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The Four Essential Factors to Becoming a Yachtie

Breaking into the yachting industry is like setting sail on a thrilling journey filled with first-time experiences. Picture this: living in a new country, mingling with folks from far and wide, managing your budget with the precision of a sea captain, and, of course, networking over a few cold ones in the local pub – because, let’s be honest, that’s where the real magic happens! Now, before you hoist your sails and set off on this maritime adventure, there’s a checklist…

Breaking into the yachting industry is like setting sail on a thrilling journey filled with first-time experiences.

Picture this: living in a new country, mingling with folks from far and wide, managing your budget with the precision of a sea captain, and, of course, networking over a few cold ones in the local pub – because, let’s be honest, that’s where the real magic happens!

Now, before you hoist your sails and set off on this maritime adventure, there’s a checklist you’ll want to navigate through. It’s not just about earning your sea legs; it’s about ensuring you’re well-prepared for the nautical challenges that lie ahead.

First and foremost, let’s talk paperwork – the unsung hero of any overseas escapade:

1.International Health/Travel Insurance: It’s not just a safety net; it’s your golden ticket to a visa. Without it, you might find yourself adrift in a sea of paperwork.

2.International Bank Account: A sailor needs a sturdy ship, and you need a reliable bank account. Setting up an international account ensures smooth sailing for your finances, wherever the winds may take you.

3.Crew House Accommodation: Think of it as your home port. Finding the right crew house is like dropping anchor in a safe harbor – a place where you can rest your sea legs and share tales of the open sea with your fellow shipmates.

4.Visa: Ahoy, legalities! Securing a visa is like charting your course; it’s a must for a smooth entry into your chosen maritime realm.

1.International Health Insurance/ Travel Insurance

Picture this: You, the adventurous greenie, diving into the yachting realm. But before you do, make sure your ship is fortified with international health insurance. It’s not just about travel insurance; it’s about long-term coverage that ensures your well-being in uncharted waters. 

Tip: Your health is your greatest treasure, so invest wisely in international health insurance to ride the waves worry-free.

International health insurance : Setting Sail with Peace of Mind

International Health Insurance is like a treasure chest of wellness, specially crafted for individuals and families embracing life beyond the familiar shores. It’s your guardian on foreign soil, ensuring you’re covered for medical storms that might come your way. Here’s what it brings to your seafaring journey:

  • Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: Think of it as a sturdy lifeboat, offering protection against medical expenses that might rock your boat while you’re traveling, living, or working abroad.
  • Emergency Assistance: In the vast ocean of unfamiliar healthcare systems, this insurance is your compass. It ensures you get the support you need, precisely when you need it, providing a lifeline in times of medical distress.
  • Peace of Mind Abroad: Picture it as a reassuring lighthouse guiding you through the challenges of foreign healthcare. With international health insurance, you’re not just a traveler; you’re a well-protected explorer.

So, as you set sail into the unknown, let International Health Insurance be your compass, navigating you through the waters of global well-being.

Travel insurance :Your Shield Against the Unexpected

Ah, the open road and unforeseen adventures – that’s where Travel Insurance steps in as your steadfast companion. It’s your shield, protecting you from unexpected twists and turns during your journey. Here’s what it unfurls:

  • Trip Cancellations and Interruptions: Sometimes, plans change. Travel Insurance ensures you don’t bear the full brunt of unexpected cancellations or interruptions.
  • Medical Emergencies: When health hiccups threaten your travel bliss, this insurance is your remedy, covering medical expenses that might otherwise weigh anchor on your finances.
  • Lost Luggage and More: From misplaced luggage to unforeseen circumstances, Travel Insurance has your back, providing financial security and peace of mind throughout your expedition.

So, whether you’re chasing sunsets or exploring distant lands, let Travel Insurance be your loyal sidekick, ensuring your journey is filled with excitement, not unexpected financial storms.

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The Difference Between International Health Insurance and Travel Insurance  

Purpose 

International health insurance:Imagine International Health Insurance as the compass guiding you through the seas of purposeful living abroad. Whether you’re working on a mission, pursuing a passion, or simply exploring the world with intent, this insurance is your dedicated ally. Here’s how it aligns with your purpose:

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is like the protective cloak for your globetrotting escapades, tailor-made for the spirited souls seeking short-term thrills. It’s not just a safety net; it’s a well-crafted map to navigate unforeseen events during your journey.

Medical Coverage

International Health Insurance:

  • Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Think of it as your health ally, offering coverage akin to what you cherish in your home country. It’s not just for emergencies; it’s there for routine check-ups, managing chronic conditions, and even elective procedures – supporting your purposeful health goals.
  • Focus on Long-Term Healthcare: As you carve out your path abroad, this insurance stands by your side, focusing on the long-term. It’s not a temporary fix; it’s a commitment to your well-being over the duration of your purposeful journey.
  • Routine Check-ups and Elective Procedures: It’s not just about reactive care. International Health Insurance empowers you to proactively prioritize your health with routine check-ups and elective procedures, ensuring you stay in peak condition to fulfill your purpose.

Travel Insurance: 

Travel Insurance is like a trusty compass, ensuring you’re protected from unexpected health storms during your exciting journeys. While it’s not a comprehensive health plan, it stands tall as your go-to for basic medical coverage in times of emergencies. Here’s why it’s your steadfast ally:

  • Basic Medical Coverage for Emergencies: Think of it as your emergency health kit, providing coverage for sudden injuries or illnesses that demand immediate attention during your trip. It’s your safety net for unexpected health twists and turns.
  • Hospitalization and Ambulance Services: In times of crisis, Travel Insurance is your anchor, covering expenses related to hospitalization and ambulance services, ensuring you receive prompt and necessary medical care.
  • Emergency Dental Care: Even your pearly whites are covered! Travel Insurance steps in to assist with emergency dental care, because who wants a toothache disrupting their adventure?
  • Not Suitable for Existing Conditions: While it’s your hero for unforeseen events, Travel Insurance isn’t designed for managing pre-existing conditions or long-term healthcare needs. It’s your knight in shining armor for immediate health concerns during your journey.

Duration 

International Healt Insurance:International Health Insurance is not just a safety net; it’s a long-term partner, tailor-made for the adventurous souls working on yachts for extended periods. Picture it as your health compass, guiding you through the waves of life on the high seas. Here’s why it’s your dedicated health ally:

  • Extended Coverage Period: Unlike a brief voyage, International Health Insurance is crafted for the long haul. It often covers individuals for years, providing consistent and continuous health protection as you navigate the challenges and triumphs of life on the yachts.
  • Monthly Policies for Flexibility: Yachties, in their nomadic spirit, can opt for health insurance policies that operate on a monthly basis. This flexibility is particularly popular among yachties who may find themselves between jobs overseas and need continuous health coverage beyond the typical travel insurance limits.
  • Overcoming Travel Insurance Limits: International Health Insurance comes to the rescue when yachties exceed the 120-day limit of standard travel insurance. It ensures that your health remains a top priority, no matter how long you’re sailing the open seas.

Travel Insurance:

Travel Insurance is like a temporary guardian angel, ensuring your short-term adventures are filled with excitement rather than unexpected worries. Tailored for the duration of a specific trip, it’s your safety net from takeoff to touchdown. Here’s why it’s your steadfast ally:

  • Trip-Specific Coverage: Picture it as a tailored cloak for your journey. Travel Insurance is designed to cover you for the specific duration of your trip, whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or an extended exploration lasting several weeks.
  • Range of Days Covered: From quick city escapes to epic journeys, Travel Insurance has your back. While it typically covers you for 90 days, it adapts to the varying durations of your adventures, providing financial security and peace of mind throughout your trip.
  • Temporary Protection: It’s not a lifelong commitment; it’s a short-term promise. Travel Insurance steps in to offer protection during the window of your travels, ensuring you’re covered for unforeseen events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.

So, whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, basking on tropical beaches, or savoring the rich culture of a new destination, let Travel Insurance be your trusty companion, ensuring your short-term journeys are worry-free.

Without any form of travel insurance or medical insurance, you will not qualify for a schengan visa. We recommend that all our yachtie clients invest in international health insurance before they leave South Africa as you will not have to worry about organising your health insurance while you are looking for a job or on board working. It will also ensure you are covered medically in the event of an illness or injury that requires medical attention.  

Boats Only Cover Their Crew Under Certain Circumstances 

Another key reason why greenies should invest in international health insurance is because boats only cover their crew under certain circumstances: 

– if an injury or illness occurs during working hours and while you are on the boat.  

– If you are injured off the yacht or out of working hours, you will not be assisted by your boat with medical bills. 

Get an International Health Insurance Quote

2.International Bank Account

Now, about those pennies for the pub and keeping your funds afloat. Don’t let exhibition bank fees weigh you down! Secure an international bank account tailored to your passport type. South African greenies, say ahoy to the Transfer Wise Account, a multi-currency haven. Foreign passport holders, set sail with the Revolut Bank Account – no hidden costs or commissions, just smooth sailing. 

Land Ahoy: Once you’ve got your sea legs, the Standard Bank Isle of Man account awaits, making your financial voyage secure and versatile. 

An International Bank Account for a South African Passport Holder 

Greenies who only have the green Maamba (SA passport) are able to qualify for the Transfer Wise Account, which allows them to bank online internationally. It is a multi-currency account that allows you to send, receive, and hold money in over 50 currencies. Yachties can hold up to 5 different currencies in this account, which is perfect for their lifestyle.  

International Bank Account for a Foreign Passport Holders 

Yachties with a foreign passport are able to open an international bank account through the Revolut Bank Account. Over 30 currencies can be held and exchanged, and the greatest benefit is that there are no hidden costs or commissions.

Once You Have a Job 

When you are employed on a yacht, you will qualify for the Standard Bank Isle of Man account (not related to the South African Standard Bank) which is a multi-currency account and allows you to hold and manage money in over 20 currencies. This bank account allows you to choose up to 5 currency accounts and is very secure! You will need to provide the bank with the following:  

  • Proof of contract  
  • Letter from your captain  
  • Copy of your captains Seafarer Book 

 

3.Crew Accommodation 

Crew houses – the social hubs of the yachting world. Dive in for networking, dock walking, and friendships as sturdy as a well-rigged sail. Stay for a couple of weeks, get the lay of the land, and then venture into Airbnb with your newfound crew buddies. Choose wisely, like you’re picking the perfect anchor mate! 

Note: Crew houses are the heart of your yachting social life; choose wisely, matey!

AreaCrew House
 MediterraneanFrance Blue Sea Crew House, Antibes. The Grape Vine, Antibes. Hotel Trianon, Antibes. The Crewhouse, Antibes. Number Ten Studios, Antibes. Amma’s Crew House, Antibes. Handpicked Riveria, Antibes. The Pastoral Hostel, Nice. Villa Saint Exupery Beach Hostel, Nice. The Crew House , St Tropez.   
Spain Monzly Rentals, Palma De Mallorca. Crew House ,Palma de Mallorca. 
Italy La Bougainville , Viareggio. 
 America Fort Lauderdale Mary’s Crew House No.2 – Fort Lauderdale  Mary’s Crew House No.1 – Fort Lauderdale  Neptune Group Inc. – Fort Lauderdale  Sea Park Crew House – Fort Lauderdale. Palm Place Residence – Fort Lauderdale   Quartermasters Accommodation – Fort Lauderdale   Nauti Dutch Crew House – Fort Lauderdale  Blue Bell Apartments Motel & Crew Quarters – Fort Lauderdale  Anchored Crew House – Fort Lauderdale  Peter Pan Crew House – Fort Lauderdale   Smart Move Crew Accommodation – Fort Lauderdale.  Cotton Crew Housing – Fort Lauderdale    
Newport, Rhode Island Crow’s Nest Newport – Newport, Rhode Island  Artisan Crew House – West Palm Beach 
 CaribbeanMediterranean Crew House in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Yachtie Crew House in Antigua, Caribbean. Crew House in St. Maarten/St. Martin. Yacht Crew Inn in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Coral Cove Crew House in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Sailor’s Rest Crew House in Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia. 

4.Visas 

Ah, the golden ticket to international waters! Navigate the visa maze with a holiday visa giving you 90 days to find your dream yacht job. In Europe, get ready to set sail without a visa while onboard, and in America, secure a B1/B2 visa for smooth sailing. 

Warning: Work in America on a holiday visa? Brace yourself for rough seas; it’s not a smooth ride! 

In Europe 

Once you join a boat you will be stamped onto international water. You don’t need a visa while onboard. However, when you fly home you will get a transit visa that the boat will organise.

In America 

The American embassy may issue you a B1/B2 visa, which allows you to work and visit the US. Once you have a job, you’ll need to fly out of America and re-enter. If you work in America on a holiday Visa, you will be faced with a lot of trouble. 

With international health insurance, a savvy bank account, crew connections, and the right visa in your treasure chest, you’re all set for the grand adventure! Your journey as a greenie is about to unfold, and we’re here to ensure it’s nothing short of a maritime masterpiece.

Clarity Employee Benefits is an authorized Financial Services Provider – FSP No. 51007. We specialize in international health insurance and travel insurance for yachties, please do not hesitate to contact us if you are in need of health insurance guidance or advice. 

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