New insurance agency MoonGate Insurance Group Ltd has announced its first client in Bermuda.The company says that it has entered into a definitive agreement with the Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association to administer the taxi industry’s first Insurance Affinity Program, which is designed to provide numerous benefits to members for both insurance and non-insurance products and services.A statement from MoonGate said: “An affinity insurance programme is simply an insurance programme that is targeted and offered to a specific group such as a trade association or charity organisation.“The idea is to design insurance packages that are geared specifically to the group’s needs, and then offer these packages to its membership. The taxi affinity programme will include Home, Motor, Life and Health insurance.” MoonGate President and CEO, Leon L. Bascome said, “This is a historic moment in the history of Bermuda’s domestic insurance market and the taxi industry.“The taxi fraternity has always formed the cornerstone of Bermuda’s hospitality and the individual drivers are great ambassadors for our country.”Unfortunately, the cost of operating, coupled with the economic environment has made it difficult for quite a number of them, including his late grandfather, William A. Francis. “I always pledged that, when given the opportunity, I will assist wherever possible. My experience from the international insurance industry allowed me to hone the techniques and requirements for Bermuda. Our team met with the BTOA and its President Derek Young consistently and has worked tirelessly for this particular industry (approximately 11 months) to create workable solutions for ALL members, as there were a number of complex issues.”Moongate said one such issue was the cost of health insurance for each driver, as this is a tough demographic, from an underwriting standpoint. “When we were looking to partner with entities in the market, we were surprised at the rates that would be charged to the group; without naming names, rates quoted were $1500.00 per month/per driver; other carriers did not quote at all,” he said.“Being that this was such a critical component of the programme, we sought the help of the Bermuda Government; Mr. Collin Anderson, Director of the Health Insurance Department has been instrumental in developing the package and has been pivotal in explaining the excellent benefits of both their HIP and FutureCare products. To complement these products, we have also partnered with Medical Air Services Association (MASA) to provide the air ambulance cover that is missing from these policies; together, we believe that we have created a lower cost solution to medical care in Bermuda”.Medical Air Services Association (MASA) is a prepaid emergency assistance company with tens of thousands of members located throughout Canada, United States, Mexico and the Caribbean.MASA’s headquarters are located in Southlake, Texas.Frank M. Halley, CEO and chairman of MASA stated, “Our new association with MoonGate Insurance provides our members with access to urgent air ambulance transportation. The primary advantage of air ambulance transportation is the ability to take a member/patient directly to a hospital where he/she can receive immediate attention. Our association with MoonGate Insurance represents our latest attempt to provide our members with the absolute best prepaid emergency transportation services in Bermuda.”The “MoonGate Health Package,” which includes Government’s HIP/FutureCare policy + MASA + additional benefits (additional health screenings, generic drug options and keep fit activities/training) will cost:Under 65 — $450.00 per month*Over 65 — $500.00 per month*Pricing includes all administration.*HIP/FutureCare individual prices are $390 and $440 respectively; package pricing will reflect any changes by the Government insurance portion.The sign-up for the health packages will begin on October 7th, 2013, at MoonGate, where members of the Health Insurance Department will make themselves available for assistance.All non-health insurance coverage (home, motor, life and pensions … etc) will be underwritten by the Freisenbruch-Meyer Group and available through MoonGate.Michael Freisenbruch, President of FMG, said: “We are pleased to be partnering with MoonGate to provide our insurance products to the BTOA.“MoonGate shares our ‘holistic view’ of the client. We are very encouraged that our high underwriting standards are understood by Leon and his team. As evidence of the strength of our relationship, one of our Senior Underwriters (Mr. Damian Pitcher) will be spending time in the MoonGate offices to assist with the launch.”Mr. Young stated: “This is a great day and a momentous occasion for the taxi industry. On behalf of the Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association, its committee and members, I want to personally thank Mr. Bascome for the hard work his team has put in to make this happen. When it comes to benefits sometimes it feels like the taxi industry is the forgotten child, but we have spent some long nights attempting to iron out the kinks involved in making this happen. The taxi drivers without health insurance can now be covered on a single policy along with their home and vehicle. I’m hoping the industry takes advantage of the great packages MoonGate will be offering us”.Mr. Bascome concluded: “We are very excited to welcome the taxi industry as our first Affinity client, and we encourage and welcome other associations (and individuals wishing to form groups) to contact us, so that we can collaborate.”The Taxi Affinity Program will commence on November 1, 2013 and ALL drivers are encouraged to enrol during the month of October to take advantage of the group benefits.The company can also accept business from the GENERAL PUBLIC from November 1, 2013. Home/Contents, Motor, Marine, Life and Pension insurance will be available.The MASA product can also be purchased separately.MoonGate Insurance is located on Church Street, in Sofia House (1-441-542-2200)