Crew Medical Insurance: Health Check
Depending on the provisions of the crew employment contracts, flag state requirements, local country legislation and also 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, dealing with someone’s health is an emotive subject, 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 are 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 also possibly, an indemnity for temporary disablement due to accident or illness (resulting in inability to work), usually in the form of a weekly benefit based on the crew member’s salary.
What has MLC got to do with it?
The MLC (Maritime Labour Convention 2006) 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 employed yacht crew are from the USA or Australia, there is some local legislation for residents of these countries to consider. Also French resident crew working onboard a yacht that stays in French waters for more than six months, will also need to consider the medical and social requirements of ENIM, which applies to French resident seafarers.
Generally it is important for crew members to understand their own legal status whilst working on board yachts, which includes whether there is any local legislation on health benefits or obligations to pay social security contributions.
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! New guidance on Seafarer Employment Agreements (SEAs) has been issued by some flag states in respect to temporary crew/day workers/race crew so always check with your employer what cover is included.
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 conditions.