Marine adventures are a fun way to explore the world and experience new cultures at your own leisure. When planning your maritime vacation, it’s important to make sure that you and your crew are protected from unexpected emergencies, illness and injury. Purchasing marine crew health insurance prior to departure is the best way to protect yourself and your crew.
If you are a US citizen, you may not receive coverage when travelling abroad from the same insurance plan that covers you when you are in the US. Additionally, government-sponsored coverage for non-US citizens travelling outside of their home country may not offer enough protection. When you travel within your pre-selected coverage area, you will be protected if you purchase an international yacht crew plan.
The types of plans have coverage areas that are divided into two regions: Worldwide coverage that includes the US and Canada, and coverage that does not include the US and Canada. A number of health services are covered when you purchase yacht crew insurance, including hospital stays, emergency care and prescription costs.
The plans offer a wide range of deductible options, starting at $250 per insured person and up to $5000. Each person can expect a limit of $5,000,000 per insured person’s lifetime. Coverage for high cost services, such as emergency medical evacuation, maternity care, and other similar services can also be included in marine crew insurance plans.
After one continuous year of yacht crew insurance, depending on the plan selected, members are eligible for wellness coverage. Members who receive wellness benefits (which are not subject to the deductible) and are under 19 years of age can visit the doctor for $50 per visit, while members who are least 30 years old can receive $250 in coverage. Wellness benefits are intended for routine doctor visits and medical services.
When signing up for marine crew health insurance, make sure to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions on your application form. Pre-existing conditions include any injury, illness or mental health disorder or chronic condition that existed prior to submitting your application. Not disclosing these conditions will result in a denial of benefits should you need medical treatment for them during your trip.
There are often additional benefits outside of medical coverage included in yacht crew health insurance.Included in these benefits are typically assistance with tracking lost baggage, emergency cash transfers and referrals for legal services.
Before you leave on your marine vacation, be sure that you are prepared with a marine crew insurance plan. The value that is received from these plans for those who are travelling outside of their home country is well-worth the cost of the plan.
Dan Miller likes to write about yacht crew health insurance
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