Publish Date: February 11, 2020
Generally speaking insurers are increasing cover at this time, by waiving co-pays or removing deductibles. When it comes to covering the actual treatment of anyone with a suspected or actual case of coronavirus, One World Cover’s understanding is that this will be covered by the Chinese government. Similarly, people will have no choice about which hospital they go to and will have to go to the government-mandated hospital (will be a public hospital, not a private hospital).
We reached out to a number of China-based insurers to ask the following question and the feedback is copied below the question.
One World Cover: Does going against the advice of countries that are recommending their citizens who are in China to leave invalidate people’s insurance cover? This is the current recommendation from the USA, UK and Australia. I assume that there is no change to the standards terms and conditions – people are covered under their normal area of cover? Since all clients have Mainland China cover as a minimum, if they choose to stay in China against the advice of their government, they are covered as normal here in Mainland China. Or if they choose to return to Mainland China from another country while the government is advising against travel here, they are also covered as normal here in Mainland China. Please can you confirm this in reply.
Cigna & CMB: The only limitation is the AOC (area of cover). There are no exclusions to what other non PRC governments are advising their citizens to do.
Ping An Health: Yes – people are covered under their normal area of cover, the terms will not fail for any other reasons.
MSH: We confirm that medical insurance coverage remains unchanged for all members choosing to stay in Mainland China, even if the Governments of several countries are advising against stay/travel in Mainland China. Besides, if there is any self-paid medical expense related to the Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia, it can be covered by MSH international health insurance according to the Plan benefits and geographic coverage, as long as it is reasonable and necessary.
AXA: Yes, we confirm members are covered under their normal coverage area for this N-cov issue.
Aetna: There is nothing changed and same as before and subject to their area of cover, benefits etc.
GBG: WHO IS COVERED – Members residing or working in China (already there prior to outbreak); Members traveling from China to another country — benefits will be based on SOB and Territory coverage (i.e., if a member is covered in country of travel); (New, as of Feb. 6): Members who previously worked in China and were covered by a TieCare International policy and have been called back to work in China by their employer. WHO IS NOT COVERED – Members traveling to China after Travel advisory on Jan. 31 who are traveling for pleasure or who had not previously been employed in China. Coverage for all other benefits remains in effect; the above is specific to coverage of coronavirus only.
As always, if you are concerned that any aspect of the insurance plans that you currently purchase might not be sufficient for your needs at this uncertain time and are interested in us reviewing (free-of-charge, no obligation) your insurance cover to ensure you are fully protected – or can be better protected in the future – please get in touch. We are happy to help. In the meantime, stay healthy.
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