Health Insurance
VIPCA is proud to offer a comprehensive, creditable health plan to VIPCA Crew Members and VIPCA Land-based Members.
I have been exceptionally pleased with my medical and yacht insurance with Gowrie Group. They have always been friendly and quick to respond. Thank you coming into this Market! We needed you in the Virgin Islands!” -Staci Kosick
Health Insurance Program for Active Members of VIPCA
This health insurance program is underwritten by CIGNA and managed by the insurance specialists at Risk Strategies, Part of the Brown & Brown Team. CIGNA provides global benefits and assistance to millions of members in almost every country of the world. With 24/7 medical management services, multilingual claims administrators and highly trained customer service professionals, this health insurance plan brings VIPCA members the products they need, backed by the service they deserve.
Did you know VIPCA’s Health Insurance Program offers free tele-medicine as well as free access to the Headspace App?
Available for Qualifying Members of VIPCA
- Crew Medical Program – Accessed with an active VIPCA Crew Membership
- Captain and/or Crew (If you work on the water in a professional capacity as a paid crew member (captain, mate, chef, engineer, deckhand, steward(ess), or other role))
- Land Medical Program – Must be a USVI resident. Accessed with an active VIPCA Personal Membership
- Available to individuals supporting the charter industry and/or working in business or service that supports the charter industry.
- Worldwide coverage
- Coverage in United States
- Three plans to choose from
- Up to $5,000,000 Per Policy Year limit
- Monthly Credit Cards or EFT deductions
- Dental plan add-on option
VIPCA Health Insurance Program
- Payment: Once the VIPCA application has been processed a secure link will be sent to the member and premiums will be processed the 25th of each month through TPI (True Payroll Integration).
- To inquire about our premiums please email Barbie Murray-Orne, or click on the Summary of Benefits link below
- CIGNA Medical Summary of Benefits (Crew) effective 1/1/2026
- CIGNA Dental Summary of Benefits (Land) effective 1/1/2026
- Included with your plan is Employee Assistance Program (EAP) access. This gives you access to 6 free and confidential counseling and therapy sessions to anyone enrolled in the plan. Click here to learn the benefits of this program and here to learn how to gain access.
For questions concerning payments, enrollment forms, and plan details, please contact the Risk Strategies VIPCA Team:
- Health Insurance Program: Rick Bagnall, rbagnall@risk-strategies.com, 860.399.3634
- Health Insurance Program: Barbie Murray-Orne, bmurray-orne@risk-strategies.com, 860.399.3630
VIPCA Health Plan Frequently Asked Questions
A: Unfortunately, insurance rates are increasing throughout the U.S. market. Furthermore, over last year, the VIPCA Health Plan had a high usage rate (total amount of premiums collected versus claims paid by the insurer). This means that members are using the plan and getting the health coverage they need. This also means that the insurer needs to cover their costs (claims paid) by collecting higher premiums.
A: The rates are separate as a requirement from the insurer in order to ensure continued viability of the health plan as a whole.
A: If you work on the water in a professional capacity as a paid crew member (captain, mate, chef, engineer, deckhand, steward(ess), or other role) you should select a Crew Membership and have access to the Crew Member Health Insurance Rates. All other members should select the Land-based Membership option and have access to the Land-based Health Insurance Rates.
A: Land-based members need to be USVI residents to qualify.
Crew members do not need to be USVI residents to qualify. However, crew members must be working on the water in a professional capacity as a paid crew member (captain, mate, chef, engineer, deckhand, steward(ess), or other role).
A: Yes, you can purchase the dental as a stand alone benefit.
A: The VIPCA Health Plan is full, comprehensive worldwide medical coverage, with one of the largest US mainland networks that includes medical evacuation. MEC plans have very low coverage limits after which you would pay whatever is left on your medical bill.
A: Open Enrollment is the period from November to December each year when an individual elects to enroll in or change insurance plans.
A: No, unless you have a “qualifying event.” If you are a current VIPCA member, open enrollment is the time to join the VIPCA Health Plan or wait until the next open enrollment period (November – December 2026).
A: A change in your situation — like getting married, having a baby, losing health coverage, or others as outlined here — that can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to enroll in health insurance outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period.
A: If you are a new member, you can elect to join the VIPCA Health Plan within 15 days of your membership. If you choose not to enroll at that time, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period (November – December 2026).
A: Absolutely! Please reach out to Rick to set this up.
Rick Bagnall, rbagnall@risk-strategies.com, 860.399.3634