As the rollout of the COVID vaccine progresses around the world, there are many people asking, ‘Will my health insurance cover the costs of the COVID vaccine?’ and ‘When can I get the COVID vaccine?’

To help answer those questions, we have outlined some answers to 5 of the most asked questions about the COVID vaccine and what you can do while you wait for it to be made available to you.

1. Will my health insurance cover the COVID vaccine?

The short answer is yes. Your health insurance will cover the costs related to the COVID vaccine. Most insurance providers have confirmed that there are no pandemic exclusions. The costs will be covered according to the deductible and cost-share that you have chosen for your plan.

In most cases, the vaccine will be covered by the public health administration in your country. However, if this is not possible for some reason, your health insurance provider will be able to assist you.

It is important to confirm your benefits with your insurance provider and establish your eligibility for cover of the vaccine before you receive treatment.

2. When can I get the COVID vaccine? 

This is specific to your geographic location, age and level of risk. Each country will enforce its own protocol in the process of making the vaccine available to the public. It should be anticipated that frontline workers, those with existing medical conditions and the elderly will be prioritised.

Your local GP or family doctor will be consistently informed regarding the rollout of the vaccine and when it will be made available to you, specific to your age and risk category. You can also refer to the website of the health authority within your country of residence.

3. Do I need two doses of the COVID vaccine? Is the second dose covered?

The Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines require two doses to offer the full benefit. The first dose is essential in developing the initial immune system response against COVID, while the second dose further boosts that immune response and ensures long-term protection. This is similar to other vaccines for different viruses and diseases that require a second dose.

The World Health Organization currently reports that the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine provides 62-90% overall efficacy, while the Modern vaccine provides 94% and the Pfizer BioNTech provides 95%.

For those who require two doses of the COVID vaccine, the second dose is also covered by the health insurance providers.

| ASN is dedicated to providing thousands of people around the world with international insurance solutions. You can request your free quote for international health insurance or life insurance here.

4. Is there a private health insurance solution for the COVID vaccine?

For those with international health insurance, your policy will cover the costs associated with the vaccine. However, there is currently no available private solution for those with a private medical insurance, so awaiting the public solution is required.

You can refer directly to your international private medical insurance provider for more information regarding this.

5. What can I do while I wait for the COVID vaccine?

The good news is that there are still plenty of methods to assist in avoiding contraction of COVID. It is recommended that you continue to follow the public health guidelines as specified by the World Health Organization:

• Regularly wash your hands with warm water & soap
• Wear facemasks in public places and on public transport
• Avoid spaces that are closed, crowded or involve close contact
• Observe social distancing behaviour in line with the recommendations of your country’s health authorities
• Maintain a one-meter distance from others as often as possible
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

For more information on COVID safety measures, you can refer to the World Health Organization’s website here.

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