Ever wonder why a yacht or ship had a certain flag on the back of it? Or a certain city and country under the name of the ship? No, it’s not just a flag of their favorite country, or where they are headed next. Believe it or not, those flags and countries have a significant purpose in the maritime industry. A flag state, or flag of convenience, is the state that a yacht or ship is registered or licensed under. Meaning that they have to follow the laws of that state. 

Why Do Yachts and Other Vessels Need a Flag State?

If there were no flag states, then who would regulate vessels traveling through the seas? Where would their jurisdiction begin and end? Typically, a vessel needs to be registered under a flag state for international voyages. It’s considered illegal to sail the seas without being registered, much like it is illegal to drive without a license, so think of flag states like the DMV in the United States, or the DVLA in the United Kingdom.

Why Is Choosing the Right Flag State so Important? 

Choosing the right flag state is very important. There is a reason many commercial vessels register their flags offshore. It can impact how successful you are as a business, by having to follow certain employment and tax laws and other variables that can keep money from reaching your bottom line. It can also have an impact on your liability and privacy. This is why it is typical for many vessels to register offshore with a flag state that may be more “lenient” with certain laws, in order for them to make their business as successful as possible, or for owners to save as much money as possible.

Open Registry vs. Closed Registry

There are different types of registries, open and closed. Open registries allow vessel owners to be registered under their flag of convenience, and can staff a crew of many different nationalities. A closed registry is open only to vessels of that particular nation and must employ crew from that nation.

The Most Popular Flag States 

The most popular flag state is Panama, with almost a quarter of ocean vessels registering there. Other popular flags include Liberia, Marshall Islands, Malta, Singapore, and Hong Kong. For those that are curious, the most popular flag state for yachts is the Cayman Islands, and the most popular flag state for cruise ships is the Bahamas, with many cruise lines having their ships registered there. Part of the reason yachts and cruise ships are registered in these countries is because the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas have open registries, allowing them to hire large groups of people from around the world, while not having to follow strict employment laws, like the ones that exist in the U.S. or Europe. 

Do you work onboard a yacht or cruise ship and do you have marine crew insurance? For specific medical questions or emergencies you should always contact your insurance carrier directly. If you have any general questions about precertification, your current plan, or are interested in purchasing marine crew insurance, contact us at mhginsurance.com or call us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to assist and guide you to the best coverage for your budget.

Picture it. Sun, beach, a fruity drink in hand and a cool breeze blowing your hair. You and your partner are having the best summer vacation ever, just relaxing on an exotic island in the Caribbean, a million miles away from the daily grind and stresses of life. And BOOM! Just like that you fall and twist your ankle and have to seek medical attention. Good thing you bought travel insurance! But now what? 

Be Prepared 

The best way to handle a claim, is to know your insurance policy inside and out. Knowing all of the intricacies of your policy will let you know how much time you have to contact your carrier, phone numbers to call, the coverage you have, etc. Read your policy before you go on your trip, preferably at the point of purchase.

Contact the Insurance Company ASAP 

Don’t make any assumptions when it comes to your medical coverage or the claims process. If you have an accident or become ill while you are away, contact the insurance company as soon as possible, preferably immediately. The insurance company can offer valuable travel and medical assistance services that are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They can also help you find Western-style medical facilities, medical and dental practices and pharmacies in addition to an array of other helpful services which can be a real stress reliever especially if you are in a country that you are not familiar with and where the primary language is different to your own.

Save All Documents 

When it comes time to filling out your claim form, you will be asked to provide backup documentation to substantiate the claim. Don’t worry if the documents are in a foreign language. Most international insurance companies can process claims in many different languages. Be sure to save all doctor reports, itemized bills, invoices and receipts so that when it comes time to claim, you will have all of your ducks in a row. Having the proper documents can be the difference of your claim being paid, or being denied. Keep in mind that all claims regarding illness or injury must be supported by a doctor.

Denied Claim 

You filled out and submitted your claim form with supporting documentation in a timely fashion and you just got the bad news that your claim has been denied. Understandably you are probably upset but instead of venting about it, file an appeal. You will be asked to write a letter as to why you think your claim should be covered and potentially may have to provide additional documentation to support your claim. The appeal process can take up to 90 days so remain patient. A good insurance broker will be able to assist you with this.

Not sure which plan is right for you? Speak with the insurance specialists at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0)1624 678668 or visit us at mhginsurance.com to help identify the right travel insurance plan for your particular situation. Have a wonderful vacation!

“If there are any objections, speak now or forever hold your peace.” “Wait they don’t have life insurance!” Hopefully you don’t find yourself in this situation, and you already have a good life insurance policy in place. However, if you don’t have life insurance, it’s something you need to start thinking about it.  After the honeymoon of course! Who knows, maybe you will say I do again... to life insurance. See what I did there?  

Protect Your Spouse

Unfortunately, death is a part of life that we all have to experience and plan for. Not all marriages are like “The Notebook” where you and your partner live into your golden years and pass away together in each other’s arms. Life insurance is designed with your loved ones in mind and plays an important role in your overall financial planning. If you have anyone depending upon you financially, you probably need Life Insurance even if you are young and healthy. For most, this financial responsibility begins when they either get married or have a baby. Have you thought how your family, or those you care about, would manage without you financially? The grieving process is hard enough, don’t let your better half also have to worry about how they will pay the bills or be able to afford the mortgage. In the event of your untimely death, you want to be reassured that your husband or wife will be financially secure in the event of your passing.

Invest in Your Future Together 

Did you know that life insurance has other benefits besides providing a benefit to your beneficiaries? Certain policies such as a Whole Life policy can act as a way to save and invest money. In most cases, a Whole Life policy has a “cash value” that is invested and can earn as high as 5% interest. The cash value is calculated based on how much money you have paid so far in premiums, and after a certain amount of time, your cash value could be worth more than you have paid! Also, with a Whole Life policy, after a certain amount of time, you can cancel the policy and get back all of the money you have paid so far, and then some!

Lower Premium 

Getting married, buying a house and having baby are life events that prompt us to buy life insurance but it’s really something you should be considering even if you have no assets or dependents. Did you know that in most life insurance policies, you have the same monthly premium for the duration of the policy? That means if you’re paying $50 a month, you will be paying the same amount for the life of the policy. Unless you increase your coverage, you are locked in to a set premium. This is important because as you get older, policies become more expensive. Typically, you can expect your premium to double every 10 years. Good enough reason to stop putting off purchasing a life insurance plan, right? 

If you are interested in purchasing life insurance, or have any questions, we’re here to help! Please contact us today at 954 828 1819 or visit mhginsurance.com. Congratulations and cheers to many years of wedded bliss!

As insurance brokers we are here to help! Part of that assistance is our expert advice that we provide. So we thought it would be a great idea to ask our employees, “What is one piece of advice you would give your clients?” 

Mark Bononi- Director, Luxury Yacht Division 

Generally speaking, you get what you pay for. Typically, health insurance that has a lower cost will not have the same amount of coverage as one that costs more. If you are looking for health insurance that fits you best but you have a budget, seek advice from someone who knows what they’re talking about, and is experienced on the matter.

Edward “Mole” Telfer- Director, Cruise Division 

Providing a solid employee benefits package can be the key to attracting and retaining the industry’s best employees. Use a “Rolling Benefits Strategy” to build up your benefits over time.

Janine Jeffries- Director, Business Insurance Division

Give your agent a complete picture of the business and description of operations. Each business has unique attributes. The more your broker knows, or has a better understanding, the better we can do our job. Also, be sure to ask questions. You would be surprised how many needs are uncovered during a Q&A session with your broker.

Stephen Beck- Manager, Life & Health Division

I would advise our clients to not WORRY about “What if?” but to ASK about the cost of insuring themselves against each “What if?” that concerns them. Just ask, “How can I protect myself in the event of a ________________?” We have the answer.

Joanna Drysdale- Manager, Underwriting Services 

In our field, insurance isn’t just about protecting yourself against financial loss or covering your contractual obligations. It’s also about showing your employees that they’re valuable to you. Hanging on to a great bunch of crew season after season is worth so much more than the savings you make by skimping on crew benefits.

JW Haagensen- Account Executive, Inside Sales 

Disclose all current and past medical conditions when applying for insurance. Insurance enrollment forms are a contract and if you fail to reveal a portion of your medical history or provide incomplete information, the insurance company could cancel your policy. No matter how minor it may seem, it’s important to advise your entire medical history and keep a file.

Steve Jackson- Consultant, Yacht Division

Find an insurance broker who really knows their field. Having an understanding of the real life of a captain and his crew as well as the technical knowledge of the insurance industry is invaluable.

Clayton Swart- Manager, Business Development 

Whether you’re purchasing group insurance for your employees, insurance for your business or an individual plan for you and your family, it’s important to understand your policy. I know that insurance documents can be boring, but it’s really important that you read through them to make sure you understand the benefits and limitations of the plan. If you find anything confusing, it’s better to address those points before you need to use the plan.

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.

Fort Lauderdale (May 11, 2015) – MHG Insurance Brokers announced today that Jeff Martin has joined the company as a Programmer. Martin will focus his efforts on streamlining certain administrative tasks in the company’s Customer Relationship Management system in addition to building customized client web portals and landing pages. Martin has had an award winning career, spanning over 20 years. Prior to MHG, Martin worked for multiple insurance carriers in addition to consulting work.

“Jeff has a wealth of experience in numerous programming languages and applications” said Kevin Knorr, IT Director at MHG Insurance Brokers. “As MHG continues to grow along with our IT needs, it’s good to have his capabilities in-house.”

MHG Insurance Brokers has had the pleasure of providing insurance advice and solutions to thousands of clients around the world. As MHG approaches its 25^th year, the company continues to evolve and grow with the changing and diverse needs of clients, both on land and at sea.

About MHG Insurance Brokers 

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance Brokers 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 Health Care Reform and the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance Brokers and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com

Everyone knows the only reason people get married is to go on an extravagant vacation, better known as a honeymoon. Just kidding! However, if you are about to tie the knot, I am sure you are looking forward to your trip whether you’re going to be relaxing on the beach in Fiji, exploring the natural beauty of Costa Rica,  cruising the Mediterranean, or visiting some other top newlywed destination. Honeymoons are the one time when you are supposed to splurge and go all out when planning a vacation. From top of the line food, massages, and activities, couples don’t hesitate to celebrate their future life together by enjoying some of the most lavish trips this world has to offer, creating an even greater need for insurance coverage. Although it should be a priority to obtain coverage for any trip that you take abroad, protecting your investment in your honeymoon is a must!  Here are 5 reasons you may need a trip cancellation plan in order to protect the investment made on your honeymoon! Oh, and remember to book the honeymoon suite!

Injury or Illness 

Your spouse told you it wasn’t a good idea to have oysters at the wedding and now you find yourself going toe to toe with food poisoning. If you get ill, or injured, I would highly doubt that you would be looking forward to your honeymoon. You may want to reschedule, or get your money back and book something else.

Jury Duty 

Is it me, or does jury duty seem to always have the worst timing? Sometimes there is nothing you can do about it, and no way to get out of it. By purchasing a trip cancellation plan, your investment in your honeymoon will be protected should you be called for jury duty.

Work Related 

Many stress the importance of a good work/life balance; however, sometimes work can get in the way of your leisure time, especially if you hold a key position in the company. If a last minute meeting comes up, or there is an emergency situation that requires you to come in to work as you are supposed to be leaving on your trip, a good trip cancellation plan could be your best friend.

Labor Strike 

Labor strikes can happen at any time. Airlines could be having disputes, and sometimes their workers will look to take the power in their own hands. If this happens, and it affects your flight or trip, a good trip cancellation plan can reimburse you the amount of your trip, or the policy maximum, whichever is lower.

Losing Your Job 

Losing your job is an unfortunate reality that many of us may have to face at one point or another in our lives.  Usually this is unexpected, and losing your job leading up to your wedding and honeymoon is a sure way to put a damper on things. Not to mention, you may not be able to afford your trip anymore. In this case, you may want to have that money that you already invested back, especially in a time as tough as this one. 

Congratulations on saying “I do!” MHG wishes you safe travels along your journey during your trip. If you are interested in purchasing a trip cancellation plan, or travel insurance, or have any questions or concerns, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0)1624 678668 or visit us at mhginsurance.com. Our insurance brokers have the experience to assist you in selecting the right plan for you, with the best value. Enjoy your honeymoon!

Lucy…I’m home! You’ve been working for several years as an expat and now that you’ve completed your contract, it’s time to go home. Phew! It really has been a whirlwind experience. From the great friends that you have met from around the world, to the amazing places you have visited, you sure have made a lifetime of memories! But now that your time to head back home is drawing near, you might be feeling a range of emotions from excitement to sadness. Of course you’re looking forward to reuniting with old friends and spending time with family, but you’ve also made a life for yourself in this place far from home and you’re going to miss it immensely! As you start preparing yourself for the transition back home, here are a few things to consider. 

Déjà vu                                                

Packing boxes, finding new schools for the children, closing out accounts, canceling subscriptions, garage sale…sound familiar? Well, unfortunately everything you did on your way over, you’re going to have to do again on your way back home. The best advice that we can give is to take one thing at a time because it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There are going to be hiccups along the way but try to take them in stride.

Finances 

Many expats while away from their home country, pay a different tax, such as a non-resident tax. When repatriating, you may have to re-register as a resident in order to begin to pay the necessary taxes, and avoid back taxes in the future. Also, while living abroad, you may have had your bank account(s) in an international bank, or a bank of that country. Now you may want to transfer your money to a local or domestic bank, and close out the old accounts.

Emotional Concerns

While you may be very excited to return home, repatriating can be a bittersweet experience. Yes, you may be returning to your family, loved ones, and old friends, but you are leaving new ones. However long you have been at your new home, whether 5, 10, or 20 years, there are a plethora of memories that you cherish. The feelings and emotions you could be going through may be similar to those that you had when you first left. Also, this can be a stressful time. After all, you are moving your whole life from one place to another. Again.

Health Insurance 

You have a long list of items on your to-do list, but one of the most important is arranging your health insurance. As an expat, you probably had an international health insurance plan, but now that you’re returning home, your coverage needs will be different and it’s important that you find a plan that will match your new lifestyle. Depending on where you call home will determine the type of plan you need, or whether or not you even need insurance. For example, if you’re returning to a social system, you may not need health insurance at all. Maybe you are retiring, and moving back to the U.S. where you may be eligible for Medicare, or maybe you will have to purchase an individual health insurance plan. 

Many of us at MHG are expats ourselves and understand the global insurance needs of international businesses, individuals, and families living and working around the world. Our Insurance Specialists have the experience, knowledge, and access to multiple international insurance carriers to help you find the most suitable plan based on your budget and future plans. At MHG Insurance Brokers, 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 guidance throughout the claims process if necessary. Call MHG Insurance Brokers at +1 954-828-1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com for help finding insurance coverage for you, your family or business!

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (April 10, 2015) – MHG Services, Inc. today announced that it has sold its holdings in VIKAND to Peter Hult, President of VIKAND, effective March 31^st, 2015. Hult has simultaneously given up all responsibilities within the MHG Group of companies, including his position as Executive Vice President at MHG Services, Inc. and as a Director of MHG Associates Ltd. MHG founding partners, Andrew Dudzinski, Chairman and CEO, and John Haagensen, President, continue to lead MHG together with a key management team while Dr. Bill Heymann, Medical Director of VIKAND, and Hult have become the majority shareholders of VIKAND.  

 

“The decision to separate the companies was a difficult one to make” said MHG Chairman and CEO, Andrew Dudzinski. “MHG and VIKAND are both rapidly growing and in order for both companies to continue to expand, we found it necessary to spin-off VIKAND from MHG’s insurance business. We are very pleased to have played a key role as founders in the creation and development of VIKAND and wish Peter and his team great success.”

“I am very excited to embark on this path and for VIKAND to continue to develop new medical services” said VIKAND President, Peter Hult. “At the same time, I am leaving with some sadness after having worked closely with Andrew, John and MHG since 2002. We will continue to have a close relationship with MHG and support each other’s operations, common clients and business partners.” 

MHG has been providing insurance advice and solutions to the marine and aviation industries, international and local business groups and individuals since 1991 and has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Isle of Man, Hamburg and the Cote d’Azur. 

About MHG Insurance Brokers 

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance Brokers 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 Health Care Reform and the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance Brokers and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com.

About VIKAND 

VIKAND is the leading provider of medical management and consulting services to the cruise industry and today provides consulting, management, medical equipment calibration and audit contracts to almost 60 cruise ships globally. VIKAND’s services range from full management of medical facilities to individual consulting and services modules, including formulary and bio-medical equipment management, Pre-Employment Medical Examination advice and support, marine employee wellness programs, Public Heath support and regulatory guidance. VIKAND’s team has extensive experience in the medical field, as well as the marine industry. VIKAND offers flexible medical services tailored to the clients’ unique requirements, managed by a world-class, medical team who offer a 24/7 on-call service to clients. For more information about VIKAND and the services they provide, please visit vikand.com.

Isle of Man (March 24, 2015) – MHG Ocean Benefits Ltd, which trades as MHG Insurance Brokers, announced today that Kriss Lane has joined the company as Operations Assistant. In this newly created position, Lane will provide operational support to the Operations Director in addition to providing assistance to the Underwriting and Claims Teams as needed. Lane has over 12 years of experience in the financial services sector in Douglas, having worked for various institutions on the island, including Lloyds Bank in their Fraud Detection Unit.

 

“As our client base continues to grow, Kriss is a welcome addition to the team” said Cathy Lane, MHG’s European Operations Director. “His experience and knowledge will help us to continue serving our customers in the expedient manner they have come to expect of us.”

MHG’s Isle of Man office has been open for six years and primarily provides insurance solutions to international residents and those who work at sea.

About MHG Insurance Brokers 

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance Brokers 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 Health Care Reform and the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance Brokers and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com  

Taking the leap and becoming an Expatriate can lead to an overwhelming wave of emotions. From excitement, to scary, to nervous, to anxious, even nostalgic, knowing that you are leaving your home to start a new life in a new place will give you a rush one way or the other. Deciding to become an expat is step one of a long list of things to take care of before you set sail on your new adventure. So use this Expat Checklist when organizing, packing, and scheduling everything that needs to be done before your big move!  

  

1. Medical check-ups for you and each family member are a must before you leave, and make sure to get an extended supply of any prescription drugs. Also, obtain a copy of the medical file related to the condition that requires prescription drugs, and be sure to keep these with you during your travels (keep in your carry-on). Check what vaccinations are required.
2. If you have children, look into education opportunities abroad. The countries school system, boarding school, home schooling, etc.
3. Learn the language! At least the basics in order to communicate important stuff.
4. Passports and VISAs need to be valid, and it may be a good idea to renew them if they are set to expire in the near future. If you’re filing for a new passport, file your application early because it may take some time to complete. Remember, some VISA applications require a lot of paperwork so start those early as well.
5. Cancel any subscriptions you may have. Such as magazines, telephone, cable, internet, etc.
6. Apply for an international driver’s license. Keep both your international and domestic licenses with you at all times.
7. Make photocopies of all important documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, social security cards, etc.
8. It may also be a good idea to get any important documents translated into the language of your new country of residence. It could make this whole process a lot easier and quicker.
9. Handle your property before leaving. Your house, are you selling it or renting it? Your car. Anything else of significance you may own. Also, make arrangements for your vehicle at your destination. Are you shipping your car there, or do you need to rent or purchase a new one?
10. Ask your bank about money transfers and banking abroad. Look into online international banking, it may be easier to make transfers and manage funds between countries.
11. Take food items, or any other items for that matter that you enjoy but won’t have available to you in your new country. At times you may be homesick, and these items may help sooth your soul.
12. It is very important to share the new address and your new contact information with your friends and family. Just in case of any emergencies.
13. Set up your utilities ahead of time, so you won’t be without power or water upon your arrival. This goes the same for cell phone and internet access, in order to let your loved ones know that you have arrived safely and are settling in.
14. Determine the tax rules of your new country, as each country has specific tax rules on foreign earned income. Also, there may be taxes on any shipped items that you have shipped to your new country.
15. Insurance! Expats need International Health Insurance in order to have worldwide coverage. Instead of trying to figure out the insurance plan that is best for you and your family, find an insurance broker to do that for you. You have enough things to do as it is.

Print this checklist and carry it with you to use when packing and moving to your new country. Moving to a new country can be an amazing experience. If you are interested in more information about Expatriate Insurance, or are interested in purchasing Expat Insurance, contact 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 group!