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Sailing to your Health"At last, A Legitimate reason to Lump sailors in with missionaries: medical insurnace. The itinerant and far flung lifestyles of both groups have made it possible for a claims company to model an affordable, proven policy for the Charter Yacht Society of the British Virgin Islands after one it created for a religious group five years ago. The Lifeboat Medical Insurance Plan, which began in October 1998, contains the standard features of mainstream insurance plans, says Justin Tysdal of Specialty Risk International (SRI) in Indianapolis, Indiana, but adds a few extras for folks who travel. In addition to covering such sudden illnesses as appendicitis, the plan also covers injuries to those involved in extracurricular sports, including divers who are certified by PADI. It will pay for emergency medical evacuation and for a relative to fly from your home to wherever you are to be with you during hositalization. To qualify, you must be in good health and younger than 75, Dependant children up to the age 19 can be covered if both parents hold the policy. Holders can choose from rates that include $500.00, $1000.00, $2,500.00, and $5,000,00 annual deductibles and are guaranted worldwide coverage by a network of health-care providers approved by SRI. An example: a 55 year-old man or woman with a $500 deductible would pay $1618 annually. Reimbursable condition can range from a cold to cancer, as long as you've already accumulated the deductible amount. With your policy, you receive an idenification card with toll-free and other numbers you dial collect at any tim, any day, year-round. You will be directed to Western-trained professionals at hospitals, laboratories, and clinics nearest you. Staff working the phones speak several languages. Sailors don't have to be cruising the Caribbean or be current members of the Charter Yacht Society to apply. A $25 fee paid during the insurance application makes you a beneficiary member of the society. It's good for anyone from the Bahamas to the Med, says Mike Hallet, society president and charter captain". Contact info: Bob Collimore 877.335.1234 email: 103044.3574@compuserve.com Written by Elaine Lembo
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