MHG Insurance strives to provide our clients with the best service and the most viable information regarding insurance policies and services currently available on the market. We want our clients to be able to make informed decisions about their healthcare, as well as become familiar with what their own insurance needs are. This can be a challenging task, however, as the insurance industry has practically established its very own language which includes a myriad of terms and confusing industry related jargon.

Below are commonly used health insurance terms, clearly defined to make it easier for you to apply this information when you review your current policy, or when you are considering making changes to your existing plan. As always, MHG is available at any time to discuss any questions you may have regarding your existing plan, or to examine these terms in more depth:

• Deductible: A deductible is a fixed dollar amount during the benefit period, usually a year, which an insured person pays before the insurer begins to make payments for covered medical services. Plans may have individual and family deductibles. Some plans may have separate deductibles for specific services, such as a deductible for each hospitalization admission.

• Coinsurance: A form of medical cost sharing in a health insurance plan that requires an insured person to pay a stated percentage of medical expenses after the deductible (if any) has been paid. Once the deductible and/or coinsurance have been paid, the insurer is responsible for the rest of the reimbursement for covered benefits.

• Copay: A form of medical cost sharing in a health insurance plan that requires an insured person to pay a fixed dollar amount when a medical service is received. The insurer is then responsible for the rest of the reimbursement.

• Out of Pocket Maximum: This is the maximum dollar amount a group member (the insured) is required to pay out of pocket during a benefit year.  Until the maximum is met, the plan and group member share in the cost of covered expenses.

• In/Out of Network or Participating Provider: Your health plan contracts with a wide range of participating doctors, specialists, hospitals, pharmacies, and labs. These providers have agreed to accept your plan’s contracted rate as payment in full for services. The contracted rate includes both your insurer’s and your share (deductible, copay, coinsurance) of the cost. For those with out of network benefits, services from a provider who is outside of this network are not based on agreed upon or set contracted rates with your insurer, and therefore the services may be subject to higher charges. This may result in you paying more out of pocket for the difference owed between what the provider is charging and what your plan will cover.

• HMO : HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization. It is defined as a health care system that assumes both the financial risks associated with providing comprehensive medical services (insurance and service risk) and the responsibility for health care delivery in a particular geographic area to HMO members, usually in return for a fixed, prepaid fee. Financial risk may be shared with the providers participating in the HMO. There are different types of HMOs, including a Group Model HMO which contracts with a single multi-specialty medical group that provides coverage to the HMO’s membership. There is a Staff Model HMO where patients can receive services only through a limited number of providers, in which physicians are employees of the HMO, usually operating within the HMO’s own facilities. There is also a Network Model HMO that contracts with multiple physician groups to provide services to HMO members. Finally, an Individual Practice Association HMO is a type of health care provider organization composed of a group of independent practicing physicians who maintain their own offices and band together for the purpose of contracting their services to HMO’s.

• POS: A POS plan is an HMO/PPO hybrid; sometimes referred to as an open-ended HMO when offered by an HMO. 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.

• PPO: A PPO plan is an indemnity plan where coverage is provided to participants through a network of selected health care providers, such as hospitals and physicians. The enrollees may go outside of the network for services, but would incur larger costs in the form of deductibles, higher coinsurance rates, or non-discounted charges from the providers.

• COBRA: COBRA stands for the landmark Consolidated Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986. This law provides the continuation of group health coverage that would otherwise be terminated for a former employee, retirees, spouse’s former spouses and dependent children. The coverage is available when coverage is lost due to certain specific events, such as voluntary or involuntary termination of employment, reduction of the number of hours worked by the employee, covered employees becoming entitled to Medicare, or divorce or death of a covered employee. However, in most cases, the insured person must continue to pay his or her portion of the insurance premium as well as the portion that was previously being paid by the employer in order to maintain coverage.

MHG Insurance wants you to understand health insurance terminology that can often be confusing and overwhelming. We welcome your feedback and any questions you may have. You may contact MHG at 954-828-1819, or by visiting us at mhginsurance.com.  Here’s to your good health!

No one wants to think about the unforeseen loss of a spouse or loved one.  Just the thought of losing someone you love brings up unpleasant, emotional feelings. However, taking the time and making a small investment to plan for such an event – whether it be that of your own passing or that of a spouse - is not only necessary, but it is one of the most generous, loving gestures you can make for those you love. Here are the ten reasons why everyone should consider purchasing life insurance :    

1. Protect those you love. Your loved ones will be able to go on financially and without the stress and worry of how they’re going to pay the bills. Your children’s future will be solidified, allowing them to attend college, while your spouse will have the means to continue paying the mortgage and stay in your family’s home.

2. Peace of mind. Are you the top income earner in your household? When you obtain life insurance, you will no longer have to worry what will happen to your family in the event of your death or if you become terminally ill – at which time life insurance becomes practically impossible to acquire.

3. Life insurance creates options. Often, when a loved one who was the top income provider of the family passes, survivors are forced to make quick, important financial decisions during a very tough, emotionally charged time.

4. Life insurance has more than one purpose. Your policy is a valuable asset that can provide a specified sum of money at a time when it is needed most. You can choose a Life insurance plan that is an annuity – which will actually supplement your retirement income with a guaranteed monthly stream of income once you retire for as long as you live.

5. You never know what can happen. In the event of an emergency or abrupt onset of terminal illness, you may be able to request a withdrawal or loan from your policy for a much needed cash infusion to keep your household running smoothly.

6. Death shouldn’t equal debt. Debt can be a tremendous burden for anyone, but it is especially difficult to deal with for those who are grief stricken.

7. Take care of your business. Life insurance doesn’t just protect individuals. It can protect a business from financial loss, liabilities, or instability in the event of the death of a business owner or partner.  It can be invaluable in providing an infusion of cash to keep operations going until things settle down.

8. Funerals are expensive. A funeral can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $10,000 – and that is just for an average, “no-frills” burial. Life insurance can cover this cost without further financial hardship and stress for your loved ones.

9. It makes financial sense. Life insurance is considered a financial asset, which can help increase your credit and help you get a loan or health insurance.

10. Give to charity. Life insurance will allow you to leave a meaningful gift to a favorite cause or charity that is larger than you would have been able to set aside for a donation.

Obtaining life insurance ensures financial stability for those left behind in the event of an unforeseen tragedy, as well as providing cash in times of need. Contact MHG Insurance Brokers to learn more about obtaining life insurance and the different types of 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.

Fort Lauderdale, FL – July 30, 2013 – As the latest company to join the IGY Anchor Club as Partners, MHG Insurance has further expanded its reach in the superyacht business sector. The IGY Anchor Club provides its partners the opportunity to reach IGY customers all over the network in 7 countries and 13 marinas with relevant messaging of top goods and services within the industry. 

MHG and IGY’s interests to meet its customers’ needs are one and the same, and those aligned interests have culminated in a partnership to reach the IGY network through its Anchor Club. MHG’s goal is to relay the importance of all types of insurances, but particularly health, life and disability insurance for yacht captains and crew. 

“Captains and crew are exposed to hazards that could seriously affect their short and long term financial goals.” says Clayton Swart, Manager of Business Development for MHG. “In addition, given the recent changes in Health Care Reform and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), we want to take this opportunity to reach out to captains and crew who have concerns and questions as well as to simply pass along what we know to those that do not.”

The company has formed MHG University with which it plans to educate captains and crew on the changes that have recently taken place and how best to approach those changes on an individual basis. With its unique experience and detailed knowledge, MHG will channel its insight through the IGY Anchor Club, where it will open its proverbial doors to any questions regarding healthcare and insurance decision-making. 

To kick start the program, MHG’s first avenue of communication to those who would like to learn more about the reforms or anything insurance-related, is by contacting Clayton. MHG encourages any and all who would like to learn more, to write directly with their insurance or reform questions or concerns to: Clayton Swart Manager, Business Development T: 954 383 3635 mhginsurance.com 

ABOUT MHG Insurance Brokers

MHG Insurance is a full-service insurance brokerage, assisting clients with crew insurance, life and health insurance, MLC 2006 and health care reform guidance, employee benefits solutions and business insurance.  With over 20 years of industry experience and access to multiple US and international carriers, our insurance specialists can advise which insurance and financial services providers and products are best suited to address the needs of employers as well as individuals. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of advice and support in order to deliver solutions that offer the best scope, service and value. With a team of over 30 employees, MHG has offices in Fort Lauderdale, the Isle of Man and Hamburg as well as representation on the Cote d’Azur. For more information about MHG Insurance, please visit mhginsurance.com .

ABOUT IGY 

With yachting destinations spanning the Americas, IGY has redefined the luxury marina experience. Founded in 2005, IGY focuses on acquiring, managing, and servicing luxury-yacht marinas and lifestyle destinations. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, IGY also has offices in New York, NY and St. Thomas, USVI. Island Global Yachting marinas operate under the signature Yacht Haven Grande Collection and the IGY series brands, as well as several private labels. IGY’s network of properties is setting new standards for service and quality in nautical tourism throughout the world. The company now offers an unprecedented collection of 13 marinas in the Caribbean, Pacific and the Americas, all catering to a variety of vessel types including sportfishers, cruisers, sailing & motor yachts, as well as being exclusive home ports for some of the world’s largest megayachts. IGY also participates in 10 of the world’s biggest and best sportfishing tournaments, making our marinas in Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, St. Thomas USVI, Turks & Caicos, Panama and Palmas Del Mar, Puerto Rico highly sought-after angler destinations. IGY is an affiliate of Island Capital Group LLC, a real estate merchant banking firm led and founded by Andrew Farkas, former chairman of Insignia Financial Group. For more information, please visit www.igymarinas.com .

It is often said that, “The only constant in life is change.” This statement could not be more appropriate with the changes that are happening regarding health insurance and the superyacht industry. Between Health Care Reform and the Maritime Labour Convention , 2006 (MLC) coming into effect soon, now is the time for yacht captains and crew to learn about regulatory changes taking place and how they can best protect themselves.

Mark Bononi, MHG Insurance Brokers’ Yacht Division Director, is featured in this month’s issue of Dockwalk, the premier magazine for superyacht captains and crew. He speaks candidly about this specific issue and offers pertinent advice for those in the industry. For starters, let us begin with the MLC, which will be going into effect on August 20, 2013. If you have assumed the MLC will make the vessel owner responsible to take care of all your health and medical insurance needs, this is simply not the case. 

The MLC is basically designed as a minimum standard for the commercial shipping world and does not mean individual yacht crewmembers will be adequately protected. Bononi shares that the MLC going into effect really does not change much regarding coverage. He explains that the “MLC states that each vessel owner is liable for crew medical costs.” However, the MLC does not spell this out clearly, stating the yacht owner must provide “financial security” to cover death, repatriation or long-term disability costs. Bononi then asks, how will this “financial security” be proven? It will most likely be subject to interpretation by each individual port state inspector. Proof might come in the form of providing health insurance, or having money in an escrow account, or in another manner…either way, it is not clearly stated. 

In addition, many insurance policies offered by a yacht owner do not include all-encompassing health care for yacht crewmembers. Bononi stresses the point that this is where the responsibility ultimately falls on the crewmember to make sure their medical and health insurance needs are met, and how a separate medical policy can offer added protection and peace of mind. When it comes to Health Care Reform, Americans who work as yacht crewmembers are currently playing the waiting game. Do not assume that not residing in the U.S. the majority of the year removes your requirement to pay for health insurance or be subject to a tax. Currently, the rules around residency and time periods for residing outside of the U.S. are vague at best. This makes it difficult for yacht crewmembers to plan for their health insurance needs. 

Staying in contact with an experienced yacht insurance broker, such as MHG, is imperative, as they will keep abreast of all regulatory changes that are happening regarding the MLC and Health Care Reform. Bononi states that it really boils down to each individual crew member getting adequate coverage for themselves that meets their specific needs, even if this comes in the form of an additional policy over what the yacht owner provides. 

His other important piece of advice is not to wait: “Health insurance only gets more expensive the older you get, so getting on board early with a comprehensive health policy can help with future costs.” Bononi’s full interview is available in the August issue of Dockwalk magazine. 

If you are a yacht crewmember seeking to learn more about health insurance options available to you, call MHG today and let a skilled representative explain more regarding the MLC and Health Care Reform. MHG Insurance can also provide you with numerous quotes from top-rated insurance companies who offer policies that meet your budget and individual needs. Call MHG today at 954-828-1819 or learn more by visiting mhginsurance.com

If you are a renter, you have probably considered purchasing renters insurance. While you may have concerns about adding another insurance policy to your budget, renters insurance is more affordable and important than you may think. Imagine coming home and finding your apartment or rental has been gutted by a fire, or perhaps burglarized. Most renters incorrectly assume their items would be covered under the homeowner’s insurance policy. This is only true if any damage that occurs is due to neglect of the landlord. If the robbery or fire were not technically due to landlord negligence, then their insurance policy would only cover the physical structure of the property and not any of your personal belongings inside. If you were in fact the victim of a robbery or fire, would you financially be able to recoup everything you have lost? For most people, this would cause a serious financial and emotional strain. 

There is one way, however, to protect yourself – by purchasing a renters insurance policy with the proper level of coverage for your lifestyle and belongings. MHG Insurance Brokers has helped people find the proper rental insurance policy that fits their needs and budget. Most people are surprised to learn just how cheap renters insurance is, considering how valuable the policy can be if the situation arises. Many policies range as little as 10 dollars per month, depending on the area you live and the amount of coverage you desire. 

Our skilled insurance brokers can explain to you the details of a standard renters insurance policy. Depending on your personal situation, there are also insurance add-ons that can supplement the standard policy. These add-ons usually have an additional cost and include:

• Full-replacement Cost Coverage – Your standard insurance policy will pay you the cash value of the items lost; this “cash value” is calculated by the price you paid minus any depreciation. If you want to be compensated for the actual cost to replace these items (in today’s value), then ask an MHG broker about supplementing with Full-replacement Cost Coverage.
  

• Floods and Earthquakes – Most standard renters and homeowners insurance policies will not cover flood or earthquake damage. If you live in a zone where these types of natural disasters are common, you may want to consider an additional policy to cover your belongings.
  

For less than the price of a daily cup of coffee, arming yourself with the proper level of renters insurance can offer you peace of mind when it comes to the valuable property you have worked so hard to obtain. Let one of our experienced and knowledgeable brokers help you determine what level of coverage you need and present you with quotes from top-rated insurance companies. Don’t lose your belongings to an unexpected fire or burglary. Protection is easy and very affordable with the right renters insurance policy. Call MHG today at 954-828-1819 to learn more. You can also visit us at mhginsurance.com

Summer time is highly anticipated by everyone, especially children. It means playtime outdoors, quality family time, and swimming in the pool with friends. For those of us that have swimming pools in our backyards, we know it is a great source of exercise and fun. However, it is also a big responsibility.

It is critical that any pool owner take appropriate measures to safeguard their swimming pool, and to make swimming pool safety a priority in order to avoid injuries or accidents. Swimming pool accidents can occur quickly and with no warning. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children ages 0 to 14.

Below is a list of important safety precautions for parents and pool owners to follow to ensure the safety of everyone swimming this summer:

Car accidents happen every day and as a business owner, you need to make sure you have the proper insurance coverage in place to protect you, your employees, your assets and get you back on the road as quickly as possible. How do you know if you need a Commercial Auto policy? As a rule of thumb, if the vehicle is used primarily for business purposes or is titled in the company’s name, you should have a Commercial Auto policy regardless if you lease or own the vehicle. 

Commercial auto insurance policies exist not only for commercial vehicles such as semis, dump trucks, emergency vehicles and taxis, where it is apparent that business is being conducted in and out of these types of vehicles every day.

Here are several other situations in which a commercial auto insurance policy is the appropriate policy to secure for your vehicle – situations where a personal policy will not provide adequate coverage in the event of an accident:

• If you use your personal vehicle for day-to-day business, such as a delivery person or courier.
  
  
• For vehicles that are rented or leased and primarily used for or while conducting business.
  
  
• If you are a realtor, have a similar job where you consistently travel in your personal vehicle for work to go on sales calls, or to transport clients or coworkers.
  
  
• If you provide your personal vehicle to another person to use as a means of compensation or to utilize when running errands or picking up supplies on your behalf, such as a personal assistant or nanny.
  
  

These are situations where a commercial auto insurance policy is necessary, so that in the unfortunate event of an accident, your vehicle will be covered for damages. This policy also provides coverage for any other authorized drivers or passengers traveling in your vehicle who sustain injuries or medical costs incurred because of an accident.

A personal auto insurance policy would not adequately provide coverage in these instances, due to the nature in which the vehicle is being used, which is for business purposes. Commercial auto insurance policies can also play a key role in protecting your business. A type of liability coverage that can be built into your commercial policy serves to protect your business from monetary judgments in a case where your employee gets involved in an accident while conducting business for your company, even if he is driving his own vehicle. This type of liability coverage can protect your business from serious financial jeopardy.

The differences between personal and commercial auto insurance policies are not always clear-cut and easy to understand. That is why it is vital to work with an experienced, knowledgeable, independent insurance brokerage. MHG Insurance Brokers is dedicated to providing its clients with the most comprehensive coverage available on the market, tailored to accommodate the clients’ needs, at the most competitive rates. Call MHG Insurance Brokers today for assistance in evaluating your auto insurance needs with one of our brokers at 954-828-1819, or visit mhginsurance.com. 

Rest easy knowing that MHG Insurance Brokers will help you protect yourself and your business with the proper commercial auto insurance policy.

Hurricane season begins June 1^st and runs through November 30^th each year on the Atlantic coast. The National Weather Service (NOAA) releases its predictions for the season on May 23^rd, but forecasters from Colorado State University are expecting a season with above-average storm activity, estimating that there will be 18 tropical storms, nine of which will be hurricanes, and four of those to be major hurricanes. 

Floridians know that in order to get through Hurricane season smoothly, it is important to be properly prepared. In addition to NOAA’s website, which offers an informative and helpful Hurricane Preparedness Guide, here are some important tips that are worth mentioning, as well as some that often are overlooked:

• Have an evacuation plan and know the local routes. Share it with your family.
• While stocking up on food and water supplies, remember to purchase a First Aid kit as well.
• Keep important documents in a waterproof bag or case and move it to a place that you can access easily.
• Learn the elevation of your property, and whether the land is prone to flooding.
• Find out if there is a SPHA for the area you live in – Special Flood Hazard Designation.
• Make arrangements for your pets, in case evacuation becomes necessary.
• Make plans to secure your property in the event of an evacuation.
• Take pictures of your home, inside and out.
• Check over your insurance policies.
  
  

Not sure what you should be looking for when reviewing your insurance policies? First, become familiar with policy coverage amounts and deductibles so that you can be prepared in the event you have to file a claim. Also, what does the policy cover? 

Home owners’ insurance in Florida does not cover flood claims. You should purchase a Flood Insurance policy to protect your home from flooding due to heavy rains and storm surge. Storm surge is water that is pushed toward the shoreline by wind force during a storm. Combined with normal tides, water levels rise and can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and beyond by eroding beaches and roadways. Only a few inches of water in your home can cost thousands in repair costs and restoration. 

Having a comprehensive Flood Insurance policy is vital to recovering from a devastating hurricane. Even renters may purchase a policy to cover the contents of their home. There are two types of Flood Insurance policies available to you that can be purchased separately – Contents and Structure Only. 

MHG Insurance Brokers are well-informed about what policies are currently being offered and are able to provide you with the most comprehensive Flood Insurance policy backed by the U.S. Government. Visit MHG online today at mhginsurance.com or call at 954 -828-1819 and speak with a member of our team to get better prepared this Hurricane Season.

You have finally picked the perfect setting for your next vacation and are about to reserve all of your itinerary details. Right before you finish booking your trip, you are asked a routine question that can make or break your journey: “Do you want to add travel insurance to your purchase?” Most people are not aware of the fact that travel insurance is one of the smartest uses of their money when it comes to a vacation or business trip. Before we get into specifics, let’s take a look at a real world example from a client who declined the travel insurance option in the past. 

“From 2006-2009, I was flying to Europe quite often and each time I purchased a travel insurance policy. In 2008, I took a trip to Germany and for the first time decided not to purchase travel insurance. What a monumental mistake. I was walking home late one night, tripped over a curb, and tore a ligament in my right ankle. After visiting an urgent care facility, an orthopedic surgeon several times and medicine, my bill was $492 and my deductible was $500. Had I purchased my usual travel insurance policy for around $30 with a $0 deductible and $50,000 limit, I would have been out of pocket $0!” 

First, travel insurance can save you large amounts of money if you experience a medical issue while on a trip. Studies show that one out of every two travelers becomes ill during their trip and an average overseas medical bill can run between $1,500 - $2,400 dollars. Furthermore, most hospitals and physicians abroad expect payment before you can be treated. 

Other traveling mishaps that can be overcome with travel insurance include trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage (never fun!), emergency transport and even natural disasters. Trip cancellations can happen for many reasons, and when it does, travelers lose an average of $1,186 per trip. Stolen luggage is another costly endeavor, with an average price tag of $350-$400 per bag.

If you become severely injured and need medical evacuation back to the United States, be prepared to pay a hefty price tag if you didn’t invest in travel insurance. Average transport amounts run around $30,000 per traveler. Other details you should be aware of when traveling abroad is that most U.S. based healthcare policies do not cover policyholders when overseas – this is especially true for those on Medicare or other national health services.

Considering all of the benefits of travel insurance, and coverage costing an average of 4-8 percent of your trip total, isn’t it time to talk to an experienced travel insurance broker? The knowledgeable agents at MHG can explain all of the advantages of travel insurance and tailor a policy to your specific needs. They offer a variety of advanced travel insurance plans that can help you put any travel anxieties to rest. You might have waited a long time to take this special trip – don’t let a travel mishap set you back financially. Call MHG at 954-828-1819 or visit mhginsurance.com today to book your travel insurance policy.

If you are currently employed as a yacht crewmember, chances are you have heard about individual disability income protection Although some reports state the economy is improving, times are still tough and salaries are not increasing the way they have in the past. In addition, with a disabling accident or illness occurring or being diagnosed every few seconds, it would be a wise choice to consider disability insurance.

 

Let’s take a look at a real life scenario about a yacht crewmember who did not purchase disability insurance:  

“Last June, we had a Chief Stewardess fall down the stairs onboard a yacht. She landed on her head and injured her spine, causing temporary paralysis. She still has a long road to recovery in terms of her coordination and strength in her limbs. She has had to rely heavily on others, including her significant other, for both financial support as well as in caring for her day to day needs. Had she purchased a disability plan, she would potentially be receiving 65% of her salary.” 

When accidents and injuries happen to those who are uninsured, it brings a financial, physical and emotional strain to those who become their caretakers. Unfortunately, not everyone has a significant other or family member nearby, and they are left to hire a home nurse or caretaker. These expenses, in addition to medical bills, can be astronomical.  

Also keep in mind that if you are disabled, you will be living on shore. This will likely result in additional living expenses such as electric and water that you may not have had while working at sea. Just like accidents, long term illness can also cause significant financial challenges.  

With a long term illness, you can also find yourself in a situation where you not only need to rely on others for support with daily activities but you may also find that the ongoing medical costs may not be adequately covered by your insurance plan due to additional deductibles, non-covered items or co-insurance. 

A disabling injury or illness has the potential to ruin someone financially. Living expenses continue to rise, as do the costs for adequate medical care. Disability income can offer you peace of mind knowing a significant portion of your income can be replaced in the event of an unfortunate situation.

Disability income protection is just one part of your overall insurance picture, so be sure to consider it along with health and life insurance. MHG Insurance specializes in insurance plans for yacht crew members . We have the knowledge, experience and relationships with top-rated disability insurance carriers and can tailor a policy to your budget and needs. Call MHG today at +1 954-828-1819 or visit mhginsurance.com  to determine which disability insurance plan would be right for you.