Experiencing new cultures at your own leisure is fun and easy when you explore the world on a marine adventure. It’s important to make sure that you and your crew are protected from unexpected emergencies, illness and injury when planning you maritime vacation. The best way to protect yourself and your crew prior to departure is to purchase marine crew insurance.
US citizens who are travelling or living abroad may not be covered by the same health insurance plan that covers them while in the US. For non-US citizens travelling outside of their home country, coverage they receive from a government-sponsored plan may not be enough to protect them. With an international marine crew insurance plan, you are protected no matter where you travel within your pre-selected coverage area.
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 health insurance, including hospital stays, emergency care and prescription costs.
Deductibles range from $250 per insured person, and up to $5000 for these types of plans. A maximum limit of $5,000,000 is available per insured person’s lifetime. Expensive medical services like emergency medical evacuation, maternity care and other similar services can also be included in marine crew insurance plans.
Members are eligible for wellness coverage, depending on the plan that is selected, after one continuous year of yacht crew insurance. Members under 19 years of age can visit the doctor for $50 per visit with wellness benefits, while members who are least 30 years old can receive up to $250 in coverage. Routine doctor visits and medical services are the intended use of wellness benefits.
Make sure to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions when signing up for marine crew health insurance. Any illness, injury or mental health disorder or chronic condition that existed prior to submitting your application are considered pre-existing conditions. You may receive a denial of benefits if you do not disclose these on your application.
Outside of medical coverage, there are often additional benefits available with these types of plans. Assistance with legal service referrals, tracking lost baggage and emergency cash transfers are often included in these benefits.
Be sure that you are prepared with a marine crew insurance plan before you set sail. For anyone will be travelling outside of their home country, the value that is received from the plan makes it well-worth the cost.