Crew Medical Insurance: Health Check
Depending on the provisions of the crew employment contracts, flag state requirements, local country legislation and whether MLC applies, it is important for owners to ensure their crew are adequately insured 24/7 for illness, accidents, sick wages and repatriation. These can be the most complex and contentious claims, as it is dealing with someone’s health, and therefore all the options should be reviewed before a decision is made.
When it comes to assessing your insurance needs as a crew member, it’s important to understand the different types of cover available and who is responsible for that insurance. Here’s your common questions, answered:
What should I be looking for in my Crew insurance?
These insurances come in different forms and have different names depending on the Insurer, so it is important to clarify what is included in the policy and who is covered. Most crew insurance policies will include cover for crew medical expenses, repatriation or medical evacuation, as well as lump sum indemnities for death or permanent disability following an accident on board and an indemnity for temporary disablement, usually in the form of a weekly benefit based on salary.
What has MLC got to do with it?
The MLC (Maritime Labour Convention) provides a set of comprehensive rights and protection at work for seafarers and aims to achieve minimum onboard working conditions covering a wide range of matters, including working hours, health and safety, crew accommodation, seafarers’ welfare and seafarers’ contractual arrangements.
What effect does country of residence have?
If crew from the USA, Australia or South Africa are employed, there is local legislation for residents of these countries to consider. Crew resident in France, working aboard a yacht that stays in French waters for more than six months, will need to consider the medical and social requirements of ENIM, which applies to French resident seafarers.
What about seasonal staff and dayworkers?
There will likely be a provision of cover in the Yacht Crew policy for casual workers, but always check what cover included and to what extent!
Are premiums affected by cruising location?
Yes. If you’re going to the USA, for example, this typically results in a higher premium due to the cost of medical treatment in the USA.
Are all sporting activities included?
Check your policy wording - things like winter sports and recreational diving should be clearly stated as being included or excluded from your cover. And this doesn’t just apply to activities in connection with the yacht, think about your holiday or rotation periods, too.
Is there any waiting period for certain conditions or exclusion of pre-existing conditions?
You may find that you cannot claim for anything you have suffered with prior to commencing with a new insurer, and that usually applies for a period of six to twelve months. Pantaenius Crew Medical insurance does not exclude any pre-existing condition.