Doesn’t it seem like whenever you visit some beautiful place, you never want to leave. Well, depending on the terms. I’m pretty sure that Tom Hanks couldn’t wait to get off that island in Cast Away. But if you are on holiday somewhere in the Caribbean, it’s not too hard to envision yourself calling that place “home” and truly “living the life.” That may be why it is becoming more and more popular for people to retire, and move to their dream destination to live out their golden years. But before you jump on that plane, there are some things you need to get squared away. 

Social Security and Other Retirement Funds 

If you lived and worked in the United States and are looking to retire abroad, your Social Security should follow you wherever you go. Also, your 401k, IRA, or any other retirement savings plan you may have administered during your working career should be available to you. However, you may have to get an account at a bank in your new country, or an international one.

Government Sponsored Health Care 

Unlike your Social Security, Medicare (or your countries equivalent) will not follow you to your new country. However, the good news is that in many cases, being a resident in your new country can make you eligible for its government sponsored health care plan. Also, most of the developed countries around the world have Universal Health Care systems, which can be better than what is offered in the U.S. The only con is that it can take a long time to get an appointment or see a doctor.

Insurance Options Local Health Insurance: Domestic health insurance won’t follow you to another country. And if it does, it will only offer a fraction of the coverage that it would have offered back home. So it would only make sense to keep your domestic plan if you planned on traveling back and forth to receive any medical services. In most countries, the local health insurance that is available is much like the one you may have had back home. Including a provider network that lets you know which doctors or hospitals the carrier will provide coverage for. One drawback to having a local plan is that in some cases, they will not write a new policy for you after the age of 63.

No Health Insurance: You have the option of having no insurance coverage at all. Thus meaning you would have to pay cash for everything. If you live in the Unites States, this may seem like a crazy idea given the fact that health care costs can be more than twice as much as other countries. But, even with costs in other countries being lower, this still may not be the smartest option.

International Health Insurance: International health insurance, also known as expatriate insurance, is essentially the same as your domestic health insurance, with coverage all around the world. So you would have coverage whether you are in your new home, or visiting your old one. This may be the best option of health insurance for most people that are retiring abroad. Especially for those who are over the age of 63 and cannot purchase a new local health insurance. 

Moving to a new country, no matter what stage in life can be an exhilarating experience. With so many tasks to complete in order to prepare yourself, it can be easy to forget some items. If you are interested in purchasing an international medical insurance plan, also known as expatriate insurance, please contact our insurance specialists at 1 954-828-1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. We have an office full of expats, and others who have re-located, who can assist you and advise you about all the necessary steps to take when selecting the proper insurance for you or your family.

Land of the free, home of the vacation? Visiting the United States is a great way to spend a vacation. The country has so much to offer, from amusement parks like Disney World, to big cities like New York City and Los Angeles, breathtaking natural sites such as the Grand Canyon, even tropical beaches in South Florida! There is something to do, no matter what type of vacation you are looking to go on. That may be the reason why the U.S. is the second most visited country in the world behind only France. With so many people traveling to the U.S, people are bound to have accidents, get sick, etc. So if a trip to the United States is in your future, here are 5 reasons to make sure you have sufficient health insurance coverage during your travels. 

The High Cost of Medical Care

There are places around the world that have government sponsored, affordable or free healthcare. While the U.S. has recently attained a government sponsored healthcare system, many would argue that it is anything but affordable for those who don’t have coverage. So whatever health care plan you have in your home country, likely will not work in the U.S. But better to be safe than sorry, and up with a medical bill that’s a few thousand dollars. For example, accidents happen, and you unfortunately fell and broke your leg while walking down the stairs of your hotel. The total cost of treatment could be as high as $2,500 without health insurance coverage. And if surgery is required, you’re looking at a total cost that could be over $15,000.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment 

Accidental Death and Dismemberment is essentially a fancy way of saying life insurance. You go through the similar process in selecting a beneficiary to receive a benefit in the event of your death or dismembering injury. No matter where you are traveling, it is a good idea to protect yourself and your loved ones in the event something happens to you.

Medical Evacuation/Repatriation 

Even though the United States has some of the best medical facilities in the world, it is possible that you may need to be medically evacuated to your home country in the event of a serious injury. Being medically evacuated from the U.S. can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. I think that is a good enough reason to make sure you’re covered. Also, in the event you pass away on your trip, repatriation should cover or assist in the returning of your remains to your home country. Otherwise, your family could be left to foot the bill of transporting your remains back home, which could be quite expensive.

24/7 Assistance 

While visiting a foreign country can be one of life’s greatest adventures, it can also be a scary and stressful one. Especially when visiting a country as large as the United States of America. That being said, many travel insurance companies offer a 24/7 hotline that you can call in the event something has happened to you, you’re lost, or help with any travel details. This can be even more helpful if the language spoken in the country you are visiting isn’t the same as your native tongue. 

There are fewer experiences that can be as fulfilling as traveling and experiencing different parts of the world. We hope that your trip is perfect, and that you never have to actually use your travel insurance. If you are interested in purchasing travel insurance, please contact our specialists at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0)1624 678668 or visit us at mhginsurance.com to help identify the right travel insurance plan for your particular situation. Have a wonderful vacation!

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

Be Prepared 

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

Contact the Insurance Company ASAP 

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

Save All Documents 

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

Denied Claim 

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

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

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

Protect Your Spouse

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

Invest in Your Future Together 

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

Lower Premium 

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

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

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

Injury or Illness 

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

Jury Duty 

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

Work Related 

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

Labor Strike 

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

Losing Your Job 

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

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

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

Déjà vu                                                

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

Finances 

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

Emotional Concerns

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

Health Insurance 

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

Many of us at MHG are expats ourselves and understand the global insurance needs of international businesses, individuals, and families living and working around the world. Our Insurance Specialists have the experience, knowledge, and access to multiple international insurance carriers to help you find the most suitable plan based on your budget and future plans. At MHG Insurance Brokers, our commitment to your well-being does not end once you have purchased a plan; through our “Concierge Broker Service”, we will continue to assist you with questions about your policy and provide guidance throughout the claims process if necessary. Call MHG Insurance Brokers at +1 954-828-1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com for help finding insurance coverage for you, your family or business!

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!

Moving to another country can be the exciting adventure of a lifetime. Whether you will be pursuing your studies during a semester abroad or relocating more permanently to further your career, it is imperative that you have a health insurance policy that provides coverage in the country where you will be residing. In certain cases, you may qualify for the national health plan of your host country, but the majority of travelers will need to obtain expatriate health insurance coverage.

Working as an officer or crew member onboard a cruise ship has afforded you the opportunity to travel, meet people from around the world and experience other cultures. Now your family and friends are coming to visit so they can share those amazing experiences with you, leaving you with the question, “Where can I find cruise line travel insurance coverage for visiting family and friends ?” Turn to MHG Insurance, the same company you rely on for your marine crew insurance needs! MHG is a full-service insurance brokerage, with travel insurance plans that will ensure your guests are fully covered in case an accident or illness occurs.

With Travel Insurance, your guests have coverage wherever they roam.

Most U.S. health insurance coverage does not extend to countries outside the United States; plans that do include international coverage usually have limited or no networks, which can leave policyholders without coverage when they need it most. If your guests suffer an accident, injury or illness while exploring on shore, you will need to find skilled, professional medical care in a hurry. MHG offers travel insurance plans that are specifically designed to work in the geographic areas you will be visiting, and they can provide referrals to local qualified doctors and hospitals, and if needed, can provide translation assistance during treatment.

Travel insurance provides a range of coverage.

There are several travel insurance policies available through MHG; while they have differing benefit limits and deductible amounts, they all provide coverage for emergency medical expenses, including the cost of emergency medical evacuation to transport policyholders to the nearest medical facility qualified to treat their medical condition. Emergency message relay to family, friends and co-workers will help to maintain contact during an emergency, and if emergency medical evacuation is necessary, travel insurance may even cover the transportation, lodging, and meal costs of a relative so no one is left without family support in an unfamiliar country. After the chosen deductible is met, travel insurance helps cover the cost of inpatient and outpatient medical expenses, ambulance services, and can help pay for physical therapy, emergency dental services, and other important benefits.

Count on MHG Insurance to provide easy, affordable travel insurance options.

MHG’s travel insurance plans are surprisingly affordable and easy to attain! Your guests can apply online right now and instantly receive a travel insurance quote and coverage - the whole process takes just a few minutes, and coverage can start as early as tomorrow! MHG has several different travel insurance policies available; your guests have their choice of geographic area of coverage, policy deductible/excess and, in some cases, choice of coverage limit. If you plan to include some of the more adventurous activities on your trip, such as scuba diving, wakeboarding, or paragliding, your guests can easily add extreme sports insurance to complete their coverage. Call the Insurance Specialists at MHG Insurance to ensure your family and friends have complete coverage for their cruise line vacation with international medical insurance, extreme sports insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and more.

Call MHG Insurance at +1 954-828-1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com to ensure your family and friends have travel insurance coverage that protects them wherever they roam!

You have been looking forward to your cruise for months, waiting with eager anticipation to set off on your dream vacation. Cruises can be expensive, but the opportunity to enjoy the all-inclusive comfort of a cruise ship while visiting multiple exotic destinations is well worth the price. Cruises have extremely strict cancellation policies, however - if an unforeseen complication arises and you have to cancel your trip, you could lose all the money you invested in the cruise. Trip cancellation insurance can protect you in this situation, allowing you to recover your non-refundable, unused payments and deposits so you can reschedule your cruise and enjoy your dream vacation at another time. While you may be unable to imagine anything that would make you cancel your long-awaited trip, there are actually many reasons why a cancellation may be necessary. 

Medical Issues

Illnesses and injuries can happen at any time, leaving you unable to set off on your cruise. Trip cancellation insurance reimburses your cruise expenditures if you, a family member, business partner, travel companion, or travel companion’s family member becomes ill or suffers an injury or death. Some trip cancellation insurance coverage even reimburses you if you have to cancel your cruise due to the sudden flare-up of a pre-existing condition, provided you purchased the insurance within 15 calendar days of the  initial covered trip payment, and you were able to attend the cruise on the day you purchased the policy.

Job-Related Issues 

Even though you planned your cruise and arranged for leave from work, sometimes circumstances related to your job can cause you to delay or cancel your trip. Some work crises may require your presence; if you are a key employee at work and an emergency occurs, cruise cancellation insurance has you covered. Active and reserve duty members of the military, police, or fire department that have their personal leave cancelled so they can provide relief or aid related to a natural disaster or terrorist act, will have their cancelled cruise expenses returned.

Unable to Leave

Sometimes unforeseen events can make it impossible for you to leave on your cruise. Covered events include an auto accident on the way to the scheduled departure point; unexpected jury duty; and the documented theft of your passport or visa. You are also covered if your or your travel companion’s home is made uninhabitable, due to fire, vandalism, or natural disaster.

Financial Circumstances

If you are suddenly terminated or laid off from your long-term job, you may need the money set aside for your cruise to cover your living expenses. Provided you were at the same job for a certain amount of time, (typically one to three years, depending on the terms of your particular policy) you can be reimbursed for your paid cruise expenses. Cruise trip cancellations due to the financial default of a travel supplier are also covered.

Natural and Other Disasters

Events that are completely beyond your control can interfere with your ability to safely depart on your cruise. Natural disasters resulting in the cessation of the travel supplier’s services, terrorist incidents, organized labor strikes, and medical quarantines are all covered reasons for cancelling your cruise. In addition to these five reasons you need cruise trip cancellation insurance , emergency medical expenses, repatriation services, and baggage delay can also cause expenses that are covered when you have trip cancellation insurance from MHG.

Call the trip specialists at MHG Insurance Brokers to ensure you have complete coverage for your vacation with trip cancellation insurance, international medical insurance , extreme sports insurance , and more.

When you are ready to book your dream vacation, 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 adventure!