WHENEVER Singaporean businessman Michael Tan, 34, travels, niggling questions cross his mind.
Will his travel- and health-insurance policies cover him if he gets infected with the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, or if he cancelled his trip as a precautionary measure?
Yesterday, the Health Ministry confirmed 72 new cases, bringing the total tally to 701 confirmed cases. So far, most cases are mild and, to date, 281 patients have fully recovered while the rest are recuperating.
my paper checked with seven insurance and health groups on Mr Tan's concerns as the virus spreads globally.
1) Is H1N1 covered under my health or life policy?
H1N1 is implicitly covered in most health policies that cover hospitalisation costs due to illnesses. Hospitalisation and medical costs are generally not covered under life-insurance policies, said the Life Insurance Association.
2) If I travel to an affected country and catch the virus, are my medical expenses covered?
Most health and travel policies will cover policyholders who travel to affected countries. However, some impose geographical limits. This means that treatment provided in certain countries or regions will not be covered.
3) If I get quarantined in hospital (both in Singapore and overseas), are my medical expenses covered?
Medical bills incurred under quarantine are not covered under some health and travel policies.
Examples: POSB MyShield and TravellerShield do not cover quarantine expenses. However, Raffles FluProtect plans will cover expenses incurred during quarantine.
4) If I cancel a trip to H1N1-hit countries as a precautionary measure, am I covered?
No.
5) Will premiums of insurance policies for travel to affected countries increase?
