View our most FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS related to CREW MEDICAL and INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE.
What is global crew medical insurance?
Global crew medical insurance is an international health insurance plan designed for professional yacht captains and crew who are working onboard a vessel and traveling internationally. The health insurance plans cover inside and outside the individuals’ home country, while working, during time off, on vacation and while taking courses.
Is global crew medical insurance the same as travel insurance?
Global crew medical insurance is not the same as travel medical insurance. Travel medical insurance only covers unexpected travel related medical- or accidental incidents that occur while traveling outside your home country. Coverage is often excluded for any pre-existing medical conditions.
Global medical insurance provides worldwide coverage, including your home country, for preventative care, maternity care, and other benefits that may not be covered by travel medical insurance. The crew medical plans can be purchased for a long period of time, while travel medical insurance plans only cover for a limited period of time.
What is the purpose of worldwide crew health insurance?
Worldwide crew health insurance provides crew members with both routine and emergency healthcare and features great flexibility to cater to the marine industry for extended periods of time. Global crew medical insurance plans cover inside and outside of the individuals home country.
Why do I need global crew health insurance?
While working and living internationally onboard a yacht, you may not be covered by your domestic insurance plan, putting you at risk of paying for expensive healthcare if you require any medical attention. If you are living or working outside your home country as a professional crew member, international crew health insurance provides medical coverage in any country, including your home country. One plan provides worldwide coverage.
What does international crew medical insurance cover?
International crew medical plans cover essential medical services, including but not limited to; preventative care, physical exams, hospitalization, ER, maternity care, prescription drugs, medical evacuation, home health care or hospice, chiropractic services, among other benefits. Please make sure to review the coverage carefully, as certain benefits may have waiting periods.
What is the benefit for an employer/yacht owner to offer global medical group insurance instead of domestic insurance to its crew?
In most cases the domestic health insurance plans don’t cover crew members who are traveling abroad for extended periods of time working on yachts. If an employer/yacht owner provides global crew medical group insurance for its crew, they can enjoy the benefit of being covered outside their home country as well as in their home country, while working and during time off 24/7/365.
Who can purchase a global crew medical expat plan?
Global crew medical expat insurance is available for captains and crew members of any Citizenship. Plans are usually offered up to age 74 or 75.
If I am traveling to multiple countries, does global crew medical insurance cover me worldwide?
Yes, global crew medical insurance plans give you access to healthcare all over the world, inside and outside of the U.S. Certain plans give you a choice to EXCLUDE coverage inside the U.S., if you don’t need it and the premium will therefore be less. Please review your insurance plan offerings.
Is maternity covered under the global crew medical plans?
Certain group insurance policies offer maternity benefits from day 1. However, it’s more common that there’s a waiting period for these types of benefits, of 10 to 12 months.
Are water sports covered under the worldwide crew medical plans?
Most watersports are usually covered under the standard plan, such as snorkeling, driving tender and jet skis, and if not, you can add a “sports rider” for extra premium. Some plans may exclude scuba diving or have certain restrictions on the coverage, such as depth and that you have to dive with a companion. There are also diving specific plans available.
What’s the difference between deductible, copayment and coinsurance?
All three are medical charges you must pay out of your own pocket, even if you have insurance. Your deductible, or excess is the initial amount you must pay each year for covered health services before your insurer will start to pay.
A copayment is a fixed amount, or fee, that you pay toward a medical service, such as $30 for a doctor visit, or $10 for a prescription. Coinsurance is a cost-sharing feature between you and the insurance company. It’s a percentage, usually 80/20. The insurance company pays 80% and you pay 20% toward the medical bills, AFTER the deductible has been met. Plans often have this feature in the U.S., due to the high medical costs. Outside the U.S., the same plans can pay 100% of the bills after the deductible.