present climate among the health insurance industry doesn’t help, since no one really knows what the future holds regarding pre-existing conditions, tax penalties, etc. Luckily, many of these question marks don’t apply to group health insurance, however that doesn’t change the fact that rates are continuing to increase. If your company is facing a group health insurance renewal, be sure to follow these tips to help with a smooth renewal process that keeps all parties happy.

  1. Know Your Benefits

    When dealing with an impending renewal, it is important to know the details of your current plan, which can be difficult for someone who is not familiar with insurance lingo. If you aren’t familiar with the benefits you have, then it will be hard to follow tip #2. It’s also important to mention that if you are having difficulty understanding certain aspects of your current plan, reach out to your agent so that you can become totally familiar with it.

  2. Plans and Rates Change

    Insurance plans and rates are changing more now than ever before. One of the issues this presents is that someone who wasn’t completely familiar with their plan before, won’t recognize the changes being made and the impact it will have on the group. Do your research and learn all the small details that will be changing. Also, just because your insurance carrier is changing your plan, doesn’t mean you must stick with what they give you. You can shop around plans and compare details assure all your coverage needs are being met and to assure that you aren’t exceeding your budget.

  3. Listen to Employee Feedback

    Listening to your employees is an important part of the process. While employees may demand the best coverage available, there are certain aspects that may stand out amongst the group such as lower co-pays and deductibles. After all, the purpose of offering a group health insurance plan is to create an attractive work environment that promotes a happy, dedicated, and workforce.

  4. Look for Wellness Programs

    Many of the insurance carriers now have programs in place that promote wellness amongst the group. These programs typically require employee participation, but may reimburse you a percentage of the premium you pay based on the level of employee participation. There are also incentives for employees to participate as there are online rewards stores that employees can spend the points they earn. Some examples of ways to earn points include going to the doctor, exercising, and taking online health quizzes.

  5. Consider Gap Insurance

    While plans with higher deductibles and/or higher copays can effectively keep health care costs in check, conscientious employers may be concerned that these HPHC plans will leave their employees facing financial burdens they will be unable to meet. Gap insurance plans give employers a way to provide their employees with a financial safety net. Having a gap insurance in place could very well provide your employees with better coverage than a top-notch insurance plan, while also saving you money by not paying high premiums for said plan.

Sometimes there are things in your plan that you don’t understand, or words that you have never heard before. When going through the renewal process it is important to have regular contact with your insurance agent for all your needs to be met. Your well-being is important to us, and part of that is making sure you are properly taken care of. Here at MHG, we have a team of experienced insurance specialists that can offer advice, guidance, and assistance on what would be the best fit for your employee group based on your budget. You may find an article I wrote titled Small Group Insurance Options Are the Way to Go helpful.

Another good resource for information regarding employee group benefits can be found on our Life and Health Insurance pages. We'll gladly answer any questions you may have click or call us at +1 954 828 1819. or worldwide local telelphone numbers or click MHG Insurance for more information regarding MHG.

If your company is facing a group health insurance renewal, be sure to follow these tips to help with a smooth renewal process that keeps all parties happy.

marine contractor working on a ship's hull while dry docked at a shipyardGetting injured on the job is a nightmare for all parties involved. Even more so when that injury prohibits you from being able to work. That’s where workers’ compensation insurance comes in, to protect workers and employers in the event of an injury. Having a workers’ comp policy in place is even more crucial in the marine industry thanks to certain rules and regulations put in place to protect workers and those who are at risk. Depending on what category your business or work falls into, it may not be up to the business owner or decision maker to decide whether they need a workers’ comp policy. Thanks to the United States Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA also known as USL&H), those who work in the maritime industry and fall into certain categories, will have coverage that is required by the federal government, not just the state. Having peace of mind when it comes to coverage can help rid your life of the question, “What’s going to happen to me if I’m injured at work?”

What Is It?

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act is a law that was put in place by the United States federal government to assure the coverage and minimize the impact of injuries and death for employees and their families in the marine industry. It’s no secret that those who work in the marine industry can be seen as higher risk employees due to the jobs they perform. This law requires employers to provide sufficient workers’ compensation coverage since it is often a major expense for most businesses.

What Does It Do?

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provides workers’ compensation for anyone working in a marina or on the water. It protects you from injury and occupational disease while on the job. Benefits are only available to those maritime employees who meet certain criteria known as a “Status” and “Situs” test.

Status Test- The Status Test is associated with the with the work that is performed by the employee. Basically, the test decides whether you are performing “maritime” work. This is important because to be eligible for benefits under the act, it must be determined that employees are performing “maritime” work for the employer.

Situs Test- The Situs Test is associated with the location that the employee has performed the work. After determining whether a worker is a maritime employee, they then must determine if the work was performed on, near, or adjacent to navigable water.

How Does This Benefit Me?

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act gives employees to the power to file claims for injuries that happen while at the workplace. Much of workers’ comp is through state legislation, however being that this one is administered federally, you can have the option to use both your state’s system as well as the federal system, just not at the same time. The Federal Process is a lengthy one, but it’s good to know the coverage is there for when the employees need it. The state coverage can provide benefits while the federal reviews the benefits available under the USL&H laws.

Workers’ compensation insurance should be a top priority for all businesses. If you would like more information on workers’ comp or the LHWCA, or are interested in purchasing a workers’ comp policy, or any other form of property & casualty insurance, or group health insurance for your employees, please contact us at 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to cover your company’s risks appropriately.

Having a workers’ comp policy in place is crucial in the marine industry. Read more to find out why!

CEO of a business talking and giving a speech to his employees As a successful business, you know how important it is to attract and retain top employees. Unfortunately, that is something that we have found to be a major issue among businesses, especially where unique skills and qualifications are required which limit the potential to replace workers. The good news is there are several objectives you can layout to help change the culture within your company, and create one that encourages employee performance and retention. One that you should focus on is employee benefits. Having a proper strategy regarding employee benefits can help your company in several ways. While initially it may seem like offering benefits can add another expense, you should be looking at it as being an investment, here’s why.

Stand Out from the Pack

According to MetLife 59% of employees say that health and wellness benefits are important for increasing loyalty to their employer. Yet according to Zane Benefits, “only 54% of small and medium sized businesses (with fewer than 200 employees) even offer traditional health insurance.” Employees who feel as if they are well taken care of will go above and beyond to pay it back to the company they work for. While employees should be working smarter, not harder, the extra effort can go a long way into the success of your business.

Another way that having good benefits for workers will change your business for the better is by attracting the top employees in your industry or field. The top talent comes at a top price, and while you may be willing to pay them a handsome salary, they often look for more than what is on their pay stub.

Investment not Expense

Good work place benefits will help to keep dedicated workers and the top talent in your organization. They will be less inclined to go look elsewhere for something they aren’t getting, which lowers your turnover and training expenses. According to Zane Benefits, The cost of employee turnover is estimated at the equivalent of 6 to 9 months’ salary. Other studies predict that cost is even more, as high as 2x their annual salary. So instead of looking at it as creating more expenses for business, look at the bigger picture of how your overall expenses can even out while your company gains a good reputation and builds a loyal and dedicated work force.

Promote Wellness

Many of the insurance benefits that companies are implementing include various wellness programs. These programs promote wellness amongst your employees and their families, and reward them for taking the steps necessary to ensure peak health. Another aspect that should be noted, the right benefit mix can assist to lower absenteeism due to illness, and increase productivity. If your workers aren’t provided with good insurance, they are then left to take matters in to their own hands. Therefore, if they aren’t encouraged to visit the doctor or take care of themselves, it may result in less people showing up to work.

Another great benefit of instilling a wellness program is that it can often save your company money when it comes to premiums. If a certain amount of your employees buy into the program and participate, you may reduce the overall cost. According to Rand Corporation, “the two component programs (life style management and disease management) reduced employer’s average health care costs by about $30 per member per month.” That can quickly add up to several thousands of dollars in savings per year!

It should also be known that employees who participate in these programs also receive benefits. Based on tasks they complete such as annual physicals, exercising, etc., they earn rewards points that can be used to purchase items such as gift cards from a rewards website.

We Can Help

Having dedicated and talented workers who aren’t looking for greener grass somewhere else is a recipe for a successful and thriving business, and we can help! If you are the decision maker of your company and are curious about insurance benefit packages including small group insurance, contact us at 800-817-5598 or emailing domesticsupport@mhginsurance.com.

Even if you are an employee at a small business who is struggling with finding affordable individual health insurance, present this to your company to see if this is something they are interested in. Remember, our team of insurance specialists are here to help and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Sometimes there are things in your plan that you don’t understand, or words that you have never heard before. Your well-being is important to us, and part of that is making sure you are properly taken care of. 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.

As a successful business, you know how important it is to attract and retain top employees. Read more to learn how to do so.

Marine Contractor working on a ship in a shipyard No matter what type of business you have, every company has unique needs when it comes to liability protection. Especially if your business is conducted near or on the water, such as marinas and shipyards. Marine general liability coverage is necessary for businesses of this nature, however there are some business owners who aren’t aware of the difference between Marine General Liability and Commercial General Liability. So, let’s look at a few reasons why you might need a Marine General Liability policy (MGL) over a Commercial General Liability policy (CGL).

Define the Difference

One easy way to understand what type of policy best suits your business is by defining the different types of insurance.

Commercial General Liability policies protect business owners against third party claims for bodily injury, property damage, damage to premises, fire damage to premises caused by negligence of the insured, and personal and advertising injury (slander and false advertising). These policies are designed for business that conduct their operations on land only. Most contain specific exclusions for work done on watercraft and any work done over water. The standard Commercial General Liability policy will also not extend liability for anyone operating a watercraft or for damage to a watercraft that is in the insured’s care, custody, or control.

Marine General Liability policies will respond to a third party claim for liability in the same way as a Commercial General Liability policy and they will also include coverages designed specifically for those who work at sea. These policies include coverage for marine contractors and others who work on or near water. They provide coverage for the typical liability risks that businesses incur, which are covered in a standard commercial general liability policy, and may be endorsed to offer additional, more specific protection that addresses the more unique needs and potential risks associated with maritime operation, such as:

  • Liability when renting or leasing a boat or watercraft. Protection includes property damage to the vessel, as well as pier damage;
  • Liability and hazards faced by marina operators, and includes property and structure damage protection;
  • Liability met by terminal operators against loss or damage of cargo;
  • Liability met by operators and owners of piers or wharves, covering damage to property of others while in their custody, including tugs, tows, cargo and equipment.

Many are Uninsured or Underinsured

Companies may try to save money by choosing a policy with a lower premium. The problem they often face is that they may be purchasing a policy that specifically excludes the work they do on a daily basis. Even if you spend the majority of your time working on land, one project on a ship or over water might lead to a claim that is not covered by a standard Commercial General Liability policy. Your insurance broker should consider your risks, as working around water means specific coverages are needed.

Custom Plans are Available

Marine General Liability coverage can be tailored to include hull and P&I, international liability, contractor’s equipment, and more.  It is essential to seek the advice and information from a trusted, knowledgeable broker, such as MHG Insurance Brokers. The team at MHG Insurance Brokers is well versed in the risks and coverage requirements of those who work in the industry. MHG Insurance Brokers works with you to determine your specific needs and budget, and will create a comprehensive liability package that will meet every one of those needs.

Having the proper insurance coverage is crucial for the success of any business, and every business needs coverage specific for its characteristics. If you have any more questions, would like further explanation, want to change your general liability policy to a marine general liability policy, or are interested in any other form of business insurance, please contact us by calling 954-828-1819 or visiting mhginsurance.com. We look forward to assisting you with all your insurance needs.

Let’s look at a few reasons why you might need a Marine General Liability policy, over a Commercial General Liability policy.

Life Insurance Money Saving TipsSaving money is something everyone should be interested in. Especially when it comes to insurance premiums. That is even more the case when it comes to life insurance premiums. In many cases, life insurance is viewed as a luxury. We couldn’t agree less as it should be a necessity, no matter what stage of life you are in. But, that doesn’t stop us from helping people and advising them on ways they could potentially save money, which may motivate them to get the insurance coverage they need. If you have been looking to get a life insurance policy but are turned off by the cost, the following tips may help you get the life insurance coverage to protect your loved ones.

Do Your Research

There are several different types of life insurance policies, but the main two are whole life insurance and term life insurance. Whole life insurance will offer you coverage for the duration of your life, and offers many other benefits. Term life insurance offers you coverage for a period of time, such as 25 years. While having a whole life policy may offer better and more complete coverage, a term life policy tends to have a lower premium.

In addition to figuring out what type of policy you are looking for, you should also look at different companies. Shop around and try to find which insurance company will give you the best deal.

Stop Smoking

It’s no secret that smoking is bad for health, and the healthier you are, the lower your premium will likely be. Insurance companies base your price on risk. Since smoking causes several different diseases, you will be seen as a higher risk client which will then increase the premium you must pay.

Get Insured at a Young Age

Just like with smoking, the older a person is the more likely they are to develop health problems. This should incentivize you to get coverage when you are young and seen as less of a risk. Many people wait to get life insurance to save money in the meantime. However, you will save money in the long run by getting life insurance now!

Get the Proper Coverage Amount

One of the items that dictate the cost of your insurance policy is the pay-out. Some people want a lot of coverage because they see a large number, however you can calculate how much coverage you need! While having a million-dollar life insurance policy is great, you may be able to cover everything and everyone you wanted at half that amount. Talk to your insurance agent to help you formulate a plan and get an idea of everything you should be covering.

There are many things to take into consideration when making the decision of which type of policy is best for you, your family, or loved ones.  Are you interested in purchasing Life Insurance or International Life Insurance? Would you like some more information regarding Life Insurance options that are available to you? Would you like to ask some questions to a Life Insurance expert? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, please contact us 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com and talk to one of our insurance specialists for help in selecting Life Insurance and other coverage to ensure that you and your loved ones have the protection you need at every stage of life.

If you have been looking to get a life insurance policy but are turned off by the cost, the following tips may help you get the life insurance coverage to protect your loved ones.

Why it’s Great to be an Expat in Fort Lauderdale! You know what they say about real estate, “location, location, location!” There are few better locations to live than in sunny South Florida, Fort Lauderdale to be specific. Minutes away from the beach, vibrant downtown city life, and a growing suburb population, Fort Lauderdale has everything you are looking for in a place to call home.

One of the most glaring is the amazing weather. There is a reason people from colder climates come to South Florida during the winter months. How would you like to live where people vacation? Also, one of the great features of Fort Lauderdale is that it is centrally located in South Florida, between Miami and West Palm Beach. Fort Lauderdale also has a growing number of expatriates and as more and more companies are opening branches and headquarters here, as this area is a link to South America and the Caribbean.

If you are ready to become an expatriate, or are just looking to relocate, Fort Lauderdale should be a city you consider for many reasons.

What to Do

Fort Lauderdale has something for everyone. Are you an outdoors person? You can visit the everglades and go on a hike to see wildlife that you can’t see anywhere else in the world. Go on a fishing trip, saltwater or fresh water. Go camping in one of the nature parks throughout the area.

Looking for something more relaxing? Visit one of the many museums in the city, take in a show at the Broward Center for Performing Arts. Enjoy a day catching some rays at the beach.

Are you a sports fan? Attend a game of one of the many professional and collegiate athletic teams in South Florida. The options are endless. World famous restaurants, world renowned shopping, no matter what you enjoy doing in your spare time, Fort Lauderdale has it!

Business Side

Like many metropolitan areas, Fort Lauderdale has many different professions to choose from. But one profession in particular that brings people from around the world is yachting! Fort Lauderdale is known as the yachting capital of the world, and with that title comes great maritime presence. It just so happens that the city is also home to a very popular port for cruise ships, and is a short car ride away from many of the cruise line’s headquarters.

Before relocating to another country, trying to find expatriate health insurance coverage on your own can be a daunting task. Not to mention the checklist you must complete before leaving. For help developing a checklist, read our previous blog, “Expat Checklist before the Big Move.”

Many of us at MHG are expats ourselves and we understand the global insurance needs of international businesses, and individuals and families living and working around the world. Our Insurance Specialists have the experience, knowledge, and access to multiple international insurance carriers to find you the most suitable plan based on your budget and future plans. Our commitment to your well-being does not end once you have purchased a plan; through our “Concierge Broker Service”, we will continue to assist you with questions about your policy and provide assistance throughout the claims process. Call us at +1 954-828-1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com for help finding expatriate insurance coverage for you, your family or business!

There are few better locations to live as an expat than in sunny South Florida, Fort Lauderdale to be specific. Read more to learn why!