The need for life insurance is something to think about, especially during joyous life events. The thought of leaving our loved ones is a painful one, but with careful planning, we can at least help ensure that our family will have the physical comforts and financial security they deserve.   As we go through life, it can be tempting to focus on the joys of the events that change our lives in various stages.  This can result in  neglecting the long-term planning needs these changes may bring. 

How can you tell if your changing life stage signals a need to obtain or update your life insurance coverage? Look for these 5 signs you need life insurance :

Graduating College –While life insurance may not seem like an urgent necessity at this point, it is the ideal time for you to purchase a policy. Your rates will never be lower, and obtaining life insurance now allows you to make affordable provisions for your future retirement while establishing protection for your future family members. 

Getting Married – You just pledged to love, cherish, and protect your loved one from harm all the days of your life; life insurance allows you to help fulfill that pledge even after you are gone. If something happens to you or your spouse, the survivor would face financial obligations on his or her own, with everything from daily living and funeral expenses to retirement funds now becoming the survivor’s sole responsibility. Life insurance provides help with everyday expenses as well as ensuring the surviving spouse can have a comfortable and secure future. 

Becoming a Parent – Having a child is a marvelous event that comes with a heavy dose of responsibility. A life insurance policy can help assure your bundle of joy can have the best life has to offer, even if you are not around to help in person. Life insurance benefits will help your spouse provide all the various needs of your child or children, such as food, clothing, and education, minimizing the risk of having to struggle or scrimp. 

Becoming a Homeowner – All too often, surviving spouses are forced to sell a beloved home after their husband or wife dies because they are unable to afford the mortgage payments on their own. When you put in place a life insurance policy that is large enough to cover your entire mortgage, you can give your spouse the peace of mind that comes from a secure living situation. 

Planning for Retirement – Purchasing life insurance can allow you to spend your hard-earned money enjoying your retirement, while still providing a lasting legacy for your loved ones. The current volatility of the market has left some seniors without the resources they thought they would have for their later years; a life insurance policy provides a safe haven that can help protect your assets and provide you with funds that may be used when you are ready for retirement. 

In addition to changing your life insurance needs, these pivotal life events also create a need for the protection of other insurance policies, such as health insurance , disability income insurance, long term care insurance , and more. The dedicated experts at MHG Insurance will work with you to satisfy all your insurance needs, making certain that you and your loved ones have the coverage you need to be fully protected at every stage of your life. 

Call MHG Insurance  today at 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com for help in selecting life insurance and other coverage to ensure you and your loved ones have the protection you need at every stage of your life.

MHG Insurance are known for being Marine Crew Insurance experts, specializing in insurance plans designed to meet the requirements of marine employers, captains, crew, contractors and concessionaires. But did you know MHG also provides insurance solutions for individuals, families, and businesses in the US? At MHG, we have the experience, expertise, and access to multiple insurance carriers to offer sound, independent advice as to which insurance providers and products are best suited to address the needs of individuals, business owners and employers.

Employee Benefits/Individual Insurance Health Insurance / ACA Guidance – As an approved ACA insurance agency , MHG is able to answer your questions and help you find the perfect plan based on your particular requirements and budget. Speak with MHG’s Insurance Specialists about:

• Employee Benefits - MHG will help you assemble a competitive employee benefits package, with a wide range of coverage options and benefits which can include Health, Dental, Long and Short-term Disability, Life and Gap insurance.
  
  
• Individual Coverage – Finding the right insurance plan for you and your family can feel a little overwhelming. Not only are there so many options to choose from, but insurance has its own language and sorting through the terminology and key features on your own can be time consuming. Additionally, you may also be wondering if you are eligible to purchase insurance through the Affordable Care Act health exchanges.Let our Insurance Specialists help you find the right insurance plan for you and your family including Health, Life, Dental and Vision, Long-term Care, Supplemental Health, Medicare Plans and AFLAC coverage.

Business Insurance Today’s business owners need to know that there are several different types of insurance coverage available to protect their business as well as their personal assets. Call on MHG’s Insurance Specialists to help you with:

• General Liability – Provides coverage for bodily injury, property damage, advertising injury, and personal injury, including libel and slander; can also pay defense costs and settlements for any claims against you, even if fraudulent.
  
  
• Commercial Property - Protects your businesses' assets and inventory against physical damage and loss of use due to theft, an accident, or other means.
  
  
• Employment Practices Liability – Protects your business, its directors, officers, and employees against allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, emotional distress and wrongful termination among others.
  
  
• Workers' Compensation – A mandatory type of insurance for businesses with four or more employees (one or more in the Construction industry), Workers’ Comp provides for your employees' medical expenses and some portion of their wages if they are injured on the job.
  
  
• Commercial Auto – Covers any auto primarily used for business, paying for damages or medical expenses sustained by you or a third party involved in an accident; some policies include coverage for damages caused by a flood, fire or theft.
  
  
• Professional Liability – Protects businesses that provide advice to clients, covering from claims made for negligence, failure to perform, and inaccurate advice.
  
  
• Excess/Umbrella/Bumbershoot – For businesses that want complete protection from liability issues, Excess or Umbrella policies provide coverage above the limits of a General Liability policy, Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI), or Hired and Non-Owned Auto policy.
  
  
• Specialty Lines – Insurance coverage for businesses with unusual or difficult risks, such as staffing companies, security guards (armed and unarmed), home health care or businesses with high losses, lapses in coverage or dangerous exposures.

Now that you are aware that MHG provides complete insurance solutions for individuals, families, and businesses as well as marine crew insurance policies, it is time to let the Insurance Specialists at MHG help you find and purchase the right insurance plans to meet your business and personal coverage needs. 

Call MHG Insurance  today at 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com for help in selecting the right business and personal insurance plans to meet your coverage requirements.

Choosing a health insurance plan for your small group or company is a weighty responsibility. Whether you are purchasing benefits for the first time or already have a group benefit plan in place and are looking for a more affordable alternative, your number one priority is keeping your employees safe and healthy. Since the decisions you make can have a profound effect on the physical and financial well-being of your employees, your co-workers, and yourself, the Insurance Specialists at MHG Insurance Brokers have provided these five tips for selecting the right health insurance plan for your small group in hopes of making your task a little easier.

1. Pick an insurance carrier that is widely accepted.
   
   Recently carriers have introduced limited networks that are accepted by very few providers. Protect your employees by staying away from plans with names that include words like “Select”.
   
   
2. Include plans with various prices and benefit levels.
   
    Plans with higher deductibles have lower premiums, making them more affordable. Since your employees have different financial circumstances, be certain to include a plan that includes copays for physician visits, prescriptions, urgent care, and emergency room visits (if possible).
   
   
3. Understand the difference between copays and coinsurance.
   
   Copays are a fixed dollar amount, while coinsurance is in the form of a percentage.
   
   
4. Verify what each plan includes in the out of pocket maximum.
   
   For plans purchased from 2014 onward, the out of pocket maximum includes the deductible, copays, coinsurance, and prescriptions. Some of these may have been excluded in previous years and on current plans that were purchased prior to 2014.
   
   
5. Make sure your employees understand HMOs, PPOs, and POS plans.
   
   These plans have similar benefits, but some distinct differences greatly affect coverage. The key differences are as follows:
   
   
   1. HMO plans require that the members use in network providers only.
      
      Generally less expensive than similar PPO or POS plans, HMOs require members to select a Primary Care Physician (PCP); before members can see a Specialist, they must get a referral from their PCP. In recent years, Open Access HMOs that do not require PCP selection or referrals have become more prevalent. HMO benefits are restricted to a particular geographic region.
      
      
   2. POS plans are HMO derivatives that include out of network benefits.
      
      POS plans resemble HMOs for in-network services; services received outside of the network are usually reimbursed based on a fee schedule, or what is considered to be reasonable and customary charges.
      
      
   3. PPO plans have in and out of network benefits.
      
      Referrals are never required with a PPO. Members have the option of seeing any doctor they choose, although benefits paid for visits to out of network doctors can be considerably lower.
      
      
   4. HSA (Health Savings Accounts) work with HDHP (High Deductible Health Plans) but generally do not pay benefits until the plan deductible is met.
      
      Once the deductible is met, members usually do not have copays for routine benefits like physicians’ visits, prescriptions, etc.

Selecting the right health insurance plan for your business is an important responsibility. The experienced insurance brokers at MHG will help you sort through the terminology and key features to determine the best group health insurance plan for your business, taking into account your employees’ circumstances, coverage requirements, and budgets. MHG Insurance Brokers offers a wide range of insurance coverage for businesses and individuals including disability insurance, life insurance, travel insurance, and more. 

Call MHG Insurance Brokers today at 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com for help in selecting the ideal group health insurance policies for your business.

When you have insurance questions, it is tempting to ask friends and coworkers for their advice. You turn to these people for guidance in your personal life, so it is natural to seek their input when considering other important issues. Basing your insurance decisions solely on advice from non-professionals may not be a good idea, however, as this advice is usually based on an individual’s own experiences and anecdotes. In honor of these well-intentioned but ill-informed sources, we have decided to share with you the worst advice we’ve ever heard about yacht crew insurance – along with the real facts you can use to make informed decisions about your health insurance coverage.  

We Don’t Need Insurance Because We Are Covered By the Owner 

Not true. The yacht owner’s insurance is not your insurance. Also keep in mind that the owner’s insurance and liability does not necessarily extend coverage to you when you are off the vessel or on vacation. There may be other restrictions and limitations as well, which can create large gaps in your coverage. When you incur medical expenses, doctors and hospitals will hold you responsible for payment, not the vessel owner. Rule of thumb is, unless the owner has a separate group crew health insurance plan, it’s best to have your own individual health insurance plan. The Insurance Specialists at MHG work with several leading international and US carriers and are happy to help find the right plan that meets your coverage requirements and budget.   

Your Stateside Insurance Plan Will Cover You as We Travel 

Some crew members think that as long as they have medical insurance at home, they are fully covered wherever they roam. Actually, typical medical insurance only provides coverage while you are in your home country, leaving you unprotected for any injuries or illnesses that could occur while you’re away. MHG Insurance Brokers offer international health insurance plans designed specifically for yacht Captains and Crew. These plans typically offer worldwide coverage on and off the vessel, emergency evacuation/repatriation, winter and water sports coverage, amateur sailboat racing, maternity and dependent options, to ensure you are fully covered no matter where you go. 

You Can Wait To File A Claim 

It’s important to keep in mind that some policies have a time limit on submitting claims. While there are reasons for the limitation, the most important thing to know is that if you have a claim where you need to be reimbursed, you need to get it submitted in a timely manner. The limit can be as short as 90 days from when you received the treatment. That seems like a very easy deadline to meet, but we have seen claims coming in from two or three years ago and in some cases the insurance carriers will not allow the claim. Of course at MHG, we're here to help get a claim paid in your favor when we can. In fact, that's when it's often our time to shine! 

Don’t Claim Because You Might Lose Your Job 

Filing a health insurance claim should not endanger your job; in fact, filing a claim should have absolutely no effect on your job status, because it is your right to have proper health care and insurance while you are employed. 

Find The Cheapest Plan Because They Are All The Same

Yacht crew insurance plans vary greatly, and price should never be your only consideration. If two policies seem similar but the costs are different, look closely at the deductible, coverage, and copay amounts. A company’s service record should also be a consideration. Whether you have a question about your coverage, policy or claim, you’re looking for a company that provides prompt, friendly, personalized attention. Right now there are some new plans out there that look like Gold, for the price of Pyrite. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Speak with an insurance broker who can help explain what you are really getting (or not) before something happens and you find yourself or your crew thinking something was covered that isn't.

As independent brokers who are constantly scanning the marketplace, we at MHG are your advocates and are here to help guide you and help keep you safe. Selecting the right insurance plan is important and should not be taken lightly. The experienced marine insurance brokers at MHG will help you sort through the terminology and key features to determine the best plan for your unique circumstances, coverage requirements, and budget. MHG Insurance offers a wide range of yacht crew insurance plans including international health insurance, US health insurance, sick pay/disability insurance, life insurance and travel insurance.  Solutions for individuals, groups and fleets are available. 

Call MHG Insurance  today at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at  mhginsurance.com   to find the yacht crew health insurance plan that perfectly meets your needs. 

Accidents and injuries can occur at any time, leaving you in need of skilled medical care. If a medical emergency transpires when you are at home, your health insurance may provide the full range of needed benefits, but most insurance policies have different rules that apply to international travel. Since having the proper insurance coverage can make the difference between an easily managed situation and a medical and financial nightmare, before you head off on an overseas vacation or business trip, you first must find out, “Will my health insurance plan cover me internationally?”

Many US health insurance plans do not include international coverage. 

While there are exceptions to this rule, it is likely that your US Health Insurance plan’s coverage does not extend to countries outside the US. The plans that do include international coverage tend to have limited networks, which causes them to work much less effectively. You will also probably have to pay all associated costs upfront before you can receive treatment, draining your financial resources when you are far from home. Before leaving on your trip, contact your insurance company to see if your plan does offer international coverage.

Medicare does not provide coverage outside the US. 

If you are an American senior whose only source of coverage is Medicare, you effectively have no health insurance benefits outside the U.S. Travel insurance plans are available to the senior market; however, they have a cap of $10,000 in coverage. 

Travel insurance is affordable. 

The insurance experts at MHG Insurance can provide you with plan options from several different insurance companies containing the medical benefits that you need for traveling abroad. International medical insurance plans are available that offer coverage for as little as five days to as long as three years, with deductibles that range from $0 to $25,000 to fit every budget. With a travel insurance plan from one of our designated carriers, you and your family will gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are protected in case of emergency. 

The application process for travel insurance is quick and easy. 

Enrollment in the travel insurance plans MHG Insurance offers is surprisingly fast and easy. You can apply right online, and same day coverage is available. 

Travel insurance offers an important benefit for European travelers. 

If you are a European traveling with your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you may be eligible for free or reduced medical care for an accident or illness within the 28 EU countries plus Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, but you are still lacking an essential benefit. In the case of a serious illness or injury, the costs of getting you home can be very substantial and these are not covered by the normal social system cover / EHIC. MHG Insurance can match you with medical evacuation insurance that covers the cost of your medical repatriation, so you can be returned to your home country without having to incur a sizable expense. 

Before heading out on your vacation, make certain you and your loved ones are covered in the case of unexpected illness or injury. MHG Insurance can advise you on the best selection of travel health insurance , trip cancellation insurance , and other plans to ensure your coverage matches your itinerary, coverage, and deductible needs. 

Call MHG Insurance at +1 954-828-1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing you and your loved ones are fully protected no matter where you roam!

Unexpected events can happen at any time, arising out of nowhere to complicate even the most meticulously scheduled travel plans. A broken bone, allergic reaction, accidental ingestion of bacteria-laden water, or other mishap can turn an idyllic, relaxing sojourn into a nightmare of hassles as you try to navigate care options in a foreign country. As experienced travelers can attest, the best way to protect yourself is by purchasing travel insurance that provides coverage for emergency medical treatment, emergency medical evacuation should the local facilities be inadequate, and other important benefits. For those who think only daredevils and adrenaline junkies need travel insurance, a quick look at the most common travel insurance claims may cause you to revise your opinion.

Slip and Fall / Sports Injury Claims

Knee sprains, strains, and tears are some of the most common travel insurance claims submitted. Knees are unfortunately fairly easy to damage, whether you are an active sports enthusiast enjoying exotic leisure pursuits or just a traveler stepping off a curb. Head injuries are also a common injury seen in slip and fall cases; while remaining alert and focused on your surroundings can help protect you from harm, something as simple as an unseen puddle of water can cause a slip that will derail your entire holiday. Without travel insurance in place, even minor injuries can become a major problem.

Cardiac Arrest / Strokes / Respiratory Claims

It is easy to overextend yourself while on vacation; even a slow-paced walking tour can cause a stroke or cardiac arrest if the weather is too warm or the elevation too high. If you do not have travel insurance, you could be facing hospital and doctor charges in the thousands of dollars in order to receive medical care. If you are in a region that has substandard medical facilities, you will need emergency medical evacuation to a facility that can provide proper treatment. Medical evacuation insurance can completely cover the cost of your evacuation, depending on the coverage options you choose.

Transportation-Related Accident Claims

Transportation accidents can strike at any time, in any country, regardless of how careful you are, because you have no control over other drivers. Transportation injuries commonly occur with every type of locomotion, including automobiles, bicycles, and scooters; even pedestrians are not safe. These claims vary greatly in severity, from minor whiplash to severe bodily harm; travel insurance covers them all.

Gastrointestinal Issues / Regional Illness Claims

Food poisoning, unclean water, parasites, and changes in diet make gastrointestinal issues one of the most common medical threats that travelers face. Regional illnesses, such as malaria, dengue fever, and exotic bug bites can make travelers so ill that they end up hospitalized for days or even weeks at a time. Without travel insurance in place, expenses for treatment can be so costly that they negatively affect your financial wellbeing as well as your physical health.

Protect your travel plans - and your finances - with a travel insurance plan from MHG Insurance Brokers. Each of our plans offers a choice of geographic area of coverage, policy deductible/excess and, in some cases, choice of coverage limit. MHG Insurance Brokers offers a variety of comprehensive coverage for travelers, including trip cancellation, extreme sports insurance, and many more plans.

Before setting off on your next adventure, call MHG Insurance Brokers at +1 954-828-1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com to obtain trip cancellation and travel insurance, along with other insurance plans that will make your trip an exciting, hassle-free experience!

When you decided to become a yacht captain, you dreamed of an adventurous life spent cruising the  ocean at the helm of a mighty vessel. While that is certainly part of a captain’s life, there are also a host of other tasks you must accomplish when accepting the responsibility of a yacht captain. 

One of the most important of these tasks may include choosing a yacht crew insurance plan for you and your crew. When searching for a comprehensive marine crew insurance plan that will ensure your crew are protected, consider the following:

Evaluate the Full Value of the Plan 

The plan you select will play a role in determining the financial security of your owner and crew, so you need to carefully choose the coverage based on features and services provided. Do not focus solely on the cost. MHG has been providing yacht crew insurance for over 15 years and during that time, we have seen insurance plans come and go. Right now there are some new plans out there that look like Gold, for the price of Pyrite! Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Please, do not buy insurance (or most anything else) based solely on lowest cost. Talk to someone who can help explain what you are really getting (or not) before something happens and you find yourself or your crew thinking something was covered that isn't. 

Crew Leisure Activities May Require Extra Coverage 

Yacht crews tend to be adventurous souls focused on enjoying an active lifestyle, and working on the water presents the opportunity to indulge in some very exciting activities. Some of your crew’s favorite leisure pursuits carry an increased risk, however, and some yacht crew insurance policies do not cover injuries obtained while engaging in certain activities. There are insurance plans that include additional coverage for sporting activities, such as scuba and other water and winter sports, so be sure to look for those features. A comprehensive marine crew insurance plan that includes coverage for crew leisure activities will decrease liability exposure and protect both owner and crew.

Comprehensive Emergency Services Must Be Included  

When a member of your crew suffers a serious injury or illness there are a number of issues that must be resolved quickly. If your crew member is unable to travel with your vessel or continue working onboard, you may be required to provide a flight home for that crewmember. You may want this feature included in the marine crew insurance plan you choose, along with adequate provisions for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.

Tailor Your Coverage to Your Crew 

When choosing a marine crew insurance policy , the best way to balance costs and benefits is to consider the specific composition of your crew and the coverage desired. For example, if you don’t have any North American crew and do not plan to sail in North America, you can save premium by purchasing a policy that does not include coverage there. Does your crew consist of several members who have been long term crew for this particular yacht owner? Perhaps you should consider tailoring a plan to provide additional benefits for your crew above and beyond the standard policy. 

The experienced Insurance Specialists at MHG Insurance are ready to help you with all the details of yacht crew insurance: what every captain needs to know , what coverage every crew member should have, and which carrier is best for your particular situation. MHG Insurance offers a wide range of yacht crew insurance plans and international medical insurance for expatriates , with customizable coverage for all nationalities and itineraries. 

Call MHG Insurance  today at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at  mhginsurance.com   to find the yacht crew health insurance plan that meets your requirements. 

As a yacht captain, you are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of your crew and your vessel. Part of this responsibility is making sure your crew is adequately protected in the case of sickness or injury with a comprehensive and appropriate yacht crew group insurance plan. Choosing a group insurance plan to cover your crew can be a daunting task.

The plan you choose needs to ensure your crew is covered while working on the yacht, as well as on their leisure time. To help you in your endeavors, we offer the following ">--> tips for yacht captains when selecting a group yacht crew insurance plan :

1. Balance the Needs of Your Crew and Your Vessel’s Owner
   When choosing a crew insurance plan, you must strike a balance, considering the features the crew want as well as what is needed to protect the vessel’s owner. Marine crews tend to enjoy adventurous activities so they are looking for coverage that will encompass scuba, winter sports, and other leisure activities. An insurance plan that provides a structured and appropriate response to medical emergencies with cover for your crew’s favorite leisure activities, will decrease liability exposure and protect both owner and crew.

2. Take into Account Your Itinerary
   Before deciding on a policy, take into account your itinerary and consider which carrier may be best suited for that particular region or regions. Does the insurer have resources in those areas? Do they have doctor and hospital relationships? Are differing time zones an issue?

3. Ask For Recommendations
   You want to find the best insurance plan for your crew, but it is difficult to interpret how effective a plan’s benefits are from reading a brochure. Tap the invaluable resource that is all around you – your fellow Captains and crews! Asking other marine professionals what their experience was with a particular insurance plan will provide real world information that will help you make an informed decision among your insurance choices.

4. Seek a Proven, Long-Standing Plan
   
   Your crew will be counting on this insurance policy to provide for their needs, especially in the case of an emergency. Make sure you select a long-standing marine crew insurance plan with a proven track record of providing service before, during and after claims are made.

5. Evaluate the Full Value of the Plan
   The plan you select will play a role in determining the financial security of your owner and crew, so you need to carefully choose the coverage based on features and services provided. Do not focus solely on the cost.

6. Consult an Experienced Broker
   The best source of information on yacht crew insurance plans is an experienced insurance broker. The expert staff at MHG Insurance  can assist you in selecting a group plan that provides the best balance of benefits for you, your crew, and your vessel owner.

We know that dealing with yacht crew insurance  can be complicated. Insurance has its own language and attempting to evaluate all of the information on your own can be overwhelming. As a yacht crew  marine insurance broker  we have the experience and resources to help you select the best solution for your particular circumstances, coverage requirements and budget.

Once you purchase a policy we will continue to assist you and your crew with questions about the policy, details about the coverage it provides and throughout the claims process. Whether you are purchasing a plan for the first time, already have a plan in place and are looking for a more affordable alternative or, simply looking for better coverage, let us know, we would be happy to help.

To learn more about yacht crew health insurance for groups, individuals or fleets call  MHG Insurance  at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at  mhginsurance.com

Now that you are over 60, you may not think that you have a further need for life insurance. After all, your family is grown and you have safely accumulated sufficient assets to enjoy a comfortable retirement. The volatility of the market over the last few years, however, has taught us that few assets are ever truly safe. Now that your family is grown, it is time to look at life insurance differently: as the way to leave a lasting, loving legacy that will protect the people and purposes that are important to you. Some of the top reasons to consider buying life insurance after 60 include:

Asset Protection 

You have worked a lifetime to ensure you can have a comfortable retirement. Life insurance can protect your assets from the volatility of the market, and if you choose, you can decide to receive dividends as a tax-free source of supplemental retirement income or wholly or partially annuitize your cash surrender value to provide additional guaranteed lifetime income. You always have the option of accessing the cash surrender value of your policy, if needed as a source of emergency funds during life. 

Family Support

With life insurance in place, you can rest easy in the comfort of knowing that funds will always be in place to take care of your loved ones. Life insurance funds can be used to offset loss of retirement income to your spouse at death, or provide for the care of a disabled family member. 

Family Legacy

With life insurance in place, you can spend your money enjoying your retirement and still leave a generous legacy to your children and grandchildren. Life insurance adds flexibility to your estate plan, giving you the funds to balance uneven distributions of property or business interests to your children, or provide a gift to charity or grandchildren. Life insurance gives you the chance to give a tax-free inheritance or gift, which may be given at death or at any time prior, if you prefer. 

Debt Clearance

Debt is a tremendous burden your family should not have to face while dealing with the death of a loved one; by obtaining life insurance you can ensure your loved ones are left with no extra expenses at the time of your death. You can obtain one of our life insurance plans that pays all the sundry costs associated with death: all final expenses, debts, estate and inheritance taxes, and pay income in respect of a decedent taxes on IRAs, 401(k)s, etc. Obtaining life insurance after age 60 allows you to enjoy your retirement secure in the knowledge that you have protected your loved ones, your assets, and will be able to leave a legacy that will provide a comfort for years to come. 

Contact MHG Insurance to learn more about obtaining life insurance and the different types of insurance policies available by calling 954-828-1819, or visiting online at mhginsurance.com . Let us help you begin the preparations today to protect the ones you love most.

MHG Insurance, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, provides yacht crew health insurance plans designed specifically to meet the needs of today’s global yachting industry. In this week’s blog MHG Insurance Mark Bononi, director of the company’s Yacht Division, answers questions related to yacht crew insurance.

Q: In addition to yacht crew health insurance, what other types of insurance should I be considering? 

A: It’s also important to consider having life insurance and a disability income plan. Life insurance is designed with your loved ones in mind and plays an important role in your overall financial plan. In the event of your death, beneficiaries can be comforted knowing that they have time to re-adjust their standard of living, can pay off debts or other expenses or provide for their children's education. Having a disability income plan is equally important. A disability income plan can offer you peace of mind knowing a significant portion of your income can be replaced in the event of an unfortunate accident or sickness. Unfortunately, we have all heard or read about the tragic stories of a crewmember who suffered a debilitating injury or illness which forced them to leave the yacht and were unable to return to work for an extended period of time. It is also important to be prepared for the less serious injuries that could also keep you off work such as a broken ankle or severe knee injury. If you’re in between yachts or do not need to purchase a full-time health insurance plan, there are short term health insurance solutions that we can help you with as well. 

Q: Do yacht crew health insurance plans cover typical water sports activities like scuba diving?

A: Yes, but as with all insurance policies, there are exclusions and limitations so it is important to check policies carefully if you intend to participate in these activities. Normally, water skiing, jet skiing and winter sports are covered under most yacht crew health insurance plans, but there are still some policies where winter sports are excluded, so you need to review the coverage and ask questions.

Q: Is emergency medical evacuation standard in most plans? 

A: Yes.  However, the circumstances where an evacuation can be performed will vary from plan to plan. Normally, a medical evacuation requires you to be either at risk for loss of life or limb in the opinion of the attending physician, and that there are inadequate medical facilities to treat you. Evacuation is to the nearest facility able to provide the necessary treatment. 

Q: What are the eligibility requirements to sign up for a yacht crew insurance plan? 

A: Generally, you must be a full-time yacht crew member or reasonably expect to be working on a yacht as your primary means of income. Also, medical history can determine what type of insurance you may need, or what plans you may be eligible for. 

Q: What happens to my plan after I leave yachting?

A: In most cases, you will need to find an alternative solution when you return home. It’s important to discuss your current needs and future plans with your insurance specialist when selecting a health insurance plan. A yacht crew health insurance plan may not always be the right solution for you if you’re looking to keep the plan for the long-term. 

Q: As a U.S. citizen I am now required to have health insurance. Do yacht crew insurance plans satisfy this requirement?

A: Currently, there are no individual yacht crew policies which satisfy this requirement. However, MHG is an approved Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA) insurance agency and our team can answer all of your questions and help you find the right US health insurance plan based on your needs and budget. Open enrollment for coverage effective Jan. 1, 2015, begins Nov. 15, 2014.  However, if you’re looking for coverage now, a short-term health insurance plan may be a good interim solution. 

Q: What factors should I consider when selecting a yacht crew health insurance plan?

A: When selecting a yacht crew health insurance plan you should consider your itinerary, medical history, budget and your future plans. If you’re looking for specific coverage such as dependent or maternity coverage or coverage for a specific winter or water sports activity, that should be a consideration as well. 

Q: Am I covered by the yacht owner?

A: Yes, indirectly. However, the yacht owner’s insurance is not your insurance. Also keep in mind that the owner’s insurance and liability does not necessarily extend coverage to you when you are off the vessel or on vacation.  There may be other restrictions and limitations as well, which can create large gaps in your coverage. When you incur medical expenses, doctors and hospitals will hold you responsible for payment, not the vessel owner. 

Q: What other services are included with insurance policies?

A: In addition to your coverage, many insurance plans offer additional assistance such as help with lost luggage, lost passports, health alerts, and safety and security notices. Our Insurance Specialists will be able to tell you more once you start discussing individual plans that are suited to your needs.

Q: Do I always have to pay at time of service and apply for reimbursement?

A: Not always. Most insurance carriers are happy to work directly with doctors and hospitals. However, in many cases, especially for smaller claim amounts, the doctor or hospital will require payment upfront. The key to successful direct billing is to establish communication between the doctor and the insurance carrier as early as possible before treatment. We’re of course happy to help with this.

We know that dealing with insurance can be complicated. Insurance has its own language and attempting to evaluate all of the information on your own can be overwhelming. At MHG, we have the experience and resources to help you select the best solution for your particular circumstances, coverage requirements and budget. Once you purchase a policy we will continue to assist you with questions about your policy, details about the coverage it provides and throughout the claims process. Whether you are purchasing a plan for the first time, already have a plan in place and are looking for a more affordable alternative or, simply looking for better coverage, let us know, we would be happy to help.

To learn more about yacht crew health insurance for groups, individuals or fleets call us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com