Insurance Firms Divided Over Swine Flu Coverage

Although some insurance companies in Abu Dhabi have started covering the cost of H1N1 swab test following diagnosis by physicians, many agencies remain undecided and are awaiting instructions from the Health 
Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD), Khaleej Times has learnt.

Muneer Abdulghani, manager of Life and Medical department at Emirates Insurance Company said they do not cover the swine flu swab test as this 
falls under the company’s general exclusion for pandemic.

He said he heard from market sources that swine flu test should be covered by the government free of charge, but his company has not received any official notification from HAAD.

“Maybe we will reconsider (coverage) in future when this has been agreed by all insurance companies,” Abdulghani said.

An underwriter from Al Ain Ahlia Insurance Company also said the agency does not cover for swine flu test as it falls under their exclusion policy, but added that “we are still awaiting advice from HAAD.”

Mamdouh Malkawi, manager of fire and general accident department at Al Ain Ahlia refused to comment on their coverage and simply said they are in communication with HAAD.

“No we don’t cover for swine flu, as of this time. It’s part of our exclusion agreement with our insurers,” said Shahin Ahmed, assistant administrator at Abu Dhabi National Takaful Company.

In June, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that “the world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic”. Following the exclusion policy for pandemic by insurance companies, treatment of H1N1 influenza should be covered by the government, Dr Joseph Hannah, assistant manager at the insurance section of Al Noor Hospital said.

In the UAE, swine flu patients are automatically referred to and treated at government hospitals following the Ministry of Health’s instructions.

However, it remains unclear whether swab tests at private healthcare facilities should be covered by insurance agencies or the government.

Mahra Al Karbi, an insurance coordinator at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain, said that according to instructions received from SEHA (Abu Dhabi Health Services), patients diagnosed with the H1N1 influenza will receive the swab test free of charge at the government hospital.

Khaleej Times reported on Saturday that the New Medical Centre Specialty Hospital (NMC) in Abu Dhabi charges Dh250 for the swine flu swab test.

“An insurance coordinator at the hospital has disclosed that some insurance companies do not cover the test, including Daman Insurance.

A customer service official at Daman confirmed that Daman does not cover the test as this falls under their general exclusion policy for pandemic.

Dr Firas Al Saed, assistant manager of the claims department at American Life Insurance Company (ALICO) said ALICO covers the swab test charges provided the patient showed flu symptoms such as prolonged fever and has a history of contact with H1N1 patients and has travelled in countries with H1N1 epidemic.

However, he said ALICO does not cover for “screening” or precautionary check-up.

Saed said ALICO’s decision to cover its members came three months ago when they started receiving many calls from hospitals. He added that they also cover for treatment of Tamiflu.

The Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC) and Green Crescent Insurance, a member of NAS Insurance Services, have both confirmed coverage of members following confirmation of diagnosis.

olivia@khaleejtimes.ae