In Topsail’s last article they outlined important insurance considerations for extended offshore passages and explained how best to extend your boat insurance cover. In their latest article, Topsail outline the advantages of having travel health insurance for you and your crew when offshore cruising, another important consideration that can often get overlooked in the rush to depart.

Medical Emergencies At Sea

We all understand that life on the water comes with its own set of unique challenges, but sometimes the unexpected (and the worst!) happens. The boat has been prepped and is in pristine condition. Your long-distance passage plan is good to go, with Skipper and crew in fine spirits ready for the adventures ahead.

How can you protect yourself against those unforeseen, yet serious incidents that may occur? You’re confident that the boat has good insurance coverage should it suffer damage, but what about the physical health of you and your family or fellow sailors?

One of Topsail’s “Yachtsman’s Travel” policy holders experienced a serious medical emergency while on a fairly straightforward yacht delivery. Having the right medical cover helped them navigate a difficult situation. The story of their emergency at sea demonstrates how travel insurance can be an extremely important, valuable purchase when sailing offshore on a yacht.

The Accident

While embarking on a yacht delivery from France to Egypt, the delivery crew – including the insured – had stopped in Crete to fuel up and wait for the next suitable weather window. As often happens, conditions changed quickly and a passing ferry generated a wave that struck the yacht’s bow, causing the insured to be thrown off balance just as they were heading below deck.  This caused them to fall down the stairs to the lower cabins.

The result was rather serious: two broken vertebrae and an immediate need for medical care. What followed was a medical ordeal that would take the insured more than two weeks to navigate. Thankfully, they didn’t have to face it alone, nor face any concerns with regard to the potential costs related to treatment, because they were able to request emergency assistance from Topsail’s 24/7 Assistance Line.

The Right Protection

After the accident the insured was hospitalized in Crete, initially receiving care at a local clinic. However, due to the severity of their injuries, it was clear that they needed further medical attention and would need to be repatriated to the UK.

This is when Topsail’s Medical Assistance team took charge of arranging a private air ambulance to transport the insured from Crete to the UK for continued care. Upon arrival, they were transferred to a local hospital where they could receive further treatment and recovery. The insured was incredibly appreciative of the support they received from their policy during this challenging time. In their own words: “I won’t leave home without it. They were brilliant and organised everything. Well done Topsail.”

This experience serves as a reminder of why travel insurance is so essential – especially for those who spend time in unpredictable environments, such as offshore sailors. The unexpected can happen at any time and when it does, it’s comforting to know you have the right protection in place to get the care you need.

In different areas of the world, the cost of medical care and hospital treatment can vary greatly; make sure to consider this when planning and considering purchasing insurance. Some countries also have reciprocal agreements with each other, which helps to minimise the cost of medical care, however, this should not be seen as a replacement to a travel insurance policy. Reciprocal agreements would not include any coverage for repatriation, which is an essential requirement in order to get you home after an injury.

Considerations when purchasing Travel insurance specifically for Boating:

 1.  Country of Residency / Nationalities

Shop around to find a travel insurance policy that covers your nationality/country of residence. Currently Topsail can provide travel policies to residents of the following countries and are working to add more all the time:

• United Kingdom
• Channel Islands
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Australia

2.  Who can be insured?

You can insure yourself, your family or your sailing crew on one policy.

3.  Is there typically an age limit?

Yes. For example, Topsail are able to quote for individuals up to the age of 85.

4.  What about pre-existing medical conditions?

As with any accident or health insurance, all medical conditions need to be declared, but don’t let this put you off.  A good travel policy should  assess all medical conditions individually, providing a personal service to their clients.

5.  What does a policy typically cover?

• £5,000,000 coverage for emergency medical expenses and repatriation.
• Medical evacuation from the boat if medically necessary.
• Costs involved in travelling to seek medical treatment, hospital and treatment bills.
• Repatriation to your home country if you need further treatment.
• 24/7 Emergency claims handlers to assist you with all aspects, including finding a suitable medical facility, travel to and from the vessel, and arranging accommodation whilst awaiting further treatment.
• Trip cancellation and disruption up to £5,000 per person as standard, with higher limits available.
• Baggage and personal property insurance cover.
• Personal accident compensation.
• Personal liability coverage.
• Legal expenses.

6.  I’m going on an overseas charter holiday.  Is this suitable?

Short- term policies suit a charter holiday and can include covering your charter deposit. Alternatively, an annual policy is worth considering if offshore sailing is longer term, with the odd charter holiday included as well.

7.  What are the typical costs for a travel policy of this type?

Topsail’s Yachtsman’s Gold policy for a person aged 18-64 and for Worldwide travel excluding the Arctic/Antarctic, starts from £259.90 plus tax for 60 days away on any one trip.

For a trip of 12 months away from home instead, the cost would be in the region of £1,044.29 plus tax. Topsail automatically offer special rates for partners and families online.

Peace of mind when things go wrong

Medical emergencies abroad can be overwhelming, but with the right travel insurance it doesn’t have to be something you face alone. Your insurance company should be there to help when things go wrong, coordinating medical care, providing support and organizing transportation back home if needed. Whether you’re crossing oceans or exploring remote regions, having comprehensive travel insurance when cruising gives you the safety net to tackle any situation with confidence and know you are supported in the event that an emergency occurs.

About Topsail Insurance

Topsail Insurance was launched in 1996 and since then has provided specialist marine insurance products to the sailing community.  Topsail provide cover for long distance passages and blue water cruising.  Our Yachtsman’s and Tall Ships Travel Insurance products are quick and easy to access online and are backed by Lloyd’s of London underwriters.

Email:  enquiries@topsailinsurance.com
Web: www.topsailinsurance.com

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