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!

Slip and falls, overexertion, accidents, are just a few of the workplace misfortunes that can cause you to pay a pretty penny in workers’ compensation. There are several things you can do to help save you money on workers’ compensation insurance. A good way to look at it is the same way you would look to save money on your auto insurance, taking the necessary preventative measures.

1. Check the Office 

One of the first things you can do is see if your carrier will come to your workplace and offer advice and tips on things to fix. Make these corrections and fix any hazards that are pointed out. If your carrier doesn’t offer this service, there are risk service managers who can do it for you. 

2. Training Programs 

Having properly trained employees can lead to more efficient and better workers. A person who is properly trained to use a machine is less likely to cause an accident than a person who is learning on the job. Training programs are also important in reducing the risk of user errors around the workplace.

3. Drug Free Workplace Policy 

It may seem comical that we even need to mention a drug free workplace, but according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “employed drug abusers cost their employers about twice as much in medical and worker compensation as their drug-free coworkers.” It is a good idea to screen new hires and make job offers dependent on passing a drug test. Also, arrange for random drug testing of all employees. Include all of the substance abuse rules that you would like employees to follow in the employee handbook, and include the disciplinary action for each offense. These steps can pay off because there typically is a discount associated for employers who arrange a drug free workplace program. 

4. Safety Program 

A proper safety program can lead to a drop in workers’ compensation insurance premiums. Premiums typically reflect the amount and types of injuries that happen in your workplace. A well thought and successful safety program that encourages employees to think safety first, rather than go through motions, can reduce the number of accidents and injuries, which may lead to more money in your pocket.

5. Accident Response Plan 

No matter how many training programs are installed, accidents will still happen. So having a good accident response plan could be crucial in helping you save money on your workers’ compensation insurance. A good accident response plan can help limit the severity of an injury, thus decreasing the amount to be paid out. For example, if an employee happens to get injured on the job, having proper immediate attention to the injury may reduce the amount of medical attention needed to be done, creating a smaller medical bill. A less expensive claim, means a less expensive premium. 

6. Evaluate Your Policy Annually 

If possible, every year you should try to review your policy with your agent. A lot can happen in a year, and things may have changed causing you to update your policy for more or less coverage. Also, this will build your relationship with your insurance agent, and let them see you are very serious about reducing your costs, taking all the proactive measures that you can. 

7. Outsource

If your business involves dangerous work, it may be smart to consider outsourcing those jobs. Obviously there are some jobs that just cannot be outsourced, but for those that can, take a look into it. Let the risk of someone getting injured be on someone else’s watch, not yours. It may also save your business money overall, not just on workers’ compensation insurance. 

Workers’ Compensation Insurance should be a top priority for all businesses to have. If you would like more information on workers’ compensation, read our previous blog, “ Hard to Place Workers’ Compensation Insurance Solutions .” If you have any questions, or are interested in purchasing workers’ compensation insurance, or any other form of business insurance , please contact us at 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com . Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to assist and advise your business about all the necessary business insurances.

Many of us work hard and save up to buy a home, car, save for retirement, etc. Things that are symbolic for success and hard work, and also provide security for you and your family’s future. But what if all of that could be taken away from you? All of that hard work, years and years of saving and planning gone in an instant. All because you were the cause of a major accident, or someone injured themselves at a party you were throwing at your house. Accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, and are never expected. So don’t go through life worrying about when or where an accident is going to happen trying to keep it from happening, you will lose your mind. Just make sure you have a good umbrella policy to give you coverage in those events. And no, I’m not talking about that umbrella. Sometimes you need more coverage 

There are times when your business or company will need coverage. Whether you are working with a company that requires you to have more coverage than your general liability policy. Rather than increasing your general liability, many times you can get an umbrella policy to cover the rest. For example. Say your general liability gives you coverage for $1 million, and you are doing work for a company who will only work with you if you have $2 million in coverage. It may make sense to take out an umbrella policy to cover that extra $1 million.

Excess Liability 

Many times, an umbrella policy can be referred to as excess liability. The excess coverage kicks in when the underlying limits on your general liability policy have been exhausted, or your have been sued for something that it doesn’t cover. It can cover you for many things that your business has nothing to do with such as eviction, defamation, false imprisonment, personal injury, invasion of privacy, malicious prosecution, and wrongful entry. Protection against slander and defamation could be a crucial feature to protecting yourself, as word of mouth and negative publicity can ruin a business. 

Lawsuits happen more than you may think

It’s not uncommon for someone to be involved in an accident and immediately look to sue. All it can take is for someone to slip and fall while walking on your property. If that should ever happen, it could destroy your business and financial security. Did I mention that lawsuits are costly? 

You have A LOT to protect

Many people don’t realize all the things they can lose in a lawsuit. Just because you don’t have $1 million in your bank account doesn’t mean you don’t need that kind of coverage. There is more at stake than which you know such as your retirement funds, investments, future earnings, and even the equity in home. If that doesn’t make you reassess whether you need an umbrella policy, I don’t know what will. 

If you own a business, and are looking for protection and would like more information about umbrella policies, MHG Insurance Brokers would be happy to assist you. Also, if you are looking to purchase other various forms of 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 its needs. Contact MHG Insurance Brokers today at +1 954-828-1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com .

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (January 27, 2015) – MHG Insurance Brokers announced today that Jeremy Scarlett has joined the company’s Marketing Department as Marketing Assistant. Scarlett’s primary focus will be implementing the company’s social media marketing strategy, in addition to providing general marketing support to all divisions within the MHG Group of Companies. Scarlett is a recent graduate of the University of Central Florida and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. While at university, Scarlett interned with the university’s Athletics Association and served as Director of Special Events for the Society for Marketing Professional Services where his primary achievement was influencing over 40 local companies to attend and recruit students for internship and full-time positions. 

 

“Jeremy is exceptionally driven and has already exceeded our expectations in engaging our followers via social media.” said Melissa Gribas, MHG’s Marketing Manager. “He shows great promise and he’s a welcome addition to the marketing team.” 

MHG Insurance Brokers 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 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. 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    

There’s never a bad time to make the decision and commitment to live a healthier lifestyle. We all know that the most popular time to start working out and eating better is at the start of the New Year. Probably because people feel that they need to make drastic changes because this is a new year, or want to lose that holiday weight. Gyms are crowded, carbs are being cut, and many are cooking at home rather than eating out. However, there are countless reasons getting healthy should be the number one priority on your list, and it has a lot more to do with than just losing weight and starting to work on your summer body. Here are just a few that may inspire you to start living healthy today!

More Productive 

Many people don’t exercise or stay active because they have an excuse. Many times that excuse is, “I don’t have enough time.” Which is ironic, because people who do make time to work out every day, whether it be getting up earlier or staying up later, actually get more done in a day than people who don’t. Usually in less time too. Especially those that choose to work out or go for a run in the morning before going to work. It’s a bit ironic considering that exercising can make you tired, but if done correctly, it can get the blood pumping and the mind working and get you ready to perform at your best.

More Energy at Work 

One of the reasons people who live healthier are more productive is because they have much more energy. Most of us arrive at work still trying to wake up, needing to get into our zone in order to get some work done. Yet those that live healthy lifestyles tend to not go through that. They arrive at work ready to go, and when 2:00 pm comes around, they are still kicking. There are certain foods that you can eat and avoid as well to make sure you have the energy you need. Eating fruits and vegetables is a natural way to feel energized. If you’ve noticed, anytime you load up on bread and other carbs, or eat a very big meal, you may tend to feel a little drowsy.

Nip it in the Bud 

Living a healthy lifestyle goes beyond eating right and exercising, you also need to go to the doctor and have your yearly check-ups. By doing so, you may catch an issue and be able to do something about it before it is too late. Also, your doctor may be able to suggest something for you to change in your lifestyle that can aide you, such as vitamins, supplements, exercises, and nutritional advice. For instance, if you have changed your diet, you may be losing weight and feeling better, but also may be depriving your body of certain vitamins or minerals. A doctor will be able to tell you to keep up the good work, or recommend something to help! 

You will be Glad You Did 

The most important reason for you to start living a healthy right now is simple, why not? It is never a bad time to take control of your life and make the changes necessary to ensure that it’s as long and fulfilling as possible. Also, if you start now, in no time will you begin to feel better, and pretty soon, you won’t even remember how you felt before you started. If you have excuses or are waiting until next Monday every week, just remember this, the sooner you start, the sooner you reach your goal! 

Your health and wellness is a priority. MHG Insurance Brokers is committed to serving all of our clients and making sure you have the coverage necessary for you to live a healthy life. We have the experience to assist and advise you on what insurance would be the best for you. If you are interested in Health Insurance , or would like more information, contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit mhginsurance.com .

As the clock starts to count down, the New Year is almost here. The countdown can also signify the end of the holiday season. With that comes many people wanting to start the New Year on the right track. Maybe set goals and standards to help assure that this New Year will be better than the previous. Many make New Year’s Resolutions, and most fail to keep them. Whether it’s to lose weight, quit smoking, save money, many people have forgotten their resolutions by the time February comes. So instead of worrying about what to put on your New Year’s Resolution list, worry about how to make that list a long-term reality.     

 

Pick One Thing 

When making a New Year’s Resolution, try not to “fluff” it up with little things that you would like to change in your life, instead, pick one thing. Pick something that is important, maybe something that needs to change that is affecting your health or relationships. It is easier to focus on one item at a time rather than having several different things or habits you are trying to change. Also, you will be able to put all your time and energy into it, which will increase your chances of being successful. If you are doing well after a couple months, then add something else to the list. With this strategy, you can have a whole new you by the end of the year! 

Plan Ahead 

After you have selected your resolution, start planning ahead. Make a schedule, and start thinking of how you are going to make this change, and different things you can do to be successful. For example, if your resolution is to lose weight, start planning your workout routine and meals, etc. With a well thought schedule and strategy, it is easier to stick to it rather than waiting to see what comes up. Also, do your research! Read up on it, see what different techniques and tips there are, and see what would work best for you. 

Expect Problems 

Problems will always arise, they are just a part of life. So if something comes up that ruins your routine, try and start back fresh the next day. However, to make sure that there are as few issues as possible, think of all the problems that can come up ahead of time, and how you will deal with them.

Accept Failure

Many times, New Year’s Resolutions are created to break existing habits. They say it takes about three weeks to break a habit or create a new one. So expect to fail or have a setback. If you sneak a cigarette one day, it isn’t the end of the world, it is only part of the process. So, don’t give up! Learn from the failure, figure out what triggers caused the setback, and try to avoid them in the future. 

Reward Yourself

The best incentive for hard work is reward. We go to work every day to be rewarded with a pay check. We try to get healthy and lose weight to be rewarded for looking and feeling better. However, sometimes hard work can leave you with no rewards to see. Which is why it is important to reward yourself, especially through those tough first weeks. Start with little rewards in the beginning, and as you achieve your goals, make the rewards fewer and farther between. Then at the end of the year, give yourself an anniversary reward such as a nice vacation or gift. Something that you will look forward to and will keep you motivated!

MHG Insurance Brokers would like to wish you, your family, and loved ones a very Happy and Healthy New Year. In order to ensure that the upcoming year is a healthy one, make sure you have the proper insurance coverage today by calling +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit mhginsurance.com for more information. Our insurance specialists have the experience to advise and assist you in selecting the best plan for you, your family, and your business.

It is the goal of MHG Insurance Brokers to regularly inform and keep clients up to speed regarding the latest news and information associated with the ACA (Affordable Care Act). The ACA is now in effect for 2014, and its core goals are to provide Americans with improved quality health care, health plans that are more affordable, and access to comprehensive health coverage to those who would have previously been denied coverage before the act was put into place. 

The ACA provides consumers with a choice – something that didn’t exist in the world of healthcare in the United States until now. Whether you were deemed ‘uninsurable’ do to preexisting health conditions, or were simply stuck paying inflated premiums with no other alternatives available to your family, all of that has changed now - you, the consumer, are in the driver’s seat. MHG Insurance Brokers wants to help you take control of your health. There has been quite a bit of chatter in the media about enrollment deadlines and penalties for not having health insurance . MHG Insurance Brokers would like to share the following current and accurate information regarding the open enrollment period with you:

• Open enrollment for ACA health coverage runs through March 31, 2014.
• The deadline to enroll is the 15^th of each month, in order for coverage to become effective on the 1^st day of the following month. For example, if you enroll for coverage by January 15th, your coverage will begin on February 1^st. If you enroll by February 15^th, your coverage will start March 1^st.
• Those who enroll by March 31^st, but not by March 15^th , will have an effective coverage date of May 1^st.
• During this open enrollment period, you may also make changes to your existing plan if you don’t find it to be adequate or are not satisfied with it.
• Penalties for exceeding 3 consecutive months without health coverage have been waived by the Administration, but only during this open enrollment period.
• After the open enrollment period has ended, changes cannot be made to existing plans until the next open enrollment period begins, unless there is a life changing event, such as a marriage, divorce, loss of employment, birth or adoption of a child.

MHG has extensive knowledge and expertise in health reform . We also have the experience and network of resources to provide you with the very best, solid, comprehensive health coverage available that suits your healthcare needs and works with your budget. It is crucial to have a trusted insurance broker like MHG to work with to help you navigate through all of the new regulations, perplexing terminology, and health plan options.  Let us provide you with the tools and knowledge you need in order to make an educated choice regarding your health care. 

MHG Insurance Brokers will also walk you through the enrollment process, which is vital especially if you are purchasing coverage for the first time, whether you are a young adult, or someone who has lost access to health benefits through your employer. If you already have health insurance, contact us and speak with a specialist who will assist you in comparing your existing plan to the new ACA plans that are available. This can help you determine which plan would be most advantageous to you and your family. They will examine the cost comparisons and identify the differences in coverages offered between each of the plans. Contact MHG Insurance Brokers today online at mhginsurance.com or call 954-760-9033 and take control of your family’s health today!