William Craig, CEO of BCMG Insurance Brokers speaks to Health & Protection about the need for medical services outside of Jamaica, the increaaed demand for digital services in IPMI, the importance of passion, his love of Montego Bay and how he found an ace that he could keep in the final words of The Gambler.
How long have you been in the international health and benefits advice industry, and why did you start working in it?
I’ve been working in the insurance business since 1998.
At BCMG Insurance Brokers, I decided to bring decades of expertise into the insurance industry, to provide varied international insurance products to an environment deeply in need.
Our medical facilities not being up to the standard for the comfort zone of our corporate clients we recognised that there was a deep need for an ability to access medical services outside of Jamaica.
Our journey has always been guided by a passion for helping individuals and businesses to secure their future.
How long have you been in the industry, and which markets does BCMG serve?
BCMG has been a well known Jamaican brand in insurance for nearly 90 years, evolving from our predecessors Billy Craig (established in 1963) and MGI (1986).
While we are proudly based in Jamaica, our expertise extends across various industries, serving individuals, businesses, and expatriates who require tailored health and benefits solutions internationally.
Our clients include companies in tourism, finance, manufacturing, and professional services, ensuring their employees and families receive the best care, whether at home or abroad.
What is the biggest factor affecting the international health and benefits space for you and BCMG?
One of the biggest factors shaping the international health and benefits space today is the growing demand for flexible, globally accessible healthcare solutions.
As businesses expand and employees become more mobile, companies are looking for policies that offer comprehensive coverage, cost efficiency, and seamless cross-border benefits.
We work closely with top insurers to offer solutions that provide stability in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.
Where do you see the future of IPMI, especially in the regions you serve?
The future of IPMI is moving towards personalised, tech-driven, and more accessible healthcare coverage.
In Jamaica and the Caribbean, we are seeing an increased demand for digital solutions, wellness-focussed plans, and coverage that caters to expatriates and high-net-worth individuals.
As the industry evolves, we believe that the focus will be on flexibility, preventative care, and enhanced customer experiences, ensuring that policyholders get the right care – wherever they are in the world.
We are committed to adapting to these changes, ensuring our clients have access to the most comprehensive and cost-effective solutions available.
Who has been your most important mentor throughout your career?
Ian Miller, our chief technical director who is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Insurance.
When I first entered the insurance field Ian “fathered” me and has consistently guided me with every technical discussion we have endured.
What advice would you give people thinking about working in the international health and benefits sector?
Make sure it’s your passion as no one aspires to be in insurance but it is a rewarding career taking care of other people’s health risks.
What has been your greatest success at work?
My greatest success would undoubtedly be building a team. I have learned a lot from team members who have kindly and sometimes unkindly given me their feedback.
In the process we have developed a team with a culture of working together to solve problems.
This culture has been somewhat stretched since our recent merger, but we are gradually emerging as a solid team once again.
What are your top three priorities for the next year?
We wish to grow, grow and grow. But seriously we also wish to become far more efficient and improve our customer experience dramatically.
What is one personal skill that most people do not know about?
My ability to listen.
What mantra do you live by?
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.
To quote Theodore Roosevelt: “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, if he wins, knows the thrills of high achievement, and, if he fails, at least fails daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.”
If you could work in any location in the world, where would it be?
I’m already there – Montego Bay, Jamaica.
What song would you regard as your theme tune?
It’s a little embarrassing but the song would be The Gambler.
I love the idea of someone fighting on when the chips are down. Taking advice from a stranger and finding guidance they could use to their benefit.
The lyrics are classic and the music flows and Kenny Rogers gravelly voice hits a cord within me.
