Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Frequently Asked Questions

Integra Global and our worldwide partners are committed to assisting our members, whilst we continue to learn more about the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

We have established secure remote operations, with support from global service centres, to ensure that everyone is looked after through this difficult time.

Please see below a list of frequently asked questions that you may find helpful. For assistance with any questions that are not listed below, please don’t hesitate to contact our team via member-care@integraglobal.com.

GENERAL INFORMATION

What is COVID-19?
The Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to a more severe respiratory syndrome. COVID-19 is an abbreviation of the current Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?
No, currently there is no vaccine to protect against COVID-19.

Will this year’s influenza (flu) vaccine protect me from COVID-19?
No, the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19.

How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?
The ‘incubation period’ means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most recent estimates indicate that the incubation period ranges from 1 to 14 days, and most commonly around five days.

What treatment is available for COVID-19?
Currently, there is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Your healthcare provider will recommend steps to take to relieve symptoms. Your healthcare provider may advise you to self-isolate until recovery, or for 14 days. In future, only treatment approved by the World Health Organization will be covered by your health insurance policy.

After 14 days of self-isolation, do I need to repeat the COVID-19 test? Will my health insurance policy cover the cost associated with repeat test and visit to my general practitioner?
Your healthcare provider will advise you of the appropriate next steps in your treatment plan. At this time, benefits for consultations and testing would apply as indicated in your Policy Wording.

How can the spread of the infection be prevented?
The spread of COVID-19 can be prevented by:
  • Washing hands with soap and water
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Stay at home if you are sick, to avoid spreading illness to others

Can I travel even if I have no symptoms?
The crisis is fluid and changes daily. New travel restrictions can come into force overnight. We highly recommend to refrain from all non-essential travel as you may find yourself unable to get back to your country of residence. Pay special attention to your local country travel advices and ask yourself if your travel is necessary.

How will COVID-19 come to an end?
There are two ways that COVID-19 will come to an end (i) by stopping the spread of disease or (ii) identifying a vaccine.

HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY INFORMATION

Will I be covered by my health insurance policy if I travel against my Government’s travel ban?
Your health coverage will continue as described in your Policy Wording.

Are the costs of surgical masks and pharmacy supplies covered by my health insurance policy?
Surgical masks and pharmacy supplies may be covered as part of your inpatient benefits. Outpatient or consumables medical supplies (i.e. masks, gloves, hand sanitiser) are not covered by the plan.

Does my health insurance policy have a medical exclusion for pandemic or natural disasters?
Thankfully, we do not have any pandemic exclusion that is in many international health plans. Integra Global policy does not exclude any covered conditions relating to epidemic and pandemics. We will continue to provide benefits and coverage as per all the terms and conditions of the policy.

Will my health insurance policy cover COVID-19 related expenses?
In short yes. Coverage for benefits will be applied as described in your Policy Wording.

Will my health insurance policy cover expenses for an evacuation from a region that has been severely impacted by COVID-19 (E.G. China or Italy)?
An evacuation would not be covered if the sole purpose of the evacuation is to be extracted from a COVID-19 impacted country. If you have a medical episode, which necessitates an evacuation from your current location to the closest appropriate medical facility, our medical evacuation partners, NGS, have taken full precautions to ensure a safe transfer. Please note entry into and exit out of impacted COVID-19 countries is dependent on local rules, which can influence transfer decisions.

Will my health insurance policy cover me for an emergency room visit, if I don’t have outpatient coverage?
Available benefits will be based on your specific policy document. If you are unsure of your coverage, contact MAI via the number on the back of your card.

Is testing for the COVID-19 considered to be a part of the wellness benefit?
COVID-19 testing is not included as part of your wellness benefits. However if the member presents flu-like symptoms, or a test is prescribed by your physican the benefits for consultations and testing would apply as indicated in your Policy Wording.

Can I use the Expat Assistance Programme (EAP) for support during this time?
Our Expat Assistance Program is still available for free as part of your plan. The EAP is a 24/7 confidential counselling and support service that can help you with stress and anxiety, as well as crisis and trauma support, should you have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak.