FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (September 8, 2016) – MHG Insurance announced today that Sherry Wertz has joined the company’s Cruise Division as Administration Manager. Wertz will provide administrative and customer service support to cruise clients while working closely with the Division Manager and Claims Specialist, further developing business relations.

Wertz joins MHG with a tremendous amount of cruise industry experience having worked in various positions both ashore and on board. Most recently, Wertz worked as Senior HR Manager for a staffing company handling crew appointments for some of the world’s leading cruise lines.

“We have been looking for someone of Sherry’s caliber for quite some time to fill this newly created position.” said Edward “Mole” Telfer, MHG’s Cruise Division Director. “Sherry’s career in the cruise industry combined with her management background are exactly what we need to further the capabilities of the cruise division. I’m very happy to welcome her to the team.”

As MHG celebrates its 25th anniversary, the company continues to be at the forefront of developing insurance solutions and products to meet the changing needs of the cruise industry, businesses, and individuals around the world. Most recently, the Insurance Specialists at MHG identified a potential liability risk for cruise line operators and designed a liability plan to fill the gap in coverage.

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, business 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

As insurance brokers, our number one priority is to look after you, the client. Our focus is making sure you have the coverage you need, that you are taken care of, and we are ready to fight for you regarding any claims or issues you are experiencing. Since we have your best interests in mind, it is troubling when we come across other insurance brokers and agents claiming to offer MLC compliant health insurance policies, because actually there is no such thing. It is prudent to have health insurance, but there is no rule in MLC requiring you to do so. Let me explain.

What is MLC?

MLC stands for Maritime Labour Convention, and is a code that was started in 2006 that helps protect crew members who work onboard ships and other vessels. Basically it is a book of different items that ship Owners are liable for in the operation of their vessel. It was implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO), and should be followed by all commercial vessels or else face potential fines, detention or even vessel arrest. For more details on MLC, visit ILO.org for more information.

Don’t Believe the Hype

MLC does require ship owners to have some insurance in place (called Financial Security). Insurance like permanent disability, accidental death, and some other non-medical items like repatriation. But, it DOES NOT require ship owners to provide medical insurance! Where things tend to get confusing is that MLC requires ship owners to be liable for medical bills. While we highly recommend you to insure your crew so that you are not liable for the full amount of medical bills, MLC only requires you to cover the bills.

Work with Someone You Can Trust

It’s hard to count on someone that you can’t trust, so why would you leave your medical insurance to someone who does not provide you with accurate information? If a company is advertising MLC compliant insurance, do you think they have the knowledge, experience, and research capabilities to help you? Work with someone you can trust, after all there is a good chance you will be reaching out to this person or company in a time of need or desperation, make sure you can count on them.

What About Private Vessels?

As stated before, MLC is only applicable for commercially operated boats. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be offering insurance to your crew if you’re a private vessel owner. Any owner would like to attract the best crew possible, and having benefits that protect them could help to secure the best workers.

Having proper insurance is important whether you are at sea, or docked at a shipyard. 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, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. For more information on preparing to work on a yacht, read our previous blog, “ Yacht Crew Insurance Terms 101”.

It seems as if every day we hear myths regarding insurance brokers. We often find ourselves debunking false statements and explaining to clients that they received inaccurate information. Sometimes, people or products get a bad reputation that is unwarranted, for whatever reason. So here are five common myths that may have given the term insurance brokers a bad name.

1. “Insurance brokers are more expensive”

Have you ever heard the saying, “brokers make you broker”? That saying could not be further from the truth. In contrast, working with a broker can actually save clients both time and money, in addition to frustration. Insurance brokers receive their compensation from insurers, but that does not (or should not) cloud the judgment of a good broker to recommend whatever policy is most appropriate to the situation as presented by you, the client.

2. “Insurance brokers work for the insurance company”

There are a lot of people who think that insurance brokers work for the insurance company, however again that is not correct. A broker advocates and works on your behalf. Basically, they work for you! Yes, they work with the insurance company in order to deliver proper coverage to people, however their concern should always be their clients.

3. “Insurance brokers are just a middle man”

While brokers may act as the middle man between you and the insurance company, they are so much more than just a middle man. In many cases, an insurance broker will conduct research for you, file and assist you with claims through the entire process, and work to get you the best coverage option for your situation. Often times a broker has direct connections with decision makers at insurance companies so you don’t have to sit on a 1-800 line for 20 minutes to talk to someone that doesn’t have the authority to help you.

4. “Insurance brokers can’t offer the best plans”

Insurance brokers can offer the same plans that an insurance company does, for the same premium as going straight to the insurance company. In fact, going through an insurance broker should give you more value for your dollar simply because of all the added benefits that an insurance broker will perform for you.

5. “Insurance brokers aren’t as knowledgeable”

Insurance brokers are very knowledgeable. They spend all day, every day dealing with insurance. They know the industry, they live and breathe insurance, and they understand all the confusing terminology and phrases, which hopefully they can explain to you in a straightforward, no nonsense way. They also know the insurers, and the people who work there, which is a significant advantage over you calling a toll-free number and hoping for the best.

Having proper insurance is important whether you are at sea, or docked at a shipyard. 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, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. For more information on preparing to work on a yacht, read our previous blog, Yacht Crew Insurance Terms 101.

Hurricane season is here! Even though the past few hurricane seasons have been quiet, all it takes is one serious storm to cause enough damage to shut your business down. Now is the perfect time for you to begin preparing your business for a natural disaster. Don’t be one of those who are scrambling to get ready at the last minute. While preparing your family and your house for a hurricane may be something you can do in the days leading up to a storm, preparing your business should be met with a bit more urgency. After all, chances are you, along with your employees, rely on the business in order to support your lives. Start preparing your business now by following these 5 steps.

1. Take Before Pictures

Prior to the start of hurricane season we suggest taking pictures of your property and building. In the event your business sustains damage and you need to make a claim, it may make the process easier. Pictures help keep our memory fresh, and offer proof of damage that may have occurred during the storm.

2. Have Enough Money Stashed Away for Payroll 

Hurricanes can easily shut down business for a couple of weeks, with loss of electricity, road closures, and flooding. Your employees may not be able to come to work for weeks. Even worse, your entire business may be shut down until repairs are done and everyday life gets back to normal. If your company is unable to make money for a period of time, does it have enough money in the reserves to continue paying employees? It’s a good idea to have the ability to pay your employees without 2 weeks’ worth of revenue.

3. Paperless Record Keeping

Many times hurricanes bring record breaking winds, and sometimes over a foot of rainfall. Both of which can easily ruin any paperwork you might have stashed around your office, warehouse, building, etc. To cover yourself, keep a digital copy of all important documents.

4. Keep Valuable Information at an Off-site Location

After making digital copies of all important records and documents, make more copies to store at an accessible, off site location. Store your licenses, contracts, operational records, proof of ownership, and of course any insurance paperwork. Also, try to keep them stored somewhere that is not in the path of the storm.

5. Make Sure You Have Proper Insurance Coverage

It is very important for business owners to understand their insurance policies, before a storm shows up on the radar. We recommend that you review your policy annually, and make sure that your policy still fits your needs. For example, your company could have grown over the last year, and now you may need coverage for areas that you didn’t need coverage for last year, such as new equipment or updated property. Also, if you have property that is covered, you can purchase “Business Interruption” which can cover the loss of income you may experience while your business is shut down.

Be prepared this hurricane season by performing all of these tasks before a hurricane is heading your way. Hopefully this will be a light season, but better to be safe than sorry.  If you own a business, and are looking for protection and would like more information on what you do to prepare your business for a hurricane, MHG Insurance Brokers would be happy to assist you. Also, if you are looking to purchase business insurance such as General Liability or Professional Liability, our insurance specialists have the experience to assist your business and offer advice in finding the perfect plan to fit all of your needs. Contact MHG Insurance Brokers today at +1 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.

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.

In many cases, business owners and decision makers see insurance as something they need only because a law makes it mandatory for them to remain in business. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Insurance is here to protect your business, it’s employees, the equipment, etc. We have also found that some aren’t aware what insurance is protecting them from, and don’t know what their exposures are. While recognizing certain buzzwords such as general liability, and workers’ compensation is great, we want people to understand why they have to have these insurance policies. After all, accidents happen, but there is no need for an accident to ruin your business.

Workers’ Compensation

A workers’ compensation insurance policy provides wages, medical treatment, disability, and if necessary a death benefit to employees who are injured on the job. While workers’ comp makes up a large portion of many businesses expenses, it is necessary because without it, businesses would liable for any injuries an employee experiences while working. It also protects the business from any lawsuits that could be filed by the injured employee.

General Liability

Commercial general liability policies protect businesses in a lot of ways. Typically, it provides coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and personal and advertising injury which protects the insured from slander and false advertising. General liability may also cover fire damage that is caused by the negligence of the insured.

Marine General Liability

Marine general liability policies are similar to general liability policies except they are designed specifically for those who work at sea, as general liability insurance will not cover those who work near or on the water. These policies include coverage for marine contractors and others who work on or near water.

Professional Liability (PLI or E&O)

Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O), will cover your business if you provide advice, or provide a service. It will protect you against negligent claims and damages that are awarded from a lawsuit.

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)

Employment practices liability insurance protects your business against claims made by your employees. It can protect you from claims alleging discrimination based on sex, race, age, or disability. It can also protect you from claims alleging wrongful termination, harassment, and many other employment-related issues.

United States Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (US L&H)

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 backed by the federal government, not just the state. The law ensures that workers’ comp benefits are provided to those who work in the maritime industry, which will protect your business from any lawsuits associated with a workplace injury.

Maritime Employers Liability (MEL)

This policy generally covers employees who are working onboard a vessel, whether owned by the company they work for or as a contractor. Think of workers’ compensation insurance for those who work at sea.

Having the necessary insurance policies isn’t all you should be doing to protect yourself. Practicing good risk management also includes taking precautions around your workplace to make it as safe as possible. Read our previous blog, “10 Tips on Creating a Safe Work Environment”, for help in deciding what steps you should take in order to further protect you and your employees. If you have any questions, or are interested in purchasing workers’ compensation insurance, USL&H or other types of business insurance, or group health insurance for your employees, please contact us at954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to cover your company’s risks appropriately.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (May 3, 2016) - MHG Insurance, a full-service insurance brokerage serving the marine industry, businesses, and groups and individuals around the world, has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in South Florida by the South Florida Business Journal, a program that celebrates excellence and employee satisfaction in the workplace.

Results were based on a survey evaluating ten areas of engagement, including employee benefits and recognition, leadership, turnover, employee and leadership management and more. Results of the survey were submitted to Quantum Workplace for analysis. Employees were encouraged to answer freely as all answers remain anonymous.

“What an honor to be recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in South Florida!” said Andrew Dudzinski, Chairman and CEO of MHG Insurance. “John (Haagensen, President of MHG) and I have made the working culture of MHG a priority for a long time, so it’s very flattering to be recognized by such a prestigious publication with other top companies in our community.”

Many of the companies in attendance had similar benefits or characteristics that made them worthy of the honor of being a Best Places to Work in South Florida. Some characteristics that made MHG stand out are its family atmosphere, excellent benefits that are 100% funded by the company, flexibility, and MHG’s entrepreneurial spirit which encourages employees to present new opportunities and initiatives for the company.

About MHG Insurance

Since 1991, MHG Insurance has been committed to providing expert insurance advice and innovative solutions for the marine, aviation, energy and related industries. Today, with over two decades of experience and relationships with some of the world’s top insurance markets, MHG has established an enviable reputation for providing quality advice, products and service for groups, businesses and individuals around the world. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida MHG has insurance specialists worldwide, with offices in Houston, Isle of Man, the Cote d’Azur and Hamburg. For more information, please visit mhginsurance.com MHG Ocean Benefits Limited, trading as MHG Ocean Benefits, MHG Insurance and MHG Underwriting Services, is registered with the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority as an insurance intermediary in respect of General Business. Registered in the Isle of Man, company number: 120885C.

Are you looking for a change and considering becoming an expat? If the answer is yes, you should consider the Isle of Man. The Isle of Man has an ever growing number of expatriates. More and more people seem to be moving to the island to take advantage of the great benefits it provides its residents. This has caused the island to become somewhat of a melting pot of nationalities and cultures. Islanders are known as 'Manx' but classified (for passport purposes, for instance) as British. With roughly half the population being Manx-born, and the rest coming from the UK, Ireland, and an increasing mix of other nationalities, now is the time to make yourself part of the mix!

The Isle of Man economy has experienced steady growth since the 1970’s due to a combination of low taxation, political and fiscal stability, investment in infrastructure and government initiatives to stimulate economic activity. The island has had one of the fastest growing economies in Europe in recent years and is in its 26th year of continuous growth. This growing and sustainable economy has resulted in a low unemployment rate and a high quality of life. Are you ready to move yet?

Interesting Facts

The Isle of Man is part of the British Isles but not the United Kingdom. It is a Crown dependency, with its own parliament, Tynwald. Established by the Vikings, Tynwald is the oldest continuous parliament in Europe, having celebrated its millennium in 1979. The Island is 33 miles long, 13 miles wide and covers an area of 227 square miles. It has a population of more than 80,000.

What makes it Attractive?

Financially the Isle of Man is very attractive. There is no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax and no stamp duty. In the 2016 Budget the single persons tax free allowance was £10,500, the next £8,500 of income is taxed at 10% with the balance charged at 20% up to the cap. These amounts double for married couples and are fully transferable between husband and wife. Personal income tax is capped at £125,000 per individual. Residents enjoy many benefits including good housing, education and health services, accessible activities, room to move, and a relatively safe community.

Financial Services

To many people, the Isle of Man is known for its financial services partly because its government and tax laws make it an attractive destination for financial companies. In addition to low tax rates for individuals, there is a 0-10% corporate tax, with the banking sector paying 10% while the rest pay 0%.

Niche Businesses

Despite being best known for financial services, the Isle of Man has arguably the most diversified economic base in the world for areas of similar size and is developing a global reputation for a diverse array of niche, quality sectors including:

· High-tech manufacturing

· E-Business

· E-Gaming

· Ship and superyacht management

· Aircraft registration

· Film production

· Space commerce

· Entrepreneur/trading gateway

· Quality food producers and manufacturers

The island's e-gaming sector is now its largest employer, followed by insurance and financial services, although traditional sectors such as the manufacturing industry and agriculture still play a significant role. With a growing market of niche businesses, the Isle of Man is a great place to start a business or open an office.

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!

Employer based benefits can be hard to come by in today’s world. What used to be a given, has now turned into something should be cherished as so many companies have cut back on the benefits they provide to their employees. Benefits such as health insurance, 401k, disability insurance, and life insurance are things that employees must consider if not already provided by their employer. Even if these benefits are provided, there is a good chance that the coverage provided isn’t enough, especially life insurance.

While having employer sponsored life insurance is a great benefit, it may not be the best idea to fully rely on your employer to provide all of the life insurance coverage you need. There are several different scenarios that can put you and even your family in a tough position, or even leave gaps in your coverage.

Losing Your Job

Losing your job is one of the main reasons you should consider purchasing more life insurance coverage. One reason is because your life doesn’t stop if your job does, which means that your life shouldn’t stop being covered. Losing your job doesn’t take away your debts, and doesn’t provide your loved ones with financial coverage if something unexpected were to happen to you.

Employer Stops Benefits

The past several years have been tough on businesses. Decisions have had to be made about lay-offs, downsizing, and budget cuts. One area of the budget that may have been cut is employee benefits. Companies are required to provide its employees with a certain amount of benefits, depending on the size of the company. However in an effort to maximize profits, more and more companies are cutting back the amount of benefits they provide to their employees to the minimum required by law. In the event that your company decides to reduce your benefits, you may be left needing coverage!

Not Enough Coverage

Typically, if you are lucky enough to have a job that includes life insurance as one of the benefits, there is a good chance that the coverage it provides is not enough. Most cases, the company will provide a policy that worth double the employee’s salary. So if you earn a salary of $50,000, your life insurance policy would be $100,000. For some that would be enough coverage, depending on how many children the person has, or how much debt the person is in. Would a life insurance policy that was double your salary be enough to cover your mortgage, provide stability for your loved ones, and pay for a funeral?

No International Coverage

Do you like to travel? Who doesn’t day dream of seeing a different part of the world from time to time? It’s important for you to know that most life insurance policies to do not provide coverage internationally. So when seeking additional coverage, you may want to consider a policy that includes international coverage.

Are you interested in purchasing life insurance? Would you like some more information regarding options that are available to you? Would you like to ask some questions to an 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 ensuring you and your loved ones have the protection you need at every stage of life. 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.

Having employer based benefits is important. Not all companies have them in today’s world, so if you are someone who’s fortunate enough to receive benefits offered by your employer, count your blessings. However, even if you receive benefits, you may not have sufficient coverage. There are several different scenarios where you can find yourself needing additional coverage.

While employer based benefits are important, it may not be the best idea to fully rely on your employer to provide all of the benefits and coverage you need. What if you were to lose your job? Or maybe your company is having to make some budget cuts, and happen to cut the amount of benefits you receive. One of those benefits is disability insurance. For those that don’t know, 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 an injury and are unable to work.

Coverage Options

Different coverage options for disability insurance can range from the length of coverage, to the amount of coverage you may need. A short term plan will usually provide coverage for up to two years, while a long term plan should provide coverage from anywhere after two years until retirement age, depending on the plan.

Can’t Work Due to Injury

There are several reasons you should consider disability insurance coverage. One of the main scenarios that would call for an individual disability plan is in the event your employer doesn’t offer a plan. What if you were doing some gardening one weekend and hurt your back? If the injury keeps you from being able to do your job, your company may not be willing to pay your salary while you recover, leaving you without a wage. Having an individual disability plan would provide you with a way to receive a wage in order to pay your bills and support your family.

Employer Stops Benefits

It’s no secret that the past several years have been tough on businesses. The recession forced companies to make some tough decisions. Many people lost their jobs, and many that were fortunate to keep their jobs may have lost some of their benefits due to budget cuts. In the event that your company decides to reduce your benefits, you may be left needing coverage!

Not Enough Coverage

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.

It’s also important to note that disability insurance often doesn’t fully match your existing wage. Typically, employer based disability insurance will provide you with 66% of your normal wage, while supplemental disability should cover the remaining percentage. So in order to fully cover your wage amount, you may want to obtain both.

Are you interested in purchasing disability insurance? Would you like some more information regarding options that are available to you? Would you like to ask some questions to an 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 disability insurance and other coverage to ensure that you and your loved ones have the protection you need at every stage of life.