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.