Why Yacht Crew Need a Specialist When Choosing Health Insurance
Navigating crew health insurance? Did you know that traditional policies ashore rarely account for the realities of life at sea? Many crew discover — sometimes too late — that their plans don’t cover them on board or offer little protection when moving between countries and vessels. The picture becomes even more complex when you add variables such as nationality, existing home coverage, and regional regulations. Even understanding your benefits — and when they actually apply — can feel like deciphering a foreign language.
These challenges mean that for crew, choosing health insurance isn’t as simple as just comparing premiums; it’s about understanding all the details and risks and making informed decisions that affect your safety and career. That’s where a specialist partner like MHG — trusted by thousands of yacht crew worldwide and a pioneer in crew insurance since introducing crew benefits to the yachting industry in 1997 — can make a critical difference from the beginning.
One of the biggest hurdles crew face is understanding the offerings. Health insurance’s specialized terminology — coinsurance, copays, deductibles, exclusions, pre-existing conditions — is often buried in lengthy policy documents. Coverage can vary dramatically, and many crewmembers may end up choosing plans without fully understanding their benefits or limitations.
This is where MHG can step in and share their expertise. As specialists in yacht crew insurance, MHG doesn’t just sell policies — they “speak insurance.” Their role is to clarify unfamiliar terms, break down plan details, and make sure clients clearly understand what is (and isn’t) covered. By demystifying the fine print, MHG empowers crew to make informed decisions.
This is a challenge MHG encounters daily, according to Mark Bononi, MHG’s chief operations officer. “As a layperson, it’s very difficult to make those kinds of discoveries without someone who knows the plan inside and out,” he says. MHG works with both individual crewmembers and vessels, offering solutions that range from full-time to temporary coverage.
“There are a myriad of insurance options out there, and you can get lost very quickly, not only in researching them all but also in the terminology and the different ways these policies are structured,” Bononi says. When it comes to health and safety, you can’t afford to make a mistake.
It’s essential to ensure your plan covers you while you’re on the boat. “A regular plan in your home country probably doesn’t cover you when you are at work, or if you get sick or hurt while away from home,” Bononi says. This is where insurance brokers like MHG step in, identifying specialty plans designed to cover crew both on duty and off. “Anybody can buy an insurance policy, but finding the right one requires somebody who specializes in this area, who knows to look for that particular coverage facet.”
Even within policies themselves, Bononi notes, the wording can vary widely. “Sometimes it’s very difficult to get down to the nitty-gritty details,” he says — the most important part of choosing the right coverage.
What truly sets MHG apart is its care for crew. The company’s team does much more than match crew with a policy; they serve as advisors and advocates throughout the insurance journey. That care shows in their personal attention — when you call for help, a person answers the phone. When you email a question, you get a quick response. MHG understands its clients and resolves any issues quickly and competently. Crew are never obligated to purchase a policy, and there is no additional cost for MHG’s services.
“The key is that we’re advocating on behalf of the crewmember,” Bononi says. “We are on their side to fight for the proper service, to get their claim paid, or to resolve whatever the issue is. This support can be invaluable.” MHG acts as a bridge between policyholders and insurance carriers. “We’ve been doing this for a little while,” Bononi adds, “so we’ve seen it all.”
The advocacy is backed by a global support network. MHG has offices on both sides of the Atlantic — including Fort Lauderdale, the Isle of Man, Hamburg, and Antibes. The team also includes staff from various nationalities who speak multiple languages, ensuring help is always accessible wherever you are in the world.
To find the right plan for you — and help from a company that truly understands crew — visit MHGInsurance.com or contact the crew insurance team.