In these uncertain times we’re all dealing with at the moment, we’ve broken down the main insurer changes which have recently taken place. Here are the main details from the major insurers (all the data below is correct as of 2nd April 2020).
Am I covered for Covid-19 diagnosis?
Aviva - No
Diagnostics of COVID-19 is conducted by or at the direction of the NHS. Testing and screening is therefore not covered under your health insurance policy.
AXA - No
AXA will not cover Covid-19 diagnosis.
Health-on-line - No
Health-on-Line will not cover Covid-19 diagnosis.
BUPA - No
Coronavirus diagnosis is not covered under Bupa to date. However, they are covering treatment for mental health conditions relating to COVID-19. BUPA customers also receive fast access to expert advice through the digital GP services Anytime Healthline and Family Helpline.
The Exeter - No
The Exeter will not cover Covid-19 diagnosis.
Vitality - No
Vitality will not cover the diagnosis of Covid-19.
Western Provident Association (WPA) - Yes
WPA will fund a private test if you show symptoms and are referred by a GP.
Am I covered for Covid-19 treatment?
Aviva - No
Treatment of COVID-19 is conducted by or at the direction of the NHS. Testing and screening is therefore not covered under your health insurance policy.
AXA - No
To date, AXA will not cover the treatment of coronavirus.
Health-on-line - No
Health-on-line will not cover the treatment of coronavirus.
BUPA - No
Coronavirus treatment is not covered under Bupa.
The Exeter - Yes
The Exeter's customers who are receiving NHS treatment for coronavirus can now access transport to private facilities once deemed fit to be discharged into a private setting.
Vitality - No
The treatment of coronavirus is not covered under Vitality policies.
Western Provident Association (WPA) - No
WPA policyholders are not covered for coronavirus treatment.
Will I receive NHS cash benefits if treated on the NHS?
Aviva - Yes
Aviva are supporting its policyholders by paying NHS cash benefits on policies. This would be payable in line with the policy terms & conditions.
AXA - Yes
AXA will offer their customers NHS cash benefit as per policy terms.
Health-on-line - Yes
Health-on-line will offer their customers NHS cash benefit as per policy terms.
BUPA - Yes
To ensure that BUPA is supporting you during COVID-19 treatment, they will pay out a Cash Benefit of £50 per night up to a maximum of 35 nights to their customers where this is included in their policy.
The Exeter - Yes
They will pay a generous £500 per night (capped at £10,000) with no limit on legacy plans.
Vitality - Yes
£250 per day for any NHS hospital admission, raising to £500 after day 8 (max £5000). This is broken down as follows:
- Days 1 to 8 – £250 per day.
- Day 9 onwards - £500 per day. A person with a stay lasting 9 days or longer is more likely to need critical care for COVID-19, based on the latest evidence and research.
- Payments are subject to a maximum limit of £5,000 overall.
Please note - Any eligible treatment for secondary problems arising from COVID-19 will be covered but a one month wait period applies to all new customers.
Western Provident Association (WPA) - Yes
You can claim a NHS hospital cash benefit for an inpatient stay, subject to your policy cover. Owing to the current coronavirus situation, where your consultant wishes to provide a remote consultation for any condition using a phone call or video chat, this will be covered where it replaces the need for a bona-fide face to face consultation.
Some additional Important notes:
As a policy-holder, please note you must first pre-authorise your claim with your insurer.
Most health insurance companies have adopted working from home practices in the past week in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus and protect their staff. All of the insurers are currently working and accepting new customers, as well as processing claims, although there may be some delays to processing requests.
