Insurance is designed to provide financial protection against unexpected events. Many crew will be covered for certain types of insurance as part of their employment.Typically, this includes a range of insurance types that cover medical and dental issues, sick pay, personal liability, serious injury or death, medical evacuation, and repatriation.
However, insurance policies frequently differ so it is important you understand the extent of your cover and any gaps in the coverage that may exist. For example, your vessel’s insurance policies may not cover you when you are not physically onboard the vessel. There are some other key considerations for crew regarding insurance gaps, and these are
detailed below.
Main Types of Personal Insurance for Yacht Crew*:
- Health/Medical Insurance – Coverage can include emergency and routine medical treatments, hospital stays, prescription medicine, dental issues, and specialist consultations.
- Critical Illness Insurance (CII) – Provides a lump sum payment if you arediagnosed with a serious illness or suffer a debilitating injury (CII is separate from Health Insurance).
- Travel Insurance – Includes travel delays, lost luggage, personal liability, and emergency medical treatment abroad.
- Income protection insurance – Used to provide regular payments if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Life Insurance – Provides a lump sum to your dependents should you pass away.
- Personal Possession Insurance – Designed to cover the replacement costs of personal possessions if damaged or lost.
- Landlord Insurance – relevant to those with properties. This can provide protection against: owner’s liability, loss of rent, damage to the physical building, and damage to the landlord’s contents (eg: furnishings, appliances, etc).
Key Considerations for Crew:
- Any coverage already in place by the vessel.
- The gaps in this coverage – eg: are you covered under this policy when not onboard
the vessel. - The specific wording of your insurance policies – ensure you are covered for all
contingencies specific to your needs. - Extensive travel – as seafarers you are likely to spend time in various locations.
Worldwide cover may be needed, particular for medical situations where evacuation
and repatriation are required. - Your current situation, including financial obligations and dependants. These will
impact the policies and payouts required.
Peace of mind starts with knowing you’re protected.
If you’d like support reviewing your insurance or discussing what cover might be right for you, reach out to CrewFO — we’re here to help.
👉 https://www.crewfo.com/contact/
*The insurance categories above are intended as a guide only and do not represent a complete list.