International Student Health Insurance

Outbreaks of novel viral infections among people have always posed a significant public health concern, particularly when so little is known about the virus, how it spreads and how to treat it.

With cases of COVID-19 being reported globally, this is a stressful time, particularly for international students far from home. Feeling anxious and concerned about the unknown is to be expected.

As always, we’re here to provide students, homestay families and schools with the utmost support during this crisis. Our student team, available at studentteam@studyinsured.com or toll-free at 1-855-649-4182, is happy to assist with any clarifications or questions about coverage.

While the COVID-19 situation is still evolving, students and schools are also advised to consult their specific policy wordings for detailed coverage information.


When would you need to get tested for COVID-19?

You would need to get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing. Another reason would be if you have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have recently traveled to/from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.


Does the policy cover testing to rule out COVID19?

There is no coverage for testing unless you are presenting symptoms, you have travelled recently from one of the affected areas or have been in direct contact with someone that has been diagnosed.


What are protocols to pass along to your students?

  • Hand washing: Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, or use an ABHS, especially after coughing or sneezing.

  • Cough/sneeze etiquette: Cough and sneeze into arm or tissue.

  • Stay home when sick: Students/children should tell parents if not feeling well, and together, make a plan to stay home from school.

  • Keep clean: Keep hands away from face and mouth.

  • Stay healthy: Stay healthy by eating healthy foods, keeping physically active, getting enough sleep.

  • Social Distancing: Avoid congregate settings, mass gatherings, and maintain distance when interacting with others. No handshaking, kissing or hugging


Here are some basic points to help inform students about their insurance coverage:

  • Much like any other illness, unforeseen emergency expenses related to COVID-19 would be covered by StudyInsured plans (provided that the infection occurs in Canada after the effective policy date).

  • StudyInsured plans do not have an exclusion related to pandemics.

  • Any pre-existing medical condition, including COVID-19 illness, would not be covered if it has not been stable for the required amount of time before the effective policy date.

  • Expenses incurred in an insured person’s home country are not covered, unless they are travelling on a school trip. Further expenses incurred in Canada related to an illness that originated in the home country would also be excluded.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Common symptoms are:

  • Fever over 38°C

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing

In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, kidney failure, and even death

HOW IS IT SPREAD?


COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person by respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. These droplets can be inhaled if you are in close contact with an infected person. Touching objects or surfaces with respiratory droplets on them and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes can also spread the virus.

The time between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms is between 5 and 14 days, so the appropriate quarantine period for an individual exposed to COVID-19 is 14 days.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19. Medical care is focused on managing symptoms, by getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and treating the fever.

PREVENTION IS KEY


  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

  • Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when sneezing or coughing, and/or sneeze or cough into a tissue.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

  • Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing or sneezing.

  • Stay home if you are sick. Do not use public transportation or taxis. Do not go to work, school, or other public places.

  • If you have symptoms, avoid travel, particularly flying, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

If you are travelling to an area known to have cases of COVID-19, avoid:

  • High-risk areas such as farms, live animal markets, and areas where animals may be slaughtered.

  • Contact with animals (live or dead), including pigs, chickens, ducks, and wild birds.

  • Surfaces with animal droppings or secretions on them

If you have or may have COVID-19, please refer to this link for more guidelines on preventing the spread of infection.