At MHG Insurance Brokers we specialize in insurance plans designed specifically to meet the needs of marine employers, shipboard officers and crew, and contractors and concessionaires.  Because of the unique needs of individuals and groups at sea, choosing an insurance broker that understands the lifestyle and work environment is essential. 

Services offered by MHG can be tailored according to each employer’s needs with the secure knowledge that they are marine specific and supported by a team experienced in the marine environment. With our extensive market relationships and experience in the industry, we offer sound, independent advice as to which insurance and financial services providers and products are best suited to address the needs of individuals and employers.

Marine insurance solutions include private international health insurance, vacation health insurance, disability income, life insurance, short-term health insurance and retirement savings plans. Here is more information on the plans we offer.

MHG provides private international health insurance to all nationalities. Our extensive market relationships permit the design of international group medical plans that are tailored to each employer's specific philosophy and compensation needs. MHG also offers various benefit packages that can be combined for groups located in the US.

MHG offers short-term health insurance for contractors and concessionaires which provides coverage for emergency medical treatment, emergency medical evacuation, should the local facilities be inadequate and a number of other benefits. For groups requiring coverage for employees while on vacation, we can customize a plan to fit your needs.

Disability Income is an effective risk management tool for employers that not only enhances the value of compensation packages for employees but also provides peace of mind.  It can provide protection against loss of income in the event an employee becomes temporarily or permanently disabled while at work or on vacation. Coverage is available to groups of five or more and can be customized to fit your budget and benefit needs. With worldwide coverage for disability due to accident or sickness, these plans also allow you to select a waiting period and benefit amount while typically not requiring underwriting.

Let MHG Insurance Brokers provide you and your employees with peace of mind.  Group life insurance offers employees comfort knowing that in the event of their death their loved ones will receive financial support for ongoing expenses, funeral arrangements or children's education. For employers, group life insurance is a cost-efficient benefit because it is highly valued by employees.

MHG's investment team is able to provide cost effective, flexible benefit retirement savings plans which will help recruit, retain and motivate staff while providing the employer with maximum value for each dollar spent. As your specialist plan manager, MHG's role would normally involve consultancy, plan design, independent brokerage, investment planning and communication, installation and administration of the plan. We also provide consultancy and plan management services for employers with existing plans.

With over 20 years of experience focused on the welfare of crew, MHG has the knowledge to advise the cruise industry about its insurance needs.  Please contact us today at +1 954 828 1819 for more information on any of the services we provide.

If you are attending Cruise Shipping Miami March 13th-15th at the Miami Beach Convention Center, please feel free to stop by our booth #1893 located in the Ship Services and Hotel Operations section. Join us for a glass of wine during our reception on Wednesday, March 14th from 2pm-5pm.  If you still need tickets for Cruise Shipping Miami, avoid the $100 fee and register as our guest for complimentary tickets to the Exhibition Hall.

In a victory for the Obama administration, the 6^th U.S. Circuit of Appeals, based in Cincinnati, “upheld a key provision in the health care reform law that will require most U.S. residents to enroll in a qualified plan or pay a fine,” this past Wednesday, reports Business Insurance. 

 

Experts expect the issue to be examined by the Supreme Court either later this year or next year, around the time when President Barack Obama will seek re-election. The proposed provision, which aims to extend coverage to over 30 million uninsured Americans, will require U.S. residents to enroll in a health insurance plan beginning in 2014 or face a fine. 

Opposition is implied, as Republicans have sought to have the law repealed in Congress, state legislatures and federal courts. In addition, two federal judges have ruled the law unconstitutional and The Thomas More Law Center in Michigan previously argued that Congress could not regulate how U.S. residents pay for health care or insurance. However, a federal judge in Michigan ruled that the law was legal and the group repealed. 

The implications of the insurance mandate spell trouble for health insurers, hospitals, drugmakers and device companies. As government explores different avenues in which to improve the current health care crisis, millions of Americans continue to search for affordable health care services.

MHG Insurance employs passionate and knowledgeable insurance experts who provide sound advice on the most appropriate health insurance plan for individuals and families according to their unique financial situation.  Contact us today at the location nearest you for more information.

You’re a member of a yacht crew because you love travel, challenge and adventure. From setting sail to exotic destinations and scuba diving in some of the most beautiful oceans in the world, to the innumerable perks of a great salary, life as a crew member comes with countless benefits. But with every incredible job comes some degree of risk, and for yacht crew, it’s being without the proper insurance to protect against on-the-job injuries and to help pay for doctor visits when overseas.  

 

Many first-time crew members mistakenly assume that their existing native health insurance plan will cover them when they’re at sea. More often than not, your home country’s policy will not protect you in international waters. 

If you become sick or injured during your time at sea, you will need to secure marine crew insurance to help ease the financial burden of doctor visits. Avoid expensive hospital bills in foreign countries by choosing the right yacht crew insurance policy for your unique circumstances. 

Not sure which marine crew insurance policy to buy? One of the most important factors to consider in this decision is which nation you’ll be working in.

There are two main types of marine crew insurance plans: one that covers workers in U.S. and Canadian waters, and another that covers every other country’s waters.

MHG Insurance offers a wide range of yacht crew insurance plans and international medical insurance for expatriates. Our customizable plans offer coverage for European crew members, those wishing to avoid the fees associated with maternity coverage, those seeking portable international medical insurance, members looking for dependent coverage and many more. Life as a crew member offers many glamorous perks. Take advantage of the benefits while being aware of the risks and protect yourself before you board ship with a quality marine crew insurance plan.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 70 percent of people over the age of 65 require long-term care services. Most Americans mistakenly believe that their Medicare coverage will pay for most of their long-term care, or that they will qualify to receive Medicaid – but most do not. 

 

There are also other federal public programs like the Older Americans Act or other state-funded programs, but as with many federal aid programs, they target those with the greatest functional and financial need. 

So how can you start planning for long-term care services now? There’s a good chance you will have to supplement the payments for long-term care with your personal income and resources, and this can be particularly difficult – “Even if you have a modest need for assistance at home with personal care, say a visit from a home health aide 3 times a week, based on 2008 average costs, you would have to pay about $18,000 a year for those services,” says the HHS long-term care website. 

To formulate the best strategy for planning, you need to know what services cost, what public programs you’re eligible for and what they cover, what private financing options are available and which ones work best for you and your unique circumstances. Costs for personal care beyond what family can provide, disability support, and more extensive services in a facility can add up quickly, and vary based on the type and amount of care you need, the provider you use and where you live. “Home health and home care services, provided in two-to-four-hour blocks of time referred to as "visits," are generally more expensive in the evening, or on weekends or holidays,” reports the HHS. 

The cost of adult day service and other community programs are often provided on a per-day rate, and can vary based on overhead and programming costs. Although some care facilities offer “all-inclusive” fees, many charge extra for services rendered beyond the basic room-and-board charge. 

For more information, like what care costs bases on where you live, visit the National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information website . MHG Marine offers a variety of comprehensive long-term care insurance plans to help you finance care services. Medicaid covers a fraction of these costs, and many people cannot afford to draw from their personal income or resources to cover the remainder. Securing quality long-term-care insurance is a great way to ease the financial burden of long-term care costs. Contact an expert at the location nearest you to learn more about long-term care medical insurance.

Healthcare reform continues to make headlines, as new mandates make their way to the Supreme Court. Although the Affordable Care Act became law on March 23^rd of 2010, it is still waiting to be reviewed by the Supreme Court. On Wednesday, the Obama administration said that the review is slated to happen either late this year or early in 2012, just in time to influence voters in the next presidential election. 

The Justice Department has announced that it is petitioning the Supreme Court to overturn a ruling in the 11^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that the requirement for American adults to obtain health insurance starting in 2014 is unconstitutional. Various appeals panels have issued contradictory rulings on the mandate, while two threw out lawsuits brought by the attorney general of Virginia and a group of New Jersey doctors on procedural grounds.

The most controversial mandate has the 11^th Circuit and the public alike concerned: “If the federal government has the power to require the public to buy coverage from private insurers, where does its power over the citizenry end?” asked Jon Healey for the LA Times. Luckily for “Obamacare” supporters, there are several answers to this question; however, “The bad news is that none of them is likely to make the law more palatable to the public.” 

Since everyone is an existing consumer of healthcare and the Supreme Court recognizes it as a form of interstate commerce that Congress can regulate, it is clear that critics of the measure are taking it out of context. “The individual mandate simply regulates how people pay for what they buy.” Essentially, this means that people who get sick must cover their costs, instead of forcing someone else to pay the tab. 

In addition, the mandate requires insurers to offer coverage to everyone, regardless of any pre-existing conditions. “If you can't bar insurers from discriminating against those with preexisting conditions, millions of Americans won't be able to buy coverage.” If citizens are not required to carry insurance, most will wait until they get sick to secure coverage, “triggering a vicious cycle of cost increases.” 

The final answer lies with the perceived power of the federal government. Historically, lawmakers have made conservative decisions regarding healthcare due to fear of voter backlash. The problem can be boiled down to the divisive subject of how big the government should be, and how much power it should be permitted to exercise – “That's why the administration needs to come up with not just a good legal answer to the question about the limits of government power, but also an answer that makes sense on Main Street.”

As we wait and see what happens with healthcare reform, MHG Insurance Brokers is here to keep you informed and up to date on any new developments.  As an insurance broker, MHG provides health insurance plans to meet the needs of individuals and groups from all financial backgrounds. MHG also offers yacht crew insurance, international medical insurance, disability insurance, long term care, life insurance and business insurance. Our staff applies years of industry knowledge to find the best plan for each individual client, and is always a phone call or email away to answer any questions. For more information, contact MHG today.

This weekend, the Sjømannskirken (Seamen’s Church) Scandinavian Church and Center will have its grand opening at 2950 Flamingo Road in Davie, Florida. The church will be named after Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and its official name will be “The Seamen’s Church/ Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s Church – Scandinavian Church and Center.”

MHG Insurance Brokers is honored to have our name on the Scandinavian Center lobby! Princess Mette-Marit will be attending the consecration on Sunday, a huge honor for the Scandinavian community in Florida.

Church facilities include a chapel, fellowship hall (reading room), offices, state-of-the-art conference room and center, banquet hall and staff residences.

The main donors for the event include: Royal Caribbean International, Eidesvik Invest AS, Norwegian Shipping Club and Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce, Sigurd Jensen, MHG Insurance Brokers, DnB Nor and Buyandreach.com. “We are beyond thrilled about the opening of the Scandinavian center,” said John Haagensen, President of MHG Insurance Brokers, proud Norwegian citizen and former seafarer. “I remember when the center was merely a trailer at the Port of Miami. I feel so honored to be here in South Florida to witness the opening of the new center, which will serve as a place for all members of the Scandinavian community to gather and honor our heritage and culture.” 

The center will serve as a welcome “home away from home” for the entire Scandinavian community in Florida. The grand opening event begins Saturday, November 19^th at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with tours of the facilities, activities and swimming for kids. The opening of the MHG Insurance Brokers lobby will take place at 1:30 p.m. The church consecration will be held on Sunday, November 20^th at 11 a.m. with the Crown Princess. An evening reception event will follow.

MHG Insurance Brokers specializes in health insurance plans designed specifically to meet the needs of marine officers, crew and contractors, expatriates, and US residents.  Whether you are looking for travel insurance, group insurance plans or business insurance, MHG has solutions to fit every budget.        

The only constant in life is change. You’ve heard it and are intimately familiar with the dynamic quality of life. Whether you’re starting a family, going on a trip to a foreign country or moving to a new city, life’s milestones can also put you at risk of being underinsured. 

Although insurance can be confusing and overwhelming, it’s important not to dismiss the responsibility of understanding your coverage and when and why you need it. Instead of tackling this task on your own, the best way to ensure that your insurance coverage is keeping up with the events in your life is through periodic reviews with your insurance provider. Adequate coverage is essential to your financial security, and without it, you could be unwittingly putting your hard-earned money at risk. 

MHG clients are fortunate to have access to knowledgeable insurance representatives to help translate the convoluted to comprehensible, helping to make sure that the things that matter most are protected. Our reps offer round-the-clock support – whether you’re curious about the benefits of life insurance, are wondering whether or not you need commercial insurance or need to understand your health insurance co-pay policy, MHG is always just a phone call or email away.

All MHG clients receive this free service from our experienced, credentialed professionals. We are committed to helping you map out your financial future as a full-service insurance provider. 

Remember, MHG’s 24/7 service comes free of charge, but the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you took the time and action to protect your family and belongings is invaluable. MHG Insurance Brokers has set up phone numbers around the world for your convenience. We welcome you to call us any time to learn more. 

Earlier this year, reports were issued that showed that the rise in life expectancy of Americans has been much slower than that of other wealthy nations. In a country where one in three adults are overweight and smoking deaths from the Baby Boomer generation reached unprecedented numbers, it’s no wonder the U.S. spends more on health care than any other country.

Americans may indulge in unhealthy habits more than other rich nations, but that doesn’t mean bad eating habits and cigarettes aren’t major health risks in other countries all together. As time and society progresses, we’re spending more time working and less time looking after our health – whether it’s cooking nutritious meals or finding healthy ways to manage stress.

The global decline in health has caused millions of people to miss work due to serious health conditions. A disabling injury occurs every 1.5 seconds, and debilitating illnesses like cancer or a stroke are even more likely than a disabling accident. With stats like these, you very well may want to consider securing disability income protection.

Financially, a disability can be even worse than death, since living expenses continue and typically increase due to the need for specialized care. Disability income insurance is designed to replace the majority of your income in the event that you are disabled by an injury or illness. 

While popular health documentaries like “Food Inc.” and “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead,” urge us to make our health a priority, it simply isn’t realistic for the majority of people to make a complete lifestyle overhaul. Whether it’s a condition caused by habits that are under our control, or a life-threatening illness or accident, any disabling condition can result in extended periods of time out of work.

Protect yourself by securing individual disability income insurance today. MHG Insurance Brokers offer many different plans for individuals in varying circumstances. Contact your local MHG expert today for more information.

A common question asked by most business owners is whether or not they really need business, or commercial insurance. Considering that you and your business will face some form of liability or risk frequently, it is important to recognize and be aware of your exposure to these risks. From an employee’s on-the-job injury, to accidental damage to the property of a client or third party, to potential lawsuits, the possibility of encountering a variety of situations in which your business could be held liable is very real.

Accidents will happen, and the size of your business should not limit your ability to protect it. Depending on the type of business you run, there is a business insurance plan to meet your coverage requirements. Don’t make the costly mistake of believing that business insurance is just another money pit, it is paramount to the longevity of your business and livelihood that you secure adequate protection for your company.

MHG Insurance is an independent broker with resources and contacts that enable us to work with a variety of insurance carriers to obtain the best property and liability insurance for you and your company. We offer a complete line of business insurance solutions. When you choose MHG for your commercial insurance coverage, we will analyze the unique needs of your business to secure the best plan for you. We offer a complete line of business insurance solutions, including:

• Property insurance
• Liability insurance
• Crime insurance
• Business interruption insurance
• Ransom insurance
• Worker’s Compensation insurance
  
  

Please visit the commercial insurance section of our website for a full list of available coverage options, or contact MHG’s commercial insurance experts. Be prepared for the unexpected – protect your business and personal assets today!

The summer season is officially underway, and whether you live in sunny South Florida or not, things are starting to heat up all over the globe. Warmer weather means more time spent in outdoor activities, as well as swimming and poolside lounging. Although we all generally welcome a bronzy summer glow, the consequences of spending too much time in the sun have been well documented. 

 

Sunscreen products have recently undergone FDA scrutiny after 30 years of overstated claims to consumers. So what do these new regulations entail? We’ll explain below, along with some publicized criticism by prominent health advocacy organization, the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The Food and Drug Administration has deliberated for decades with intentions "to help eliminate misleading claims about sun protection factors, water resistance, and cancer and wrinkle prevention," as CBS News reported on Tuesday. 

While the FDA's actions have helped to limit misleading claims made by sunscreen companies, EWG representatives note that the new rules include a weak standard for protection from UVA rays. Currently, the term “SPF” applied solely to a product’s ability to block UVB rays, the main cause of sunburns; but UVA rays contribute to skin cancer and premature aging. 

The new rules will establish a standard for over-the-counter sunscreens that will determine which products can be labeled as “Broad Spectrum,” or, those that provide protection against both UVB and UVA radiation. The CBS article references Dr. David Andrews, a senior scientist with the Washington, D.C.-based group, as saying, "FDA's action offers some noticeable improvements for consumers, such as limiting misleading claims. However, it is clear that FDA caved to industry and weakened its safety standards." 

For more information on the new regulations, as well as feedback from the EWG, read Fast Company’s detailed article here. Summer weather invites us to enjoy the great outdoors with warm weather and lazy days in the sun, but it’s always important to wear sunscreen, and to be well informed about new regulations that shine a light on long-standing misleading claims. 

Skin cancer is an ever growing concern, with melanoma rates growing by nearly half from 1992 to 2004 in the U.S. alone. If you have any suspicions, it is important to schedule an appointment with your physician. Having quality health insurance is more important than ever before in the current economical landscape. 

Let MHG Insurance Brokers help you find the best individual or group health insurance policy for you, your family and/or your business. Contact us today at the location nearest you to find out more about group and individual health insurance today.