Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Frequently Asked Questions
Generali Global Health Services
Generali Global Health and our global partners are committed to assisting members while we continue to learn about
the impact and the global reach of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Generali Assistance Centre has a
well developed plan should our agents be unable to come into the premises due to a local outbreak. With secure remote
options, as well as support from global service centres, you will continue to be looked after. Below is a list of frequently
asked questions that you may find helpful. For clarification or questions not listed below, please contact the Generali
Assistance Centre at the number on the back of your ID card.
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. The sooner a healthcare
provider is contacted the better your chances of recovery. 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.
Health Insurance Policy
Will I be covered by my health insurance policy if I travel against my
government’s travel ban?
Your coverage will continue as described in your policy document; however,
it is subject to change if the World Health Organization declares COVID-19 a
pandemic.
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 inpatient
benefit only. Outpatient or consumables medical supplies (i.e., mask, gloves,
hand sanitizer) are not covered by the plan.
Does my health insurance policy have a medical exclusion for pandemic or
natural disasters?
Yes, a number of policies do have an exclusion for costs associated with
pandemic and natural disasters. If you are unsure of your coverage, contact the
Generali Assistance Centre at the number on the back of your card.
Will my health insurance policy cover COVID-19 related expenses?
Benefit coverage will be applied as described in your policy document; however,
it is subject to change if the World Health Organization declares COVID-19 a
pandemic.
Will my health insurance policy cover expenses for an evacuation from a region
impacted by COVID-19; e.g., China, 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
Generali Global Health Services - Coronavirus FAQs Feb 2020
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 document.
Should I wear a mask to protect myself from COVID-19?
It is not recommended that healthy people who have not travelled to a
COVID-19 affected area wear masks. You should only wear a mask if your
healthcare professional recommends it.
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 home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others
Can I travel even if I have no symptoms?
For non-essential travel to impacted areas, the sensible decision would be
to delay travel. You can refer to the travel advisory offered by your country of
residence, as well as the destination country.
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.
episode which necessitates an evacuation from your current location to the
closest appropriate medical facility – our Air Ambulance partners 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 and this 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 the Generali Assistance Centre at 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 part of the wellness benefit, however if the member
presents with flu like symptoms the benefits for consultations and testing would
apply as indicated in the policy document.
Does my health insurance policy cover the cost of onsite influenza (flu)
vaccinations for group employees?
Coverage for the flu shot would be based on the policy specifications for
vaccinations. The cost of onsite visit would be the responsibility of the employer.
Do I have coverage for pharmaceutical drugs as prescribed by my doctor to
combat COVID-19?
Currently there is no known treatment for COVID-19. In future, only treatment
approved by the World Health Organization will be recognized and covered by
your health insurance policy.