International PMI COVID-19 information and FAQs

As a general rule the international insurers are covering medical treatments related to Covid-19, however we always recommend you check with your consultant or insurer first.  In relation to testing then as a general rule insurers are offering cover for tests if you have been referred by a medical practitioner following exhibiting symptoms.  Some insurers are capping the number of tests to one per month for example.  If seeking to receive a test due to travel which is mandated by border control from travelling into or departing a country, then it is unlikely this will be covered.  Again if you are seeking antibody testing for re-assurance this also may not be covered at it is not part of being symptomatic.  The insurer stances are changing and developing as more becomes know about this pandemic and as more treatments become available.  Please speak to your Howden advisor to get the latest stance from your insurer.

If you are symptomatic, where possible try to isolate yourself from family members, particularly the vulnerable (e.g. elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions).

Don’t panic and seek medical advice from your local authorities. If it is an emergency situation please try to make them aware you have symptoms before presenting yourself at any medical facility. How this is being dealt with varies across the globe so please contact your local authorities for further advice.

The insurers are experiencing high levels of call volumes currently, along with operating remote client servicing due to office closures. Please do keep trying and be patient. If it is a medical emergency insurers will have an option to press when calling for this, but please only use this option if it is an emergency.

If it is a non emergency situation, also consider the other methods of submitting claims or questions to your insurer such as via a claims app, an online portal or via email.

Many insurers are experiencing delays in issuing membership cards due to the current remote working. Contact your insurer on what is the best approach however consider the following. Most insurers issue e-documents now so make sure you locate these, if you haven’t registered for the claims app ensure you download this. In the UAE, Emirates ID cards and insurance certificates can now be used to help with claims. 

As more and more vaccinations become available and are developed across the globe, it is inevitable that at some point it will be possible to privately purchase a Covid vaccination.  If this does happen then, firstly you will need to contact your provider to check whether they are covered.  Most medical insurance providers will cover the costs of the vaccination under the “Vaccinations Benefit”.  Not all policies have this level of cover as it is often a bolt on benefit, so again it is important to check with your provider first if your costs will be reimbursed.  In addition the benefit is normally up to a set limit for example £200 per person per policy year, so you may find if you have had other vaccinations within the policy year there is only an element left available.  Another stipulation for covering the costs of a vaccination will also be that it is licensed and approved in the jurisdiction which you are based.  To find out more on whether you have cover please contact your broker or insurer partner.