Health insurance is a difficult topic for most people to get their heads around. Many crewmembers come from countries with nationalized medicine and have not had to deal with getting their own insurance before, or even think about health insurance assuming that an employer will provide.
Whilst some vessels provide international cover on and off the boat, many look after crew only for work related incidents leaving you in a grey area when away from the boat and certainly at risk between boats, looking for work and on vacation etc.
I am an independent broker who works with the crew insurers and has helped develop the plans for mariners, I can advise impartially as to what health plan is best for your situation. As an ex crewmember and 'poster girl' for health insurance, I am dedicated to advising crew on getting a health plan that works best for them.
Post your questions here or contact anita@sevenseashealth.com
A lot of people are alarmed after reading the Triton report that LlLoyd's of London, the world's largest insurer, is considering excluding illness cover for US citizens/crew. The drafted proposal has come in the wake of the United States' recent healthcare reform.
The unfortunate knee jerk reaction has been, ‘Oh then we won’t hire US crew!’
To US crew already facing issues with insurance companies this over reaction is a blow.
At this point only one of the 'surplus lines' insurers has decided to withdraw their international plan underwritten by Lloyd's. There are still several 'surplus lines' plans and 'regulated' carriers offering crew health plans.